THE Prince of Wales stressed the need today for more affordable housing in rural Britain.

The prince was at Bletchingdon. opening a development of houses built on land set aside by his Duchy of Cornwall estate.

He said more land for more affordable housing was needed to cater for people in rural areas, where many are being priced out of the market.

He said new housing needs to be designed sensitively, with small developments preferable to large "soulless" ones.

"When you see some of the unsympathetic designs you can understand why many people object to new developments," he said in a speech at the village hall.

"A great deal more land is needed. Often half a dozen new homes can boost the viability of local schools, shops or pubs."

The scheme at Bletchingdon, built by Oxford Citizens Housing Association, consists of 12 units, a mixture of flats and houses all with "Very Good" Echomes ratings. Eight are for rent and four are intended to be bought on a shared ownership basis.

Charles looked around one house, meeting occupants Justin Pitts and Natasha Pritchard and their children Tom, eight, Emily, nine, and Megan, seven.

Charles, informed by the children that they had been given the day off school, laughed: "You see, I have my uses."

Mr Pritchard said afterwards: "He was very pleasant and enjoyed talking with the kids."

The Prince of Wales's Affordable Rural Housing Initiative was launched in June 2003 with the aim of engaging the private sector in the delivery of affordable rural housing.