Nearly two thirds of rural landowners in the South East would build new homes to rent or buy if they had more confidence in the attitudes and processes of local planning authorities, a landowners association has suggested.

New research from the CLA Country Landowners Association, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses has revealed that half of members surveyed across England and Wales believe there is a housing crisis in their community (55 per cent in the South East).

However, many are put off developing schemes by a planning system that is perceived to be too complex, risky and inflexible.

Nearly 40 per cent of South East CLA members surveyed plan to develop one or two additional properties in the next five years, but 65 per cent said they would build more new homes if there was greater support from the local authority to work through the planning process.

The organisation says giving these small private developers greater certainty and support to navigate the planning system could all but end the acute shortage of housing in rural areas.

CLA south east regional director Robin Edwards said: “Incremental growth on a small-scale could make a huge difference to the housing shortage across our villages. A quarter of CLA members across England and Wales and 29 per cent in the South East wish to build affordable homes.

“Our survey also shows around 40 per cent in the South East and nationally want to build new homes to rent, so it is clear rural landowners have the capacity to meet the housing needs of people who want to live and work in the countryside but who are priced out.

“Without a mix of homes for people who want to live and work in the countryside, rural areas are at risk of becoming only the preserve of commuters, the retired and holiday homes.”

The research was due to be unveiled today at the CLA’s first ever Housing Summit where landowners involved in developing homes and managing properties across rural communities met and shared experiences about the challenges and opportunities they face.

A report ‘Strong Foundations: Meeting Rural Housing Needs’ was due to be unveiled.