Plans for thousands of extra homes will send Lichfield's population rocketing to around 100,000 within a decade, council bosses said today.
The historic cathedral city and surrounding villages have become one of the most sought after residential areas in Staffordshire, according to a new strategic planning report.
Four bedroom detached homes selling at £240,000-plus are in demand and a warning has been given of a need for more lower priced property for families to rent.
Surveys have revealed that people want to live in and around Lichfield because it is handy for commuting into the West Midlands and also has easy access to the countryside.
"People want to live in our district, but buying or renting a home can be out of the reach of some families," the strategy report said.
"The annual rate of house price increases is above the UK average ad less than 20 per cent of homes in the district are available for rent.
"Despite our best efforts, projected demand for homes outstrips planned supply and there is an affordability problem for low income households."
"Over the next ten years the population is set to grow from just over 93,000 to about 100,000."
The report said targets were being set to boost the economy of Lichfield and its satellite town of Burntwood to provide more local jobs and help reduce commuting levels.
Council leader Coun David Smith and chief executive Nina Dawes said in a statement: "We have long term ambitions and a clear direction.
"The strategic plan sets out priorities for the next four years."
