NPPF ‘could boost rural housing’
Seemingly minor changes to the national planning policy framework could have big rural benefits, says an expert. They mean farmers could play an increasingly important role in the provision of rural housing. “There are two small changes in the recent draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which may have significant benefits for the rural sector, […]
Digital revolution could boost economy
Unlocking rural digital potential could add up to £26bn annually to the UK economy, says a new report. Research by Rural England and Scotland’s Rural College shows that greater use of digital tools and services could deliver as much as 8.8% of additional Gross Value Added for the rural economy. Annual business turnover in rural […]
Rule change to increase rural homes
Rural communities are to be given more options to convert agricultural buildings into family homes. The change in planning rules to better meet local housing needs was announced on Monday (12 March). Housing minister Dominic Raab said changes to permitted development rights would mean up to five new homes could be created from existing agricultural […]
Group to energise rural communities
A new electric vehicle charging social enterprise has started up in Cumbria to address the chronic shortage of charging points in rural towns and villages. Charge my Street is aiming to get a chargepoint within five minutes’ walk of every resident without off street parking. By putting chargepoints into community buildings and making them available […]
