Elmbridge Council is setting up a company to build affordable homes in the borough.

Work is now underway to create a business plan, and it is hoped the first developments will begin being planned by the end of 2018.

Councillor Roy Green, portfolio holder for Housing, said: “This new company will allow us to respond to the needs of the people who live and work in Elmbridge, working with our partners and contractors to build homes that will help local people.

“We are committed to providing affordable homes in the borough and the establishment of this company is another example of the work we are doing to ensure there are enough homes in the Borough for all our children and families.”

Affordable housing is listed as a “key priority” for the council, and it pointed to the 70 affordable homes anticipated to have been finished in the 2017/18 financial year, with 125 the following year.

Councillor Green said: “Having lived in Hersham my whole life, I have seen how the appeal of the borough has increased over the years. Elmbridge is a desirable place to live and we want to ensure it is an open and inclusive community, with enough homes for our children, young people and families.”