PLANS to build 19 new affordable homes at a former Redditch play area site have been approved.

Permission has been granted to develop three bungalows, six two-bedroom homes and ten three-bed homes, which will be built on land off Edgworth Close in Church Hill.

The leader of Redditch Borough Council, Matthew Dormer, told The Advertiser he “genuinely can’t wait” for development to start, as he said this marks the first time since the 90s the council has built its own homes to rent out.

He said: “These are the first plans of many for new homes and it won’t stop there.

“It’s a positive step forward – It’s great news for the council and residents.

“My plan is to continue finding the pockets of land to develop and to put houses into the pot. We have got to build so we can house the people of Redditch.”

Some Redditch residents previously voiced concerns about the plans on Redditch Borough Council’s planning website, highlighting issues with a potential increase in traffic, safety and parking provision.