REDDITCH is to expand into the countryside in the next 10 years as the council strives to find space for 1,335 new homes, writes Becky Procter.

The development will see greenfield areas to the south west of Webheath and north of Enfield used for housing as the town itself can only take another 525 homes.

Redditch Council is also investigating the potential of a corridor of land along the A435 east of the town.

There could be implications for any future Studley by-pass route.

Planners are compiling blueprints but expect objections, and are eager for feedback.

Redundant school sites in the town are also being looked at and land behind the Alexandra Hospital is viable for commercial use or housing.

Planning technician Alison Grimmet said: "We don't have the land within the area to accommodate all these houses, so we are going to need greenfield sites.

"But we need public response before we write the plan and need people's input - whether it be positive or negative."

Development plans manager Carol Muston said: "This is a challenging time and although our options are limited, we need to make the right choices about where new housing and employment development should go."

Copies of 'issue papers' concerning the plans are available from the town hall.

They can also be viewed at neighbourhood offices and Redditch Library or the council's website at www.redditchbc.gov.uk.