"At last we have a White Paper that reduces some of the mystique, red tape and complexity that surrounds the planning system. In turn this will make it easier for rural business to evolve and remain profitable," said Rupert Ashby, South East regional director of the Country Land & Business Association (CLA) in response to the publication of the Government's Planning White Paper.

"Many people, urban and rural, are concerned that favouring development in rural areas will mean losing the countryside. That's not what it's about at all. For rural business to survive and therefore help manage and retain our wonderful countryside we need jobs, we need housing and we need profit'. Farmers, owners of riding schools, farm shops and holiday accommodation and indeed all rural people need the recommendations in this White Paper."