AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN RURAL AREAS

Early day motion 1335, tabled 10 January 2006 by Helen Goodman (Labour). Signed by 62 members.

That this House is concerned that there is a serious shortage of affordable housing for first-time buyers in rural areas; recognises the negative effect this has on the Government's aim of creating sustainable rural communities; notes there is a long-standing practice that planning permission for conversions of large properties and out-buildings, such as barns, is given for holiday lets but not permanent homes; and calls for the bias in favour of holiday lets to be reversed as part of the Government's response to the Barker report in order to increase supply of affordable homes in a way that is sensitive to the rural environment.

Signatures by party: Labour 27, Liberal Democrat 17, Conservative 8, DUP 5, Plaid Cymru 3, Scottish National Party 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.