Villages at risk of ‘stagnation’

We read with interest a recent examination by The Guardian of a study undertaken by The Country Land and Business Association (CLA). It states that, in England, of 16,000 settlements with populations of 3000 or less, 2154 are at risk of ‘stagnation’. The implication is that by labeling a village as unsustainable, ie lacking in local services, they are preventing new homes being built in the area and subsequently causing a shortage of affordable rural homes.

The CLA is calling for a change in approach when considering what makes a location sustainable. Currently only a fifth of councils include broadband availability in their assessment, whereas the availability of a pub is a criteria is taken into consideration by the majority of councils. At Context we fully agree that broadband is now a vital service and its availability in rural populations can be vital in keeping villages vibrant. It allows existing rural businesses to thrive and gives potential to the self employed setting up businesses from home. Connectivity is key and whilst a local pub is also wonderful, we wonder if LA’s should be shifting their priorities when considering rural sustainability.

The full article can be found here.