West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin this week called on the county’s parish councils to work with local authorities to find the right number of houses for future land development. The MP was responding to a plan unveiled by local district councils outlining areas for housing development across south Worcestershire today (June 21). The plan identifies areas for potential development leading to the construction of 20,000 new homes across the region over the two decades. The councils will be taking the plan out to consultation this year and it will be submitted Government for approval late next year. Harriett commented: "I am glad to see the three South Worcestershire councils are working together on plans. “The Localism Bill which will govern these matters is still going through the House of Lords so technically the Regional Spatial Strategy is still in place. “Whilst this strategy is an important step forward, it is vital that the parishes get involved and feedback the number of extra houses that their communities can sustain. “Hopefully the Localism Bill will pass into law later on this year and the future development plan will be clearer for everyone. “I will also be working with the local district and county councils to ensure that we have an economic development strategy to bring new jobs to the area and also to ensure that we have a proper infrastructure to support this growth.” David Hughes, Chairman of the Joint Advisory Panel responsible for advising the three authorities of the SW Development Plan added: "Having conducted a full review of the evidence base used to predict future population growth in our area, we are at a stage where the Preferred Options for development across South Worcester over the next 20 years are put out to proper consultation. “This is an important step in producing the Development Plan, and engages further with town and parish councils, and the public at large."