NEW social housing will be built in one of East Lancashire’s most expensive villages after it was approved by council chiefs.

The Duchy of Lancaster, the Queen’s property group, wants to build 12 traditional-style terraces in Dunsop Bridge, Ribble Valley.

Once built, the three-bedroom homes would be taken over by a housing association and rented out to residents.

Dunsop Bridge has some of the most expensive housing in East Lancashire and more than 800 people are on the Ribble Valley’s waiting list.

Duchy of Lancaster bosses said the development, in Trough Road, offered high-quality housing and was close to the village school.

Chief executive Paul Clarke added: “The Duke of Lancaster Housing Trust will help to ensure that the architect’s vision is realised, that the homes are built to the highest possible standard and that the end results provides a number of sustainable dwellings for the future.

“We have been delighted with the vision and support that we have received from the local community and the parish council.

“We hope to be able to offer these new homes first and foremost to local residents - or to those who have been forced out of the village due to economic circumstances.”

Developers now only need to agree a section 106 payment with Ribble Valley Council so contributions are made to infrastructure in the village.

However, that is likely be a formality.

The houses in Dunsop Bridge will be built to Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes and each will have a private garden with hedgerows.

The development has also been backed by Stuart Hirst, Ribble Valley Council’s top councillor for housing, who he ‘welcomed’ schemes to address social housing problems in the borough.