Rural affairs specialists Bruton Knowles are supporting the Country Landowners Association's (CLA) latest planning, development and housing seminar next month.

With rural development issues constantly in the news, the discussion is timed to address land values, planning obstacles and development opportunities.

Speakers at the seminar include Vic O’Brien from Halo Housing, Simon Conibear an Estate Director for Duchy of Cornwall and Matthew O’Connell the CLA national housing adviser.

They will cover topics including housing policies, relevant planning issues, the mechanics of development and promotion agreements.

Philip Cowen, head of rural estate management at Bruton Knowles, said: "The recent Government White Paper on Housing requirements has stopped short of calling for wholesale changes to the Green Belt, with councils expected to deliver more homes from city centre sites.

“But if delivery falls below 95 per cent the Local Planning Authority will be will be instructed to produce an action plan setting out the reasons for failing to meet housing need and what action will be taken to address the shortfall for 2018, 2019 and 2020.

“There will be new powers to set up New Town Development Corporations to deliver garden communities and authorities will be encouraged to use compulsory purchase powers for delayed housing sites.

“As the CLA has pointed out, getting planners and the local community onside is key. There are many stages in what can be a very long term process requiring input from professionals on planning, design, legal, financial and other aspects.”

The event will be held at Muddifords Court, in Cullompton on March 21 with tickets costing £40 CLA members and £60 for non-members.