Farm buildings 'should be emptied for redevelopment'

13:05:20 21st May 2010

South west farmers are being encouraged to empty their unused farm buildings for redevelopment as part of the coalition government's policies.

Housing trusts run by the local authority will also be established in order to create affordable homes for the community.

These policies were unveiled by prime minister David Cameron and his deputy Nick Clegg last night (May 20th) when they announced their plans for the next five years.

Mr Clegg said: "If you live in a rural community, it means more affordable homes for local people, it means a fair deal from the supermarkets for farmers, so the community can thrive."

He added that the government wanted to be defined as free, fair and responsible.

Other plans for the area include the abolition of the Government Office for the South West which enforced Whitehall rulings in the region.

Emergency services will be deregionalised which could see plans for the Fire Control Centre Project, where all 999 calls would be sent to Taunton, cancelled.

Farm buildings can be transformed into homes.

Meanwhile, the owners of farm buildings in the village of Dunsop Bridge have found an innovative new use for them by converting them into a shelter for the animals of guests staying in a nearby inn.

Find out more information about farm buildings.