THE Government is to allow more affordable homes to be built in rural areas.

A "rural exceptions policy", which allows local councils to grant affordable homes planning permission, is to continue, and more sites are to be made available.

The news was contained in a five-year plan launched on Wednesday by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

"In all our discussions with rural communities one theme comes out above any other - the need for affordable housing," said Margaret Beckett, Secretary of State.

"Rural residents want their children to be able to afford to live in the towns and villages where they were brought up, and rural businesses and public services cannot operate without housing for their employees."

Mrs Beckett and Keith Hill, Minister for Housing and Planning, confirmed the rural exceptions policy would be kept.

They also confirmed that planning guidance will allow affordable rural housing on sites that would otherwise not be available for development, where it meets the need of local people.

Mr Hill said it was not acceptable that young people growing up in rural communities found themselves priced out of the market in what was their home.

Mrs Beckett also highlighted additional support for rural affordable housing through the Government's spending review.

She reinforced commitment to the rural housing enabler scheme, which involves rural community councils, local councils and other key rural groups in the development of local housing solutions.

"With our partners, we will explore ways of improving the cost effectiveness of smaller developments to so that rural areas are not disadvantaged in our push for value for money," she said.

The Country Land and Business Association welcomed the announcement.

"Whilst it brings with it the comfort that essential key rural workers and business now have a chance of survival, there is still much work to be done by all concerned," said Helen Lancaster, CLA regional surveyor.

l See 'Inspector backs move to ring-fence homes', page 15