STRATFORD-on-Avon District Council is a step closer to establishing its own housing company.

The hope is that the company will help bring in some crucial cash for the council, as well as helping create a sustainable future for the benefit of the communities such as Alcester and Studley.

The council’s full council agreed earlier this week to establish a Housing Delivery Company, subject to a further detailed business case.

Councillor Peter Richards, housing and infrastructure portfolio said: “This is a great step forward and is a key milestone for the delivery of houses in the district and generating some crucial income for the council.

“The district council has been examining options for influencing the local housing market since July 2015. Last September a detailed report was requested by the cabinet in order to further inform the consideration of a housing company.

“This report has now been considered by cabinet along with recommendations which will allow the potential for a council owned housing company and any other company which supports the housing company, to move to the next stage of development.”