I WAS interested to read the recent letter from Michael Cook of Mary Tavy (Homes policies must be implemented to save our rural villages —Times, December 12).

I thought it might be helpful to highlight some of the help available to small rural communities in West Devon looking to provide affordable homes for local people. West Devon Borough Council has a project called Plan-It Lite which helps enable communities to take the lead in delivering affordable housing schemes.

In simple terms, it allows affordable and market housing to be developed in rural locations which would not normally be considered for housing – so-called 'exception sites'.

For areas within Dartmoor National Park, we work closely with the park authority and communities to identify possible 'exception sites' and enable housing schemes to come forward.

We believe this approach can make a significant contribution towards achieving sustainable rural communities. For more information about Plan-It Lite visit http://www.westdevon.gov.uk">www.westdevon.gov.uk or give me a call on 01822 813600.

Alex Rehaag

Strategy and enabling officer

West Devon Borough Council