A VILLAGE where house prices average £240,000 has invested in keeping its “next generation” close to home.

Families have started moving in to a dozen new homes at Shepherds Orchard, Mordiford built as a partnership between a housing association and local authorities.

WM Housing Group back the development to help address a shortage of affordable housing in the area.

The new homes comprise houses, flats and bungalows for rent and shared ownership and will be managed by Kemble Housing.

The £1.5 million scheme was officially opened at a special event attended by its residents and representatives from WM, Herefordshire Council and Dormington and Mordiford Group Parish Council.

Kemble Housing’s chair of the board, John Creswell, and his predecessor, Andy Johnson, were on hand to cut the ribbon.

Kevin Rodgers, Chief Executive of WM Housing Group, said: "With house prices averaging £240,000 in Mordiford and market rents typically in the region of £750pcm, opportunities for younger people in particular to remain in the area they were brought up are limited. We’re very proud to be able to help people remain in the communities they love.”

Recognising the new homes’ setting on the edge of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the scheme includes a community orchard, allotments and a natural play area.

Shepherds Orchard was developed following a detailed consultation process with Dormington and Mordiford Group Parish Council, Herefordshire Council and village residents, with the aim of ensuring design excellence and maximum benefits for the local community.

The development was part-funded by a £350,000 grant from the Homes and Communities Agency.

Nick Brewin, for Dormington and Mordiford Group Parish Council, said the development was the fruition of "several years hard work" to ensure local people are able to stay in the area.

“The need for affordable housing, allotments and a safe play area were all identified by residents in the Parish Council’s Parish Plan and, with fantastic support from Herefordshire Council, a local landowner and WM Housing Group, despite these financially difficult times, we have seen the successful provision of all three projects in a single development," he said.

Clr Patricia Morgan, Herefordshire Council cabinet member for health and wellbeing, acknowledged the "significant need" for housing in the county that recognises the needs of the local environment and those who already live there.