A county councillor has called for rural brownfield sites to be developed for housing to help strengthen communities.
Cllr Mark Winnington said such as move would help provide affordable homes for people who have grown up in rural areas.
His comments come after Chancellor George Osborne outlined the Government’s plans to boost smaller communities.
“Housing remains an issue,” he said. “We welcome the Government’s announcement that villages should decide on their own local plans and I would like to see planning regulations eased for appropriate rural development.
“This isn’t about expanding villages – it’s about smarter use of available land. Disused farm buildings could be transformed into mixed use housing, providing affordable homes to people who have grown up in rural areas and to those moving from towns.”
