The existing policy provided about 300 homes in 2003. In 2001-2, the last year for which figures are available, a total of 975 social homes were built in rural areas.
The revised guidance will probably take effect later this year. It ends the "exceptions site policy", a loophole that allowed rural councils to release agricultural land for housing on the condition that the homes were affordable. Instead, rural authorities will get the power to designate land specifically for affordable housing in their local plans.
But critics fear that landowners will hold out for higher prices if their land is designated for development.
Cameron has thrown his weight behind a campaign by a group of rural chief executives to keep the exceptions site policy running in tandem with the new guidance. He said: "I understand why people are nervous about the new policy. I do think it will work, but there is no reason why the policies should not run in parallel until the new one is proven."
Justin Roxburgh, chief executive of Dorset-based Falcon Housing Association, welcomed Cameron's support. Roxburgh said: "It's probable the existing system and the new system will be taken forward in parallel. The new policy shouldn't preclude us from keeping the system because it works damn well."
An ODPM spokesman said: "We are confident that while there may be some price inflation, it will not be so severe as to prevent the main aims of delivering more housing where it is needed.
"The consultation period [for the new policy] ended on 31 October last year. We're analysing the responses. It is too early to say anything more."
Source
Housing Today
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