The need for more affordable rural homes continues to rise, the Rural Services Network has warned.

The network issued the warning in response to government proposals to increase the supply of new homes.

Called Planning for the right homes in the right places, the government consultation seeks to reform the planning system.

Doing so necessary to increase the supply of new homes and local authority capacity to manage growth.

    See also: Rural group speaks out on housing

Proposals include a standard method for calculating local authorities’ housing need.

Neighbourhood planning groups must have greater certainty on the level of housing need to plan for, says the consukltation.

The document also sets out proposals to improve how local authorities work together to meet housing needs.

It aims to make the use of viability assessments simpler, quicker and more transparent

Planning application fees would be increased in areas where local planning authorities are delivering the homes their communities need.

Rural Services Network chief executive Graham Biggs said affordable housing remained a key issue for the organisation's members.

"The lack of affordable rural housing has been a long-standing concern across our membership, including rural residents and local authorities," he said.

"The need for affordable rural homes continues to increase alongside rising demand for rural living.

"Small scale rural housing developments have a key role to play in keeping villages vibrant and active."

Rural campaigners have called for the "right mix" of housing across the country.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England said this should include homes for first time buyers to social homes to rent, rather than "executive homes".