PLANNING reforms will provide more rural housing without building on the countryside, says the government.

Up to 450m² of agricultural buildings on a farm will be able to change to provide a maximum of three houses, said planning minister Nick Boles in a ministerial statement.

"These reforms will make better use of redundant or under-used agricultural buildings, increasing rural housing without building on the countryside," he said on Thursday (6 March).

The government recognised the importance to the public of safeguarding environmentally protected areas, said Mr Boles.

This meant the change of use would not apply in Article 1(5) land, for example national parks or areas of outstanding natural beauty.

But national parks and other local planning authorities would be expected to take a positive and proactive approach to sustainable development.

This meant they would be expected to balance the protection of the landscape with the social and economic wellbeing of the local area.

"National parks and other protected areas are living communities whose young people and families need access to housing if their communities are to grow and prosper," said Mr Boles.

"I would note that a prior approval process will allow for flooding issues to be addressed."

Rural business leaders said the government's proposals were a step in the right direction but still contained disappointments.

National Parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty would not reap the many social and economic benefits provided by the reforms, said the Country Land and Business Association.

CLA president Henry Robinson said: "We strongly support the principle of these proposals. The creation of new homes benefit those who live and work in the countryside."

Allowing traditional farm buildings to be modified and reused would retain the heritage of these structures for further generations, said Mr Robinson.

This would encourage employment and the income generated would help land managers to look after and protect the natural environment.

But Mr Robinson added: "It is a real shame that these benefits won't apply in designated areas such as national parks, where the need for new homes is critical."

Many communities in these areas were already deemed to be "unsustainable" having lost vital services over the years due to restrictions on new housing and employment development.

"Businesses and communities in these areas unable to benefit from converting traditional farm buildings to houses are left at a competitive disadvantage," said Mr Robinson.

He added: "Many thousands of redundant but important heritage constructions without an economic use will be left to fall down.

"It would appear that the government is keen to preserve much of our countryside in aspic, rather than deliver an enhanced and dynamic natural environment.