Natural England

Communities plan addresses need for affordable housing in rural areas - 5 February 2003

Chairman, Sir Ewen Cameron, said: "We are aware of the very real and natural concerns about the impact of new developments on the countryside. Many feel our countryside capital is being eroded by society's demand for more and more housing. But people need somewhere to live. We welcome the communities plan's call for quality development and the importance of enhancing the living environment. The countryside cannot remain unchanged. In most rural areas - in the north as well as the south - the need for affordable housing is acute and is affecting the viability of many rural communities. 

"At the same time, nobody wants to see urban sprawl. We need the right development in the right place - good quality development which enhances our environment and contributes to improving the quality of life in the countryside around towns - including the green belt. With positive management, environmental improvements and proper maintenance of areas of public access and greenways, it can be achieved. We welcome the plan's commitment to provide new country parks and green spaces within towns and encouragement to local partners to replicate the success of the 12 community forests. The Countryside Agency has particular experience in delivering these," said Sir Ewen.

"New developments must provide: 

• opportunities for communities to be involved in the planning and future development of their area
• a range of well designed housing, including affordable housing
• adequate service provision, such as transport, education and medical facilities, and shops 
• open spaces, and
• access to the countryside through planned links between urban and rural areas.."  

Sir Ewen Cameron continued: "Particularly welcome in the communities plan is the requirement for each region to ensure that their strategic approach to investment is 'rural proofed' to ensure the sustainability of rural communities; and the modest increase in the Housing Corporation's rural programme to provide 3,500 affordable homes over the period 2004-2006.

"However," concluded Sir Ewen, "there is still much to be done. The Government must act quickly on updating planning guidance so that local planning authorities can allocate sites in rural areas for a range of affordable housing.

"We look forward to working with the Government through:

• demonstrating how to deliver quality development in the urban fringe through our work on community engagement, quality of life, concept statements and planning obligations
• providing access to open space and the countryside for people who live in urban areas through our work on Greenways, Doorstep Greens and Community Forests
• better delivery of affordable housing in rural areas through our work on alternative planning policies, sub regional housing strategies and through our rural housing enablers operating in each county
• and, with CABE* , to take steps to improve the quality of new developments in sensitive rural environments, particularly village extension schemes."  

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Notes for editors

The Countryside Agency is the statutory body, working to make life better for people in the countryside, and improve the quality of the countryside for everyone.

In 1999 the Government established the Countryside Agency to: 

· conserve and enhance England's countryside;

· spread social and economic opportunity for the people who live there;

· help everyone, wherever they live and whatever their background, to enjoy the countryside and share in this priceless national asset.

Sustainable Communities: building for the future  was launched by the Deputy Prime Minister today 

(5 February 2003) - www.odpm.gov.uk/communities 

*Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment