A NEED for affordable housing, including bungalows and retirement homes, has been revealed by a recent housing survey in Kempsey.

But developers want to build executive-style homes in the village, according to the latest round of planning applications.

Parish councillors were dismayed by plans to build 10 detached houses at The Vicarage and 15 Old Road South, and to demolish a house at 80 Main Road to make way for three more detached houses.

They said that neither of the plans addressed the needs of the village and would put further strain on the school and doctors' surgery, which were already under pressure.

Chairman Joy Clee reported a very good response to the recent housing survey, with a 51 per cent return rate, which showed a definite need for more low-cost housing.

"We haven't got a full analysis yet, but 685 households out of 1,340 have returned their forms.

"Eighty-seven people said they would like to move house within the next five years and of these, 38 were looking for houses, 29 for bungalows, 13 for retirement homes and seven for flats or other accommodation," she said.

Some people did not want to see any more building in the village, but some would welcome limited development and a larger number would welcome affordable housing.

"I saw no need for four and five bedroom executive homes," she added.

Members recommended refusal of the plan for houses at The Vicarage and Old Road South, saying they would overlook and overpower neighbouring houses.

The footpath and access to the A38 were inadequate, parking was difficult and there were already problems with the sewerage system, they said.

Similar objections were raised to the plan for three houses at 80 Main Road, as vehicular access would be at the back, opposite The Firs, bringing more traffic to a road with existing problems.

Despite worries about parking, members recommended approval of a plan for a house on land to the rear of 78, Main Road.