The Government is to introduce fairly radical proposals to country parishes to build their new homes there, while farmers' children are to be allowed to garner sites for housing from the family farm. At present, it is very difficult for landowners to secure planning permission, either for family homes or for sale to buyers. The planners point out there is already excessive strip developments on most roads, adding to water, sewerage, and refuse collection costs.

This is good news for farmers at a time when many family farms are under threat.