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Environment
BUILDERS could offset the environmental impact of their developments by paying farmers to create rural wildlife habitats. Landowners said government plans to introduce so-called biodiversity offsetting must be made to work if the countryside is to remain beautiful,...
PEOPLE living in market towns have the highest levels of life satisfaction, suggests new statistics. Large market towns possess all the factors leading to the highest levels of well-being and happiness, according to a bulletin from the Office...
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...
NEW laws making it harder for thieves to dispose of stolen scrap metal have been welcomed by rural businesses. Rogue traders who buy and sell scrap metal for cash face £5000 fine under laws designed to stamp out...
CHANGES aimed at making it easier to build housing in rural towns and villages have met a mixed reaction. The government says changes to stop the village green system being abused will make it easier for towns and...
RURAL experts will explore the economic, social and environmental opportunities provided by the South Pennines landscape. The Pennine Prospects conference will take place in Rochdale Town Hall on Friday, 11 October. Places are free but must be booked...
ONLINE guidance will simplify the planning system and encourage more community involvement, says the government. Planning Minister Nick Boles launched the government's national planning practice guidance as an online resource on Wednesday (28 August) The government hopes...
Countryside campaigners have called for public paths, common land and village greens to be protected when land is sold. The Open Spaces Society, Britain’s oldest national conservation body, said it wanted questions about the existence of these features...
A MAJOR road building progamme threatens to devastate the rural environment, say countryside campaigners. Government plans for a return to major road building would fail to solve congestion in the longer term – in fact it would make...
COMMUNITIES will have a greater say over the siting of onshore wind farms, the government has announced. Changes unveiled on Thursday (6 June) mean residents will also reap increased benefits from hosting developments that do proceed. The...
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Amid reduced public spending, fair resource allocation across regions is crucial. Despite a population larger than Greater London, rural areas receive significantly less funding for essential services, even though delivering these services in rural areas is more expensive.
Economic growth is widely acknowledged as essential for national wealth and prosperity and is a priority for political parties. Rural economies, employing millions and home to a higher proportion of small businesses, have potential for growth if barriers are removed.
Rural residents face distinct healthcare challenges, including limited access to transport, longer distances to medical facilities, an aging demographic, housing inadequacies, digital connectivity gaps, and difficulties recruiting health and care workers.
Rural communities are grappling with a severe affordable housing crisis, marked by high house prices, a lack of affordable housing, elevated living costs, and lower incomes, threatening their sustainability and vitality.
Transport is vital for the quality of life and economic health of rural areas, yet it faces challenges such as infrequent public bus services and less Government funding compared to urban regions.
Rural areas, encompassing a substantial portion of England's population and land, play a pivotal role in combating climate change and achieving the net zero target.
In an increasingly digital world, the lack of robust digital infrastructure in rural areas severely limits access to crucial services and stifles economic growth.
A future-focused vision for rural communities involves not just building the right homes in the right places but also ensuring thriving, sustainable communities.
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