NEW social housing is set to be built in one of East Lancashire’s most expensive villages.

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

If approved, a social housing landlord would then be appointed to manage the properties.

The planned development, which would be built in Trough Road, close to the village’s school, has been backed by a council housing boss.

Campaigners say the Ribble Valley is short of affordable or social rented housing, with more than 800 people on the waiting list.

Duchy of Lancaster chief executive Paul Clarke said: “The Duke of Lancaster Housing Trust aims to address the need for affordable housing for local people of all ages, including those who may have been obliged to leave their communities due to a lack of suitable and affordable accommodation.

“We will be developing a points system based on a ‘ripple model’ where more points are given to local applications than to those from farther afield.”

Duchy of Lancaster officers have already held a meeting with Dunsop Bridge residents and parish councillors to field any questions on the three-bedroom houses.

They hope that the planning application will be put before councillors next month and building work could start in two phases next year.

Mr Clarke added: “Almost everyone present at the meeting acknowledged the requirement for affordable housing in the village and found the concept of the Duke of Lancaster Housing Trust an exciting proposition.”

Stuart Hirst, who is responsible for housing on Ribble Valley Council, said: “The problem with the lack of affordable and social housing is more acute in a village like Dunsop Bridge than elsewhere.

“We welcome any project to address this issue in the Ribble Valley.”