WIREDGOV

Councils with the best proposals for rural towns and villages will be given specialist advice to develop masterplans for new neighbourhoods of high quality housing that will include green spaces, commercial and business premises, shops and services. The new neighbourhoods will make the most of existing buildings, help provide homes for local people and help rural businesses who often find it difficult to recruit and keep staff priced out of rural communities.

A £1m fund jointly provided by Communities and Local Government and Defra will provide expert assistance and training on design, and help councils work closely with local communities to develop masterplans, identifying best practice that will provide a model for rural authorities across the country.

John Healey also announced a consultation on proposals to encourage rural landowners to release more land that will be used to build affordable housing for local people. Proposals include allowing local landowners to retain the freehold on the land, with housing associations paying an upfront or annual payment for the lease.

These announcements are the latest stage in the Government’s plans to help rural communities thrive by providing more affordable housing and greater freedom to develop strong local economies. 

John Healey said:

"A lack of affordable housing in the countryside can be a real problem for rural communities. That’s why we are determined to help young families find homes they can afford where they want to live, and help rural businesses recruit and retain local staff who will not be priced out of the countryside. 

"Local authorities should use the powers they have to plan for new homes and in rural towns and villages. These proposals will give councils the flexibility and expertise they need to help provide affordable homes for local people that are built to a high standard."
 
Rural Affairs Minister Dan Norris said:

"Masterplanning encourages a higher quality of life by ensuring rural communities develop in a sensible and sensitive way. It takes into account the need for green space and infrastructure services such as sustainable drainage, water and safe road layouts - as well as schools, shops, parks and housing to meet the needs of all income levels.  The rural economy plays a significant part in the national economy and by planning for its development, we are planning for the growth of the whole economy.  We are delighted to  co-sponsor this project as it ties in so closely with Defra’s aim to secure a healthy environment in which current and future generations can prosper."

Planning for rural economic expansion and sustainable transport will enable more people in the countryside to work locally and use local services to promote strong rural communities. An implementation plan showing progress against the Government’s response to the Matthew Taylor Review in March 2009 will also be published today.

Matthew Taylor MP, who produced the Taylor Review into rural housing and economies said:

"Today marks a significant step in the implementation of my report, 'Living Working Countryside'. The masterplanning competition lays the foundations for future growth of market towns and other communities to be more attractive, vibrant and sustainable than the piecemeal estate by estate development of the past. For smaller communities, the consultation on incentives to rural landowners to offer land for affordable housing for local people will help many more villages remain vibrant communities and help keep open village schools and shops. 
 
"These two announcements build on earlier changes already announced, including the completely revised planning policy statement on economic development (PPS4). As today's report on progress shows, Government is taking significant action to address the issues facing rural communities identified in my review. I hope that every rural planning authority will work with their rural communities to make these changes work."