Mythbusting

Designed for confidence in difficult conversations.

Tone and language

Use

  • Plain English
  • Local examples
  • “We” and “our community” to foster a shared sense of responsibility
  • Reassuring, collaborative language

Avoid

  • Jargon and acronyms
  • Over-promising
  • Confrontational language
  • National policy language without local context

Myth:

“This will open the door to lots more development.”

Response:

Rural affordable housing schemes are controlled and designed specifically to meet local needs - they don’t set a precedent for further large-scale development.

Myth:

“These homes won’t be for local people.”

Response:

Local connection policies prioritise people who live, work or have family ties in the area.

Myth:

“Affordable housing lowers house prices.”

Response:

Evidence shows that small, well-designed affordable housing schemes do not negatively impact local house prices.

Myth:

“The community has no say.”

Response:

Community engagement is central to the process.