Liberal Democrat MP Matthew Taylor has been examining ways that planning policies can better support rural business and deliver affordable housing in the countryside.

Having undertaken the review at the request of Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Mr Taylor's final report is expected to be published on Wednesday (23 July).

The document's recommendations have been subject to widespread media speculation.

The Rural Housing Trust, which campaigns for affordable rural housing, said it expected the provision of affordable homes in the countryside to be better supported through increased funding.

The report has been subject to speculation

Chief executive Moira Constable said too often people talked about "rural areas" which could include everything from market towns down to hamlets.

"The needs of small settlements are overridden by arguments about sustainability," she explained.

"We do hope that Taylor will support the argument that sustainability is not about a bus timetable. Social sustainability is more relevant in village communities.

"That means having your family and friends around you, supporting one another and supporting the traditional activities that are a fundamental part of village life."

The trust expects the review to agree with its own view that the current planning system is adequate.

Rural "exception site" policy has been in use since 1989 to provide affordable housing in small villages for people with a strong local connection to their parish.

The policy had been the most effective method of delivery in small villages but needs to be better understood and implemented by the various agencies, said Ms Constable.

Community participation in exception site development had always been strongly advocated by the trust, she added.

But indications that government funding was being diverted away from the rural housing programme to buy up unsold developers’ housing in towns were of concern.

"We would be delighted if this report serves to remind the government of the need to continue funding rural housing schemes."

                  See also:
                                • Brown to propose 'cheap rural homes' (31 March 2008)
                                • Government defends record on housing (27 February 2008)
                                • Appeal for evidence on rural housing (18 February 2008)
                                • Warning over affordable rural homes (23 November 2007)
                                • Get tough on second homes, PM told (18 November 2007)
                                • Call to boost affordable rural homes (18 October 2007)
                                • £10.2bn boost for affordable homes (16 October 2007)
                                • Watchdog welcomes housing pledge (13 July 2007)
                                • Civil servants debate housing crisis (11 July 2007)
                                • Councils 'could provide more homes (3 July 2007)
                                • PM Brown says homes are priority (27 June 2007)
                                • Pressure builds over rural housing (8 June 2007)

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