Landowners and farmers have welcomed a Government commitment to support rural economic growth in the long awaited response to the Rural Planning Review published on February 8.

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses, and their members own and manage more than 10 million acres of rural land across England and Wales.

The association had set out a series of reforms that could make a difference to the expansion and diversification of rural businesses and provide much needed rural homes.

The Rural Planning review includes new guidance on the provision of infrastructure like on-farm reservoirs and polytunnels, as well as extensions to permitted development rights for farmers seeking to turn agricultural buildings into homes.

To ensure that economic activity in the countryside is addressed fully by the Government going forward the CLA will continue to lobby for a planning system which benefits rural communities.

Ross Murray, CLA president, said: "These proposed reforms will have a positive impact on rural economic growth.

"It is important farmers improve their infrastructure, reducing planning barriers to them creating on-farm reservoirs.

"It could make the difference in encouraging them to invest in their business.

"Turning redundant agricultural buildings into new homes could add income and meet rural housing needs.

"The idea of a specific new right of permitted development to create affordable homes in particular is a positive step forward.

"These proposals will now be consulted on and we will work with the Department of Communities and Local Government to see them brought in as soon as possible to make a real difference for people living and working in rural areas.

"It is vital that the Government follows through with its good intentions to deliver the right outcomes so that rural areas are not left behind."