Rural Development should be focused on existing towns and villages, according to proposals set out by the ODPM.
Previously developed land would be used first and new building, away from existing developments, would be strictly controlled under new rural planning guidance published for consultation on Monday.

Draft Planning Policy Statement 7, for rural areas of England, also closes the loophole which currently allows "country homes" to be built on greenfield land.

The policy statement is part of the government's attempt to ease the shortage of affordable homes in rural areas (HT 6 June, page 18).

But critics say it has not gone far enough. Keith Mitchell, director of housing at South Norfolk district council, welcomed the proposals in principle, but said: "I am concerned about the continued emphasis on discouraging development on greenfield land. When you're looking to build a sustainable village, there isn't usually a lot of brownfield land there."

Source

Housing Today