Fewer than half of the characters in The Archers could afford to live in Ambridge and in reality only 55% of newly forming households in rural areas are able to afford a house in their own backyard. Efforts to preserve our 'picture postcard' image of the countryside are creating exclusive rural communities, according to research by Professor Mark Shucksmith at Newcastle University. He joins Radio 4's You & Yours programme to discuss the need for affordable rural housing and plans to simplify and relax the planning laws. Grant Shapps, the Coalition Government's Housing Minister responds."
published on: 13th January 2012