Government issues call for evidence as part of Rural Planning Review

The Government has issued a call for evidence as part of a ‘Rural Planning Review’ which it says will “look to reduce regulatory burdens in support of new homes, jobs and innovation”.

The review will examine – amongst other things – the rules for converting agricultural buildings to residential use.

The call for evidence has been published jointly by the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

It was promised at the launch of the Government’s Rural Productivity Plan last summer.

Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss said rural areas had “huge potential”, adding that the Government’s plan would help “create thriving towns and villages, where families can turn disused agricultural buildings into new homes for the next generation and entrepreneurs can launch the latest cutting-edge start-up from an office with a stunning countryside view”.

Communities Secretary Greg Clark, added: “The need for new homes doesn’t stop where our cities end, it’s just as real in rural towns and villages that need new housebuilding to keep thriving.

“That’s why we are looking carefully at how our planning reforms can deliver this whilst at the same time ensuring local people have more control over planning and the Green Belt continues to be protected.”

The deadline for submitting evidence is 21 April 2016.