CONSTRUCTION work is now underway to bring 23 new affordable homes to a village near Bromsgrove.

One, two and three-bedroom properties in Catshill village are being developed by Jephson Homes Housing Association for rent or shared ownership with help from house builder Bovis Homes.

Jephson homes created more than 50 jobs through the £1.6 million affordable housing project.

Ian Woodland, development and property asset manager for Jephson’s Midlands region, said: “We’re delighted that work has begun on the 32 new homes we’re providing in Catshill which will benefit the district’s residents.

We look forward to welcoming new tenants into these homes, and hope the local community will welcome them into village life.”

Derek Allen, Bromsgrove District Council’s housing strategy manager, said: “The council is committed to its purpose of providing the district’s residents with access to high quality housing. We are pleased to be working in partnership with Jephson Homes in tackling the need for affordable housing in the district.”

Richard Holland, associate director for partnership housing at Bovis Homes, said: “Work has been progressing well at our Church Meadows development in Catshill, which has a broad mix of homes and is providing properties for private sale as well as the affordable housing that will be managed by Jephson.

“We’re delighted to be working with Jephson to provide these much-needed affordable homes for local people, which are set in an attractive location and surrounded by extensive landscaped parkland and wetland areas.”

The development is due for completion by the end of 2015.