Rural exception sites and the right to buy.

At Whatfield Parish Council meeting on Wednesday some concern was expressed about the Government's plans, announced just before the election, to allow housing association tenants to buy their own homes at a discount.

Interest was expressed because at present a small estate of affordable homes is being built in the village under the auspices of a housing association.   These are being developed on what is known as a 'rural exception site'.  Under normal circumstances development would not be allowed there, since it is outside the village envelope,  but the fact that the houses are for local people means that an exception can be made.

The plans did not meet with universal acclaim in the village at the time of the application. Many people however recognised the need to provide affordable homes for local people, particularly the young, who may be forced to leave because of high house prices and the lack of appropriate rented accommodation. 

But under the recently announced government plans what will happen to houses on such sites in the future?  It is perhaps a good thing that some lucky local people will not just be able to rent, or part own these houses, but also have the right to buy outright at a discount.   However what will happen if they choose to sell the houses on?   Will sales be restricted to local people only?  I suspect not, but, if not the underlying rationale of local homes for local people will be totally undermined.

The policy was announced during the white heat of electioneering and we have not yet seen any detail.    I hope that the government will take time to consult properly and also consider whether extending the right to rural exception sites is the right thing to do.