A PLANNING stranglehold on redundant farmland is preventing the building of much-needed affordable homes, says a group representing rural businesses.

The Yorkshire branch of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) says planning policy stops low-cost houses being built in villages.

Dorothy Fairburn, CLA regional director, said the lack of affordable housing in villages was threatening to destroy a revival in the rural economy.

"Most new homes are being built on brownfield sites in towns and cities.

"Why is it acceptable to re-use a former factory site for affordable housing, but not a derelict piggery?" said Miss Fairburn.

"Small, sympathetic schemes, allowing villages to grow naturally, are often the only way to house existing residents' children and the essential workers that are badly needed by rural businesses."

In a recent report, the CLA voiced concern that the Government intends to abolish the policy known as exception sites.

This allows developers to build affordable housing on lower-value agricultural land. "It is currently the only way to deliver affordable rural housing in the right place on the right scale," said Miss Fairburn.