East Anglia's rural business leaders have welcomed ministerial pledges to boost the countryside economy - but said government must "now act with urgency to deliver these promises".

The Unleashing Rural Opportunity programme sets out steps to improve rural housing, transport, digital connectivity and jobs.

It includes a £7m fund to test new ways to bring together satellite, wireless and fixed-line internet technologies, helping support farmers and tourism businesses to access fast, reliable connectivity in remote areas.

There are also proposals to increase affordable housing by creating a network of “Rural Housing Enablers” to help identify sites with local support for development, and act as brokers between developers and communities.

The government says it will consult on making it easier for farmers to convert redundant agricultural buildings into homes by streamlining planning rules.

And there are also pledges to improve transport networks and mobile coverage, legislate to increase fly-tipping penalties, and consult on a new fund to help smaller abattoirs improve productivity and enhance animal welfare.

Cath Crowther, regional director for the Country Land and Business Association (CLA East), said: "We're delighted that, at last, our calls are finally being heard and the government is showing ambition for the countryside and those living within it.

"Today's announcement is a boost to rural business owners who are determined to help grow the economy, create jobs and strengthen our communities. Until now, they have been held back by outdated planning laws, lack of connectivity and archaic infrastructure to properly acknowledge the cost-of-living rural premium.

"It [the government] must now act with urgency to deliver these promises and match the ambition of rural businesses in our region at every turn."

The programme was formally launched by environment secretary Thérèse Coffey, who said: "This government is committed to making sure that the needs of people and businesses in rural areas are at the heart of policymaking.

"We want to go further in unleashing that potential and support people in rural areas to build the sustainable future they want to see."