The government's present investment plan for local homes has been described as 'alarming' by a rural watchdog.

The Commission for Rural Communities has revealed research showing that proposed levels of investment in affordable rural housing by Regional Assemblies is underestimating the needs of the market, which will result in a 5 per cent shortfall of homes being provided in each of the next three years compared to building provision between 2006 and 2008.

It also reveals that only a minority of regions have specifically examined the need for housing in their rural areas.

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Trevor Cherrett, Head of Planning, Housing and Transport at the Commission said: "This is alarming, particularly as the crisis of affordability is greatest in rural communities. Regional bodies are failing to live up to the challenge of providing affordable homes to families and communities living in rural areas."

Calling on ministers to stick to their commitments given in the government's housing strategy, the commission encouraged the government to set "challenging targets", as affordable housing was a "central pillar" of sustainable rural communities.

The Commission further announced its affordable rural housing work programme for the coming year, which has been developed using research findings and feedback from stakeholders, including a major conference 'The Affordable Rural Housing Commission: One Year On' held in June.

(DW/JM)