A conference will be held for landowners willing to play their part in solving the rural housing crisis next month.

The event, which is being organised by the CLA, a membership organisation for owners of land, property and businesses in rural England and Wales, is aimed at landowners who own and rent out properties or who are seeking to develop new homes in rural areas.

There will be a high profile mix of speakers at the private rural housing sector event, including politicians, policy makers and industry leaders.

Government chief planner Steve Quartermain and Shadow Housing Secretary John Healey MP will join the debate, which takes place at Cavendish Conference Centre in central London on 5 July, to help solve the acute shortage of housing in rural areas. 

CLA President Ross Murray said: “Landowners play an important economic and social role within rural communities and have a big role to play in helping to provide more new homes of every type and tenure.

“The summit will look at the role of landowners in providing homes in their communities across England. It will explore the future of the rural rental market and the role of the planning system in delivering thriving and sustainable communities.

“We shall be highlighting how the right support for private investment in the rural housing sector can help to encourage rural businesses to deliver much needed homes for the next generation to live and work in our countryside.”  

Confirmed speakers at the summit are:

·         Steve Quartermain CBE, Chief Executive of the Planning Inspectorate

·         Shadow Secretary of State for Housing John Healey MP

·         The Lord Best OBE DL, Crossbench Peer

·         Sue Chalkley OBE, Chief Executive of Hastoe Housing Association

·         Ben Bolgar, Senior Director at the Prince’s Foundation for Building Community

For the full programme and to book tickets, which cost £50 for CLA members or £350 for non-CLA members, click here.