New thrust on adequate affordable housing in rural areas

Posted under General by Jermaine

A membership organisation, The Rural Services Network, devoted to bettering services in rural communities in the UK, has positively responded to the new review of the UK’s housing scenario. It stated, in response to the report ‘Living Working Countryside’, that it broadly agreed with the ‘main thrust’ of the report. The report found house prices in the UK villages largely being pushed up by an increasing influx of people moving from cities.

Commenting particularly on the issue of assisting first-time buyers, The Rural Services Network stated, “Young people are the lifeblood of the countryside. a spokesman added, “Generally we welcome the report. In spite of the credit crunch, affordable housing remains one of the most pressing issues that affects the countryside. Adequate affordable housing in rural areas is very vital not only for people who are living in the countryside but also people who live everywhere. A whole host of key rural workers, including teachers, nurses and police officers cannot afford to buy their own homes.”

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) also welcomed the report. “It is so refreshing to read a report that puts long term planning, community consent and local distinctiveness at the heart of its recommendations,” stated Tom Oliver, Head of Rural Policy at the CPRE.