CLA welcomes Defra commitment on rural housing

In its response to the EFRA’s Committee’s report, ‘Farming in the Uplands’, the Government confirmed it would promote the ‘Home on the Farm’ scheme.

This encourages farmers and local councils to work together to secure the conversion of redundant and underused farm buildings to deliver affordable homes for local people, including retired farmers and current farm workers.

CLA president William Worsley said its was ‘good news the Government has given the green light’ to easing planning restrictions in this context.

“The CLA persuaded the Efra Committee to remove these restrictions and about the need for more affordable housing in the Uplands and National Parks,” he said.

But he said it was a ‘great pity’ the Government does not yet recognise the need for new-build housing on upland farms.

“Converting redundant farm buildings into a dwelling is a very expensive option that many hill farmers will not be able to afford. Building a new house is often less costly. The CLA hopes to see more flexibility in the forthcoming draft of the National Planning Policy Framework when it comes to housing of all types in rural areas,” he said.

Mr Worsley said he hoped to see more positive signs in the countryside policy statement from Defra’s Rural Affairs and Communities team, due before the summer parliamentary recess. 

He said: “Economic development in the Uplands and in National Parks cannot be ignored if Defra and National Park Authorities are going to take an holistic approach to sustainable development. We look forward to seeing policy that provides a broader economic base in all our upland areas, and in our designated areas too.”

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