THERE is no doubting that Malmesbury is one of the best places in the UK to live, with its stunning architecture and rolling fields.

So it will probably come as no surprise to many that houses prices are rising faster in the town than the rest of the country.

It is getting to the point however that first time buyers are being priced out of the Malmesbury market and many are being forced to indefinitely rent in the town.

There are two options: build more houses causing the town loses what makes it so popular – it’s rural nature - or, don’t build and you’re pricing swathes of the population out of living there.

Is it fair to say that towns like Malmesbury are there for the rich to live in and the poor to aspire to?

Most would argue not, but many of those people would also fight against more development in the town which would steady house prices.

One thing is for sure, the population is rising and people need to live somewhere.

Focus building in the cities and we will see central government funding favour those urban areas even more, leaving rural towns like Malmesbury even more out of pocket.

Focus it on rural areas and we lose what makes our countryside unique.

Who’d be a planning officer?