Ms Kathryn Meghen:

With regard to the ageing population, it is very important that the LDA also has responsibility for or involvement in unlocking smaller sites within towns and villages where it would be possible to build one or two-person units. This would then enable people to trade down. When we did our research, it was very clear that very many people are interested in trading down but there is nothing within their local village or town to allow them to do so. It probably will not be the most economic way of doing it but it has long-term potential for the viability of our towns and villages.