I think that this document asks more question than it answer.

Thanks for your comment.

You're quite right, this paper does ask questions, in order to help start debate about what exactly we mean by 'sustainable rural communities' and how we can help make rural communities more sustainable.

Hopefully, we can all take part in this debate and help answer some of these questions.

We create links between our developments and local farmers, and it seems amazing that some of these businesses work under such strain. In applying the 'One Planet Living' principles we develop plans for sustainable food supply to our residents, and so it is a natural thing to do. Should we not be focussing much more on rural food production and seek tax incentives for investment in new food manufacturing - albeit at the cottege industry level perhaps - to safeguard jobs in the rural communities ? These could be clustered around 'eco-parks' which are set in the country side and as the supply hinterland to our cities and towns. Having visited a local organic cheesemaker near Brighton I feel that there is a lot of scope for new businesses such as this. Entrepreneurialism could help enormously. Pete Halsall, Managing Director, BioRegional Quintain www.bioregional-quintain.com    

Thanks Pete, some interesting thoughts. I'll pass your comments onto our Sustainable Rural Communities team