COUNTRYSIDE campaigners are divided over proposals that would make it easier to convert agricultural buildings into houses.

The Department for Communities and Local Government is consulting on proposals that would allow existing farm buildings to be converted to flats or houses.

Landowners say government proposals to deregulate the planning laws will provide critically needed new housing in rural areas.

But conservationists say the idea would lead to a rash of housing development in the countryside without the necessary safeguards.

The Country Land and Business Association, which represents landowners, believes new housing will stimulate the rural economy, helping create more sustainable communities.

CLA president Harry Cotterell said: "There is a critical need for housing in rural areas and these proposals could be part of the solution to the current crisis.

"Providing accommodation that allows people to both work and live in the countryside will create new employment opportunities, stimulating the rural economy.

"A more vibrant and sustainable rural economy will, in turn, provide environmental benefits, assisting the delivery of enhanced landscape and biodiversity."

Heritage would also be protected through the modernisation, and continued use of traditional farm buildings, retaining them for future generations.

Mr Cotterell added: "Environmental and recreational benefits cannot be delivered without a sustainable economic return for those who manage our countryside.

"There is still work to do if we are to achieve these outcomes."

But the Campaign to Protect Rural England says granting rights to build up to three houses and demolish existing buildings could lead to "suburbanised farmsteads" – with local communities powerless to intervene.

CPRE senior planning campaigner Paul Miner said: 'These proposals will mean housing popping up in unsuitable locations in the remote countryside.

"And it's not just the housing but the garages, sheds, lighting and fences that will come with them that will destroy the character of rural areas.'

Mr Miner said the CPRE supported the provision of affordable homes in rural areas, including for farm workers.

But the lack of safeguards meant the changes would enable farms of any size to convert buildings to flats or houses for sale on the open market.

Mr Miner continued: "If this happens, any new housing won't even need to be affordable or be required to meet the housing needs of local people."

He added: 'The government really should abandon these proposals and live up to its claims that it wants local people to have a say about development in their area."