Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket MP's amendment to law could deliver extra affordable homes

An MP's amendment to the Government's planning reform bill is focusing on bringing affordable homes to Suffolk residents.

Dr Peter Prinsley, MP for Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket, has tabled an amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which the Government promised would fix the foundations of the economy and rebuild Britain.

Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday, Dr Prinsley said his amendment sought to encourage the delivery of affordable housing to address the serious housing problem, particularly in rural parts of the country.

He said: "Waiting lists grow faster in rural areas than anywhere else, and young people are forced out of villages and towns by the lack of affordable housing. Parents face old age without the comfort of their children nearby.

"Pubs, post offices and shops start to struggle for lack of customers — those businesses close, and a small village and the whole community feels the damage."

If his amendment were to be added into law, it would commit the Secretary of State to take steps to support the delivery of housing through Rural Exception Sites.

These are small sites on the edge of rural settlements meant to accommodate affordable housing for local people.

These sites could emerge through incentives for landowners and local authorities.

Dr Prinsley said: "By giving rural exception sites the prominence they deserve in planning, we increase the supply of affordable homes but maintain the unique character and spirit of our rural communities — let us put the life back into the heart of rural England."

Though his amendment has not yet been discussed, MPs are currently debating several aspects of the bill ahead of it progressing to its third reading, when it will be read and voted on as a whole.