A PROPOSAL for two sets of affordable housing developments in Bidford and Broom have been backed in principle by the parish council.

During a planning meeting on Monday, councillors said the need for more affordable housing in the area was of the utmost importance to allow young people who grew up in the village to be able to remain.

In a scheme being overseen by Warwickshire Rural Community Council, a 10 or 12 unit development has been proposed at Tower Hill, in Bidford, together with a four-unit development in Bidford Road, in Broom.

Councillor Mike Gerrard said: “We need more affordable houses for young people growing up in the village. People want to ensure that people who grew up here and have their roots here are able to stay. The Bidford proposal was the only one we could envisage within the vicinity of the village and I would hope that this ultimately turns out to be successful.”

Coun Fred Hiscocks agreed. He said: “I think we should push ahead with this as soon as possible.”

While the Bidford homes would be for sale the houses in Broom – which fall just outside the village boundary – would be rented accommodation.

Elizabeth Uggerløse, Bidford Parish Council clerk, said that occupancy of the new homes would be restricted to people from within the parish by way of a planning agreement.

The fate of the development is set to be decided at Stratford District Council sometime in the near future once a planning application has been submitted to the council.