NEW houses are being planned in a local village listed among the poshest in the country.

Applications for a total of 10 houses and five commercial storage units in the village of Ramsden Bellhouse have been validated by Basildon Borough Council in the last month.

Research by Savills real estate services revealed Ramsden Bellhouse is among the most desirable countryside locations across the UK.

The village dates back to the middle ages, having been listed in the Doomsday book in 1086.

According to the council's planning website, a number of applications for new homes in Ramsden Bellhouse have been validated since the start of July.

These include plans for nine new homes in Glebe Road, near the village hall, validated by the council on August 18.

According to a planning statement, the homes are "affordable" self-builds, where the owners would only have to pay for half the value of the land.

The statement argues this would bring affordable housing to "one of the most expensive villages in the UK."

A four-bedroom, two-storey detached house is also being proposed in Ramsden Park Road, in a separate application validated on August 4.

A change of use application was also validated by the council on August 18. If approved, units in Woolshots Farm, Church Road, would be converted to commercial storage.

Today, Ramsden Bellhouse has an average house price of £1,017,722, according to Savills.

The village's large plots, closeness to London and community feel also add to its desirability.

The village is also home to St. Mary The Virgin Church and a village hall, as well as popular pub The Fox & Hounds.