The Farmers' Union of Wales has welcomed today's announcement that Environment, Sustainability and Housing Minister Jane Davidson proposes to address the issue of providing homes for retiring farmers and for family members working on farms.
"So many farming businesses are now partnerships of parents and siblings, with the labour requirement of the business demanding two or even three labour units," said the union's business development director Emyr James.
"All labour units need essential farm workers, who require living accommodation on or close to the farm but difficulties arise when a son marries. However, securing planning permission for an additional dwelling on the farm is a complex process at present, with a number of qualifying provisions.
"It is hoped that Ms Davidson's promise to extend the definition of 'rural workers' as defined by TAN 6 will remove many of the current obstacles restricting development in open countryside.
"At present, Planning Policy Wales and Local Authority Plans make no provisions for a retiring farmer. Very few farmers ever retire - they may take a less active role but will remain part of the business well into retirement age.
"If providing homes for retired farmers means a dwelling house on the farm, this indeed would be good news. We look forward to the consultation process."
Ms Davidson's proposals aim to address the issues of providing homes for retiring farmers and for family members working on farms who have difficulty finding affordable housing.
The overall aim is to provide changes to the planning system that would make communities throughout Wales more sustainable.
A number of innovative proposals on sustaining rural communities are outlined in the consultation document to:
* Allow new-build housing for people working in legitimate rural businesses, farmers who are retiring and family members working on the farm.
* All new housing developments will have to contribute towards the provision of affordable homes.
* Enable local planning authorities to develop policies for low impact development schemes, where people live and work on the land and are self-sustaining in food, energy and waste.
Ms Davidson said: "Providing affordable homes for people who live and work in rural areas is a major commitment of the Assembly Government's One Wales document. I am determined to provide the support, through our planning guidelines, to help build living, sustainable communities."
The consultation starts today (July 7) and closes on October 10. To see the consultation document visit www.wales.gov.uk/Planning.
Ends
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