Rural Planning

A future-focused vision for rural communities involves not just building the right homes in the right places but also ensuring thriving, sustainable communities.

Hot Topics

10 Aug 2020

Government sets out far-reaching planning overhaul

Outlets including The Mirror, Greenock Telegraph and Building.co.uk report that ministers have been warned against prioritising homes for the ‘fortunate few’ as part of an overhaul of planning rules Housing...

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20 Jul 2020

Keep planning local – The LGA’s open statement on planning

The Rural Services Network is part of the Keep Planning Local Statement from the LGA: COVID-19 has demonstrated the incredible spirit of communities as they united to support each other...

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06 Jul 2020

PM’s pledge to simplify planning system welcomed by rural sector

Farming UK and The Guardian have covered the reaction from the rural sector to Boris Johnson’s plans to simplify the planning system as a way to kick start the post-COVID-19...

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03 Feb 2020

National Guidance changed on thresholds for rural affordable housing

In a very welcome revision to the National Planning Practice Guidance, Local Planning Authorities are again able to set their own thresholds for affordable housing in designated rural areas.  It...

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16 Dec 2019

Calls for more support to rural communities

The rural economy needs more support from the next Government to ensure it does not miss key targets such as climate change, the managing director of Madeleys Chartered Surveyors has...

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03 Dec 2018

The post-Brexit countryside plans

Five hundred farmers and rural businesses met in Westminster on Thursday 28 November to discuss post-Brexit countryside plans with Environment Secretary Michael Gove, as reported by the Darlington and Stockton...

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19 Nov 2018

Over 2000 villages expansion concerns

More than 2,000 English villages have been classified as unsuitable for expansion and are therefore missing out on new affordable housing, according to a new report by the Countryside Landowners...

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12 Mar 2018

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...

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06 Mar 2018

Review must create rural homes

The Rural Services Network has welcomed proposals for a major overhaul of national planning policy. A consultation on a draft National Planning Policy Framework was launched by the government on...

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05 Mar 2018

Major reform of planning unveiled

A major overhaul of planning rules will “deliver the homes the country needs,” says the government. The review of the National Planning Policy Framework was launched on Monday (5 March). The government...

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