THE Country Land and Business Association has described the Government consultation on planning reforms as a "big step in the right direction", although it is "disappointed" certain areas of the countryside

such as national parks will miss out.

The South Downs National Park Authority, however, has welcomed news that national parks are to be exempt from proposals to extend development

rights.

According to National Park England, an umbrella organisation for the parks, the exemption will result in landscapes being "saved from suburbanisation".

The Government is proposing that elsewhere

development rights be extended, which would

allow owners of barns and other agricultural buildings

to construct up to three new dwellings in their place,

without the need for planning permission.

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.