Break down the barriers to deliver affordable rural housing!

The CLA says new guidance highlights the crucial role landowners play in the sustainability of rural communities.

The guidance for local planning authorities is published today for public consultation.

The advice has been put together by a Department of Communities and Local Government high-level working group of which the CLA is a member.

CLA President William Worsley said: "The guidance is a start in breaking down the barriers to delivering crucial affordable rural housing through Government and practioners working together. It focuses on the key issue of the role of landowners in rural communities in providing land at discounted values for affordable rural housing.

"As we all know, the lack of affordable housing in rural areas is one of the biggest issues our countryside faces today. The document will provide guidance to planning authorities on how to encourage landowners to bring forward more land for affordable housing in rural areas to retain people and the vibrancy and sustainability of village life."

Mr Worsley added: "The guidance is a real step in the right direction by both Government and practioners towards the delivery of crucially needed affordable rural housing. The CLA welcomes it."