The CLA has backed a National Housing Federation (NHF) report on rural housing but urged for updates to the planning system to be given more time to take effect.

The organisation said the NHF report “Rural housing – Countryside in crisis” must allow more time for updates to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG) to deliver more affordable housing.

CLA President Henry Robinson said: “Updates to the planning system now provide a framework to allow critically-needed affordable housing to be built in the countryside.

“Planning authorities with local plans that fail to reflect these guidelines, or with a protectionist outlook, prevent landowners in a position to provide affordable homes from doing so.

“Even in instances where local authorities are open to change, there is still a time lag where planning applications are concerned. The new planning system must be given time to take effect in rural areas before the results can be quantified.”.

The organisation said that a reduction in government grants for housing means the private sector offers the best opportunity to address years of underwhelming housing provision.

Mr Robinson added: “Local Authorities must embrace private landowners’ enthusiasm for providing housing instead of hiding behind traditional methods when a real change is needed.

“In many villages development has been restricted for decades, limiting the ability for communities to grow organically.

“We would caution against pursuing the compulsory purchase of sites as faster, more cost effective solutions can be gained through agreements with landowners.”