Government proposals to reform the planning process in countryside areas could lead to the creation of scores of new construction projects, boosting the job prospects of those who have taken bricklaying courses.

This is the suggestion of Steve Briggs, planner and partner at the Taunton branch of property consultancy firm Smiths Gore, who claimed the overhaul will give rural communities the power to grant permission to schemes which suit them best.

"It should be easier for rural property to be built, as local authorities will be freed from the previous constraints imposed by statistics and policies at a regional and national level," he explained.

Mr Briggs added that by giving the green light to new housing projects, the legislation should make it easier for native countryside dwellers to find homes within their own communities.

Last month, a survey carried out by the National Housing Federation found 65 per cent of those living in rural locations were concerned that local families are being priced out of the property market.

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