A NEW development of affordable homes could be built in Bransford under plans submitted to Malvern Hills District Council.

Festival Housing Group hopes to build 10 houses for local people on land adjacent to the Bank House Hotel, opposite The Fold Cafe, off the A4103.

They are working with Wolverley Homes, of Alfrick, to develop the site with two three bedroom and eight two bed dwellings.

The housing would be delivered in the form of two barns and two cottages, clad in straight edged wood, with parking to the rear.

An application for eight eco-style homes on the same site was approved in 2006 but the scheme was never completed. A new housing need survey was carried out last year and the need for 10 homes was identified.

Cathy Spence, communications officer for Festival, said: “This site had existing planning permission on it and is a designated exception site, which means it is not subject to the usual rural planning controls if affordable housing is built on it.

“This is a common situation in villages and ensures that local people can continue to live in rural locations where property prices are high.”

Gary Williams, head of planning, economy and housing at MHDC, said: “It would be inappropriate for this council to comment on the specifics of the proposal at this stage and until the assessment has been completed.

“However, there is a pressing need for affordable housing in the Malvern Hills district and the principle of meeting this need through rural exceptions sites is an adopted and accepted policy of this council.”

If planning permission is granted work is expected to start in April. Representations should be made to Malvern Hills District Council by Friday, January 20.