Following further details on the Government's proposed 'New Homes Bonus', which will give financial rewards to councils that accommodate new housing, Fiona Howie, Head of Planning at the Campaign to Protect Rural England, says:

"There is an urgent need for more housing, especially affordable housing, in many rural areas so we are pleased that the Government is considering how best to tackle this issue. Providing appropriate incentives is part of the solution but there are risks if they are poorly conceived. The incentives should encourage local authorities to prioritise location, design and affordability of new housing, rather than placing an emphasis on numbers for their own sake.

"For many councils with budget black holes following the Spending Review, the New Homes Bonus is likely to be a temptation that is hard to resist. It's important therefore that developers aren't able to take advantage of cash-strapped councils, by proposing development that we live to regret. The reuse of Brownfield land and protection of greenfields is vital. We are pleased that the Government has taken an important first step to recognising this, by pledging to reward refurbishment of empty homes."

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Notes to editors

CPRE, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, is a charity which promotes the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural England. We advocate positive solutions for the long-term future of the countryside. Founded in 1926, we have 60,000 supporters and a branch in every county. President: Bill Bryson. Patron: Her Majesty The Queen. www.cpre.org.uk