> The implementation of Government proposals to allow houses to be built for locally-based workers in rural businesses

> Rural communities and businesses are not calling for a revolution in housing,” adds Mark Hudson. “But they do insist that policies at national, regional and local level must help, not hinder, the provision of rural housing, and that a concerted effort is now made to tackle the growing crisis.”

“Our recommendations are not a charter for concreting the countryside. Rather, they are practical proposals to Government, local councils and planners, housing associations and landowners to sustain rural communities and help them to thrive. Part of our job will be to support some of the more imaginative rural housing solutions being pioneered in different parts of the country.”

‘Housing the Rural Economy’ was produced by a working group of CLA members in consultation with professional planners, housing associations and others active in the provision of rural housing.

Exception site guidelines enable local planning authorities to grant permission for affordable housing for small sites, within and around existing villages, which under the local plan would not otherwise be released for housing.