Rural landowners have reminded the Government not to forget the needs of rural communities by setting out 5 action points on how to help solve the acute shortage of homes in the countryside.
The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses said the Government must understand that the housing shortage is felt just as keenly in the countryside as it is in towns and cities and its challenges should be addressed by the Housing White Paper due out next week.
CLA Isle of Wight Regional Director, Belinda Walters said:
“We need places for people to live in our villages. We want to support young families, local workers and those in the community who are ready to downsize. Housing costs are spiralling so providing more houses people can afford is the only way to sustain rural communities for future generations and ensure people have the opportunity to live and work in the countryside.
“Ministers must not forget our rural areas when they set out their housing policy plan later this month. CLA members provide nearly 40% of all private rented housing in rural areas and many are also local employers. They are in a unique position to help increase the supply of all housing tenures if the action points below are implemented.”
5 key action points from the CLA on how to solve the rural housing crisis ask the Government to:
- Review the definition of ‘sustainable development’ with regard to rural communities and villages
- Ensure provision for NPPF development is properly reflected at local plan and neighbourhood plan levels
- Implement Local Plan Expert Group recommendations to ensure every area has an up-to-date, effective local plan
- Strengthen Permitted Development Rights for converting redundant agricultural buildings into much-needed rural homes
- Encourage landowners to build and manage their own affordable houses
