WORK is due to start on a new £1.5million housing scheme to create affordable homes in a village near Bromsgrove.

In partnership with West Mercia Housing Group, affordable housing provider Lovell is working on the housing scheme to create houses at Belbroughton.

The new development of 15 two and three bedroom houses will create homes for affordable rent, shared ownership and fixed equity sale.

Paul High, development director with West Mercia Housing Group, said: "This is an exciting project and we are delighted to be working with Lovell to provide quality homes aimed squarely at local people and those with strong ties to the area."

A turf-cutting ceremony was due to be held at the site, in The Glebe, last Wednesday, to mark the official start of the scheme.

Lovell regional director Chris King said: "We are pleased to be working on this important development, which will provide new affordable housing for rent as well as new shared ownership and fixed equity sale homes."

The scheme is set for completion in August.