WORK ON a new community-led rural housing development in Prees is set to get underway later this month.

The affordable housing development will see 27 new energy-efficient homes built, with the Wrekin Housing Group and Shropshire Council working with residents on the construction.

The development will consist of one, two and three-bedroom houses and bungalows that will be available for affordable rent and shared ownership.

Priority will be given to people with a connection to the local area.

To help tackle the issue of the lack of affordable housing, Shropshire Council set up the Right Home, Right Place initiative, which runs surveys in each parish across the county to identify and address the housing needs of its residents.

A project board, which is made up of local residents and volunteers, members of Prees Parish Council, Shropshire Council and The Wrekin Housing Group, was established to oversee the development.

Councillor Raymond Hirons, chairman of Prees Parish Council said he was pleased that construction was set to begin.

He said: "I am delighted that we are nearing the start date for work to commence on these much-needed homes in Prees.

"Ensuring we can provide genuinely affordable housing options ensures rural communities likes ours can remain sustainable for future generations.

"I would also like to recognise the work of our residents and volunteers, who form a large part of the project board.

"They have given up their own time and continue to work tirelessly to ensure that local housing need is met."

In Whitchurch the average house price is £180,000, while the average household income is £26,865, making a typical house price 6.7 times more than the average income.

In Prees specifically, the affordability ratio of seven is even higher.

Charlotte Prince, project manager at The Wrekin Housing Group said the development would help meet local demand for new houses.

"We are delighted to be able to shortly start work on the Whitchurch Road development, which will provide high quality homes for local people," she said.

"Because of their complexity, rural schemes of this nature are difficult to progress so it's testament to the fantastic support we receive from our partners which is bringing these developments to fruition.

"This is great site for new housing which will provide the homes the area needs to meet local demand and also help sustain local services."

Meanwhile Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council's Cabinet member for Physical Infrastructure, Highways and Built Housing added: "We are committed to reducing the shortage of affordable housing in Shropshire.

"It's fantastic to be able to support parish councils and help them partner with suitable housing providers to deliver high quality housing for communities across Shropshire."