The government is seeking comments on a draft of a new Planning Policy Statement (PPS) on sustainable development in rural areas, which in due course would replace the current "Planning policy guidance note 7: the countryside - environmental quality and economic and social development" (PPG7) (February 1997). There are new policies proposed on the replacement of buildings in the countryside and on equine-related activities, whilst policies on community services, leisure and tourism are expanded. Responses to the consultation must be made by 12 December 2003. The PPS7 consultation is available at http://www.odpm.gov.uk/stellent/groups/odpm_planning/documents/page/odpm_plan_023936.hcsp. PPG7 is available at http://www.odpm.gov.uk/stellent/groups/odpm_control/documents/contentservertemplate/odpm_index.hcst?n=3395&l=3 http://www.rics.org/ricscms/bin/show?class=News&template=/includes/shownews.html&id=7046&faculty=Rural&faculty=All%20Faculties