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A recent article on the BBC website highlights an ironic and rage-inducing issue: England is in the midst of a housing crisis, yet nearly 700,000 homes sit empty, with more than 261,000 of them classed as “long-term empty.” But policymakers continue to push for new builds on green belt land and in rural communities. This is not just short-sighted, it’s destructive to both the countryside and the communities forced to bear the brunt of these poor planning decisions. We need to rethink how and where we build, or risk losing our green spaces AND our local communities forever.
Stop building where there’s no infrastructure
The push to build new homes on green belt land and in rural areas is often justified by the perceived need to meet housing demand. However, building in these areas often results in poor planning decisions. Large housing estates constructed on rural land not only erode valuable countryside but also disrupt local communities that aren’t equipped to handle a sudden influx of new residents.
The new estates we have all seen appearing across our county in recent years frequently lack basic services like healthcare facilities, adequate public transport and educational resources, which leads to overburdened infrastructure and a diminished quality of life.
Villages and small towns were not designed to accommodate massive housing projects. They often rely on minimal healthcare services, limited school places and small-scale community resources that work well for the existing population but would buckle under the weight of a large, new influx of residents. The essence of rural life – close-knit communities, open spaces and agricultural land – is undermined by these large-scale developments.
This leads not only to environmental degradation but also to a loss of local character, transforming these once-vibrant communities into a soulless housing sprawl.
Take the recent debacle between Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP) Council. BCP is struggling to meet its own housing targets, and rather than looking inward to redevelop available brownfield sites or increase housing density, it tried to offload its obligations onto Dorset.
Understandably, Dorset councillors and local MP Simon Hoare were outraged, calling it a “land grab” that threatens to turn Dorset into a dumping ground for poor urban planning. Why should rural areas with limited resources bear the brunt of problems caused by urban councils failing to think creatively or sustainably?
Build where people can live and work
We’re building new homes in areas with little or no economic opportunity, and it just doesn’t make sense. Executive homes are being plonked down in the middle of nowhere while cities – where jobs and infrastructure already exist – are neglected. This needs to change. Rather than building luxury estates in areas that lack the means to sustain them, we should be prioritising affordable and social housing in urban centres. There, people can actually live near their jobs, have access to healthcare, and send their children to properly funded schools.
The empty homes scandal
The most frustrating aspect of all this is the sheer number of empty homes across the country. If local councils were better equipped and funded to bring these homes back into use, it would be a game-changer. Why aren’t we prioritising this? Local authorities like Rushcliffe, near Nottingham, have made progress using tools such as the Empty Homes Premium and enforcement orders, but few councils have the money to pursue this strategy. Central government support, similar to a scheme used in Wales, could significantly bolster local efforts. By providing funds for enforcement, repair and re-purposing of long-term empty properties, the government could both relieve pressure on green belt and provide more affordable housing options.
Preserve farmland and the countryside
Building on agricultural land is particularly problematic. The UK’s agricultural sector is essential not only for food security but also for the preservation of rural traditions and the environment. Converting farmland into housing estates reduces the country’s capacity to produce food locally, making it more dependent on imports and less resilient in times of crisis.
It’s an unsustainable approach and one that threatens both the countryside’s aesthetic and its economic base.
Farmland should be prioritised for farming. New housing, if genuinely necessary in rural areas, should be constructed in a manner that respects the local character and meets the actual needs of the community. A village might need a few homes a year, not a massive estate that doubles its population in one go.
Rethinking development for a better future
If we’re serious about addressing the housing crisis, then we need to be more thoughtful in our approach. Here are a few things I believe will make a real difference:
Reform probate and empty homes policies: Central government needs to reform probate law to prevent homes from remaining empty indefinitely. A stronger national strategy, combined with increased funding for local councils, can bring thousands of empty homes back into use.
Prioritise affordable housing in urban areas: Focus new housing projects in cities and larger towns where infrastructure already exists. Prioritise the construction of social and affordable housing to help those struggling with rising rents and unaffordable homes.
Protect green belt and farmland: Government policy should actively discourage large developments on green belt and agricultural land. Instead, limited and sympathetic developments should be allowed in rural areas based on real community needs, not on developer interests.
Empower local councils: Local councils must be given more control over planning, with a mandate to consult residents thoroughly. New developments should integrate with existing communities rather than overwhelm them.
Let’s get it right
We know we face a housing crisis, but blindly pursuing new builds on green belt land or in inappropriate rural areas isn’t the solution. The focus should shift toward revitalising empty homes, prioritising social and affordable housing and respecting the character of rural communities.
If we get this right, we can address the housing crisis, while still preserving the countryside and revitalising our communities.
