A Government-backed initiative aimed at galvanising affordable housing development in rural areas across the UK has been launched today.
A new network of “Rural Housing Enablers” will act as mediators between developers and communities, bolstered by £2.5m in funding. These enablers will aid in pinpointing suitable sites for development, aligning with local area requirements and leveraging community support.
The Government also plans to consult on streamlining the process for farmers to convert redundant agricultural buildings into family homes.
Changes in planning rules may pave the way for a more generous threshold for such transitions, delivered through a simplified planning process.
Simultaneously, local authorities will be equipped with new powers to mitigate the rise of second homes and holiday lets.
These measures will be part of a new publication, “Unleashing Rural Opportunity”, which will be formally introduced at the Future Countryside Conference by the Secretary of State for Rural Affairs, Thérèse Coffey (pictured).
The publication aims to highlight and leverage the untapped potential of rural areas. According to Coffey, the countryside accounts for over 90% of the UK’s land mass, houses millions of citizens, and contributes over £250bn to the economy in England alone.
“These areas are rich in human and natural potential with strong communities and entrepreneurial businesses. We want to support people in rural areas to build the sustainable future they want to see,” said Coffey. “Unleashing Rural Opportunity sets out what we have already delivered for rural communities and new initiatives to build on that record.”
This scheme, as outlined by the Government, reflects an ongoing commitment to ensuring that the needs of rural businesses and people remain central to policy making.
