RURAL people will be allowed to build their own homes without planning permission in areas where there is a housing shortage.

The controversial policy – criticised by conservationists – was outlined by housing minister Grant Shapps on Friday (23 July).

Mr Shapps said the idea would protect rural village life for generations to come by giving local communities the power to build the homes they needed.

Communities across England would be encouraged to come together and create new homes, shops, businesses and facilities, he said.

The new Community Right to Build would people to deliver the homes they wanted without developments being vetoed by local councils.

Under the proposals, which will be contained in the Localism Bill, community groups will have the freedom to sanction new local developments.

No specific application for planning permission would be needed, so long as there was overwhelming community backing in a local referendum.

Mr Shapps said: “Up and down the country there are entire communities willing and eager to give the go-ahead for new developments in their area.

“The countryside must be a vibrant place to live, and cannot be allowed to become a museum.

“I want to give communities the power to preserve their villages, which are currently struggling to survive because of a shortage of affordable homes.”

Any surplus made from the sale or renting of homes would be recycled for the benefit of the community.

Community organisations would also be allowed to build sheltered housing for the elderly, or set aside plots for people to build their own homes.

They could even offer long-term low rent deals for local shops, community halls or sports facilities.

Information and advice to communities interested in setting up Right to Build organisations can be downloaded here.

With housebuilding at its lowest level in any peacetime year since 1924, younger people were being forced out of the countryside, said Mr Shapps.

“The new Community Right to Build could provide the answer.

“It will give residents the power to give the green light to new homes that are suitable and appropriate for their local area.

“And because local people are in charge, developments will only go ahead with their overwhelming support.”

But conservationists criticised the policy.

Fiona Howie, of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, said bypassing the planning process was not the way to increase affordable housing.

“Any proposals should include proper planning scrutiny,” she said.

“The level and location of development should be informed by a proper assessment of local housing need and an understanding of whether the local environment can accommodate more development.

“This capacity should be assessed through democratic local plans and not a simple public ballot.”

The government should focus its efforts on broader reforms so local communities were truly involved in planning for their area as a whole.

“This, rather than a new Right to Build, should ensure local people are able to shape future development in their areas.”