Eleven possible sites for affordable housing have been identified in Alvechurch. They are now to be put to public consultation, with further potential sites sought.
The initiative follows a local housing needs survey carried out by Alvechurch Parish Council and the county rural housing enabling officer.
This showed a “considerable need” for affordable housing for local people to rent or to part buy in shared ownership.
Local people, particularly younger people, are said to be finding it increasingly difficult to remain in the parish because of high property prices and the lack of housing to rent.
A consultation event is being held by the parish council on December 5 at Alvechurch Village Hall from 4-8pm. The sites so far identified will be on display for comment – although some have already been ruled out by planning officers.
Villagers will be asked their views on the sites’ suitability, whether one site is particularly appropriate and whether they can suggest any other sites for consideration.
The site near the top of many villagers’ list is likely to be the current schools site, which will be vacated when the schools move over the next two years.
The other ten identified are: Station Road, next to the Lewkner homes; Station Road, next to the station, the old brickworks; “The Field” to the rear of Randall Avenue/Blythesway; three sites on Birmingham Road; Withybed Lane, by the canal; south of School Lane; the garage site, Smedley Crooke Place, Hopwood.