Exmoor's problem

Average house prices have risen 31% in three years Average wage 76% below the national average

If Exmoor's radical housing policy is approved, from the end of next year, buyers of all newly built homes will need to fulfil strict criteria, including residency in the local area for 10 years.

National Park Authority's principal planning officer Jack Ellerby said: "House prices within the national park are significantly higher than many parts of the region.

"The increasing gap between local incomes and house prices shows how important it is that we succeed in introducing new housing policies that will enable local people to continue to live within the area."

Although other national parks have introduced measures to try to increase the amount of housing for local people, Exmoor is the first to suggest a policy deliberately targeting new second homes.

'Erosion of community'

The average house price in Exmoor, which lies on the Devon and Somerset border, is now �187,603 according to a recent survey.

The council's new local plan, due to go out to consultation next month, also suggests anyone wanting to occupy a property for less than six months of the year, will need to seek planning permission and where the number of second homes is already higher than 10%, applications will be refused.

Michael Meacher: Said to be "on board" with plans

The policy devised by the authority is not retrospective, so would not affect existing second home owners.

But the results of the policy - should it be adopted - will be scrutinised by other authorities around Britain.

The Welsh Assembly is publishing its own research into second homes early next year.

Plaid Cymru MP Ellfyn Llwyd said the problem was "the gradual erosion of community" and in Wales itself, "the dilution of the Welsh language and culture."

Environment Minister Michael Meacher was "on board in principle" with the arguments for planning restrictions being put forward, the MP said.

If such measures are introduced, there are concerns over how they will be enforced.

Human rights legislation may also open the way for such policies to be contested in the courts.