A council is backing a drive to build more low-cost homes for young people and public sector workers in Mid Sussex.

The main target areas will be Horsham, Crawley and Gatwick, where employment is high and growing.

West Sussex councillors yesterday supported a report that said a lack of low-cost homes was one of the biggest threats to growth.

West Sussex County Hall plans to work with the seven district and borough councils to try to find ways of keeping young people in the county and attract much-needed staff for schools and the NHS.

The need for policies designed to encourage cheaper homes was highlighted by the South East Economic Development Agency (Seeda) in a major policy consultation.

Its report says: "Affordable housing is critical for the region.

"The lack of it is a threat to growth because it affects the ability of businesses to attract and retain workers and, therefore, their overall efficiency and competitiveness.

"It also excludes public sector workers, who are essential to any successful economy."

Councillor Tex Pemberton, Cabinet member for the environment, said: "Lower-cost and affordable housing is essential in areas of high labour demand, such as Crawley, Gatwick, Horsham and Mid Sussex.

"We need affordable accommodation for young people and key workers and it is important to ensure we have a workforce that is well-housed.

"The growth of the airport during the next decade will add to labour demands and housing is a subject already being discussed by the Gatwick Employment Forum."

Coun Pemberton is also backing Seeda over its pledge to lobby the Government to make an early commitment to major road improvements, particularly to the A27 between Worthing and Lancing.

Seeda is also calling for an early start on a bypass for Arundel and improvements to the heavily-congested A27 bypass at Chichester.