SOME 36 rural councils are to benefit from a £1m fund to design and plan up to 10,000 new homes.

The government announcement was made on Friday (19 February).

A proportion of the homes will be affordable for local people, it said.

This would give a boost to rural businesses and helping village schools, shops and pubs stay open.

It is believed to be the first time that rural councils have received dedicated funding to plan new developments to support local rural needs.

The councils receiving funding were selected through a planning and design competition.

The 36 councils with the best ideas for rural towns and villages will share £1m for expert advice to build 10,000 high quality homes.

The aim is to help local people stay where they want to live, and give a boost to local businesses by ensuring local staff can live close by.

Funding was jointly provided by the Department for Communities and Local Government and Defra.

It will provide assistance and training on masterplanning and urban design.

Successful councils will receive funds ranging from £4,000 to £70,000 to support work on projects.

Winners include:

• £70,000 to develop a masterplan for 1000 homes, a school, businesses and recreation space in North Northallerton;
• £30,000 to prepare a masterplan to redevelop the historic Bolton Copperworks site near the village of Froghall;
• £50,000 for masterplanning expertise to redevelop the Churchfields Estate west of Salisbury, providing 1,100 homes.

A full list of the successful projects can be viewed here.

Housing minister John Healey said: "We know a lack of affordable homes for local people is acute in rural communities.

“People have to be able to stay in the countryside for rural areas to prosper.

“That's why we're backing rural councils with funding for the skills to provide homes young families can afford, where they want to live.

Local authorities should make the most of the expertise on offer to design and plan for affordable homes for local people, said Mr Healey.

Homes should be built to a high standard and linked to new opportunities for jobs so rural towns and villages could thrive.

Successful councils will develop masterplans for new neighbourhoods and existing areas of towns.

They will be encouraged to make the most of current buildings and create more attractive and vibrant places for people to live.

Rural affairs minister Huw Irranca-Davies said: "Available houses at affordable prices are essential for a rural community.

Funding and expert help would also ensure that services and jobs were located where most needed for rural areas to secure strong local economies.

Winning bids include training to deliver the highest standards of design that will make it easier for rural people to work from home.

Once complete, best practice will be shared with other rural regions.

The government believes this will help build capacity and skills that will encourage high quality rural development across the country.

The funding is the latest stage in the government's plans to help rural communities thrive by providing more affordable housing.

Matthew Taylor, the Liberal Democrat MP who produced the Taylor Review into rural housing and economies, welcomed the funding.

“This announcement is another step in implementing my recommendations.

“It is about sustaining rural communities with well designed affordable homes meeting local needs.”

The experience gained from these rural community projects would help shape a more sustainable future for rural England, Mr Taylor said.