A WORCESTERSHIRE MP has urged councils to reach swift deals on house building in the county - and says all areas must take a hit for the common good.

Conservative Peter Luff, who represents Mid-Worcestershire, has refuted claims from politicians that their areas are under siege from too much development.

He has also told your Worcester News the South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP) may not be perfect, but it's a better alternative than allowing builders free reign.

As your Worcester News revealed two weeks ago, the number of homes in the plan is expected to rise from 23,200 to up to 27,300.

After Government inspector Roger Clews said the old figure was not enough, councils in Worcester, Malvern and Wychavon have come up with a higher tally.

A fresh two-day examination will take place in March and if approved, all three districts will then have to decide what patches of land to earmark for new development.

Only last week Councillor John Smith, who represents Evesham, said the town had already been "shafted" by too much development.

Mr Luff believes part of the problems are because historically, more and more large properties have been built, despite demographics showing increasing numbers of people living alone or having small families.

He says if people accept homes should be smaller it could preserve some of the green scenery.

Mr Luff said: "We must address the local housing need by getting houses built in the right places, it's something that's got to happen.

"I do begin to wonder whether we can still have large houses, do we all have a right to a three-bed home with a large garden, for example?

"There is an argument over that, but in terms of the numbers we do need more houses, we've just got to find the least damaging locations possible.

"There are some areas that have suffered, and it certainly isn't easy, but people do have a right to be housed."

The new examination on the SWDP is set for Thursday, March 13 and Friday March 14, and will take place at County Hall on both days.

Mr Clews has already said he is satisfied with the land earmarked for employment in the plan, which could generate 30,000 positions if every hectare is filled.

The SWDP is designed to last until 2030, and will guide developers on what patches of land to submit planning applications for.