WORK to prepare land in Bewdley for a brand new housing estate is now underway.

The 8.25-acre site on Stourport Road was allocated for housing in the Wyre Forest District Local Plan and had outline planning for 100 homes before being acquired by housebuilder Elan last year.

In December the homebuilder was granted reserved matters planning consent for 79 homes by Wyre Forest District Council.

Elan regional managing director Jeremy Attwater said: “The team has been working hard behind the scenes in preparation for starting to create the roads and sewers for our latest Worcestershire development Sandbourne Gardens in Bewdley.

"Once those groundworks are complete construction of the homes will then begin. It’s an exciting project for everyone involved as it’s the first Elan development where heating and hot water will be powered by air source heat pumps.

“The mix of our new homes in Bewdley reflects demand identified in the council’s local housing needs survey.

"We’ll be building everything from two-bedroom properties ideally suited to first time buyers and downsizers to five-bedroom family homes in the catchment area of local schools.”

There will be 59 private sale homes, including two self-build plots; 13 homes for social rent, including three bungalows; plus, seven shared ownership homes.

A dozen homes across the development will be built to be accessible and adaptable for later living or people with disabilities.

Every home will also have an electric vehicle charging point.

Mr Attwater added: “We’re working towards releasing the first homes at Sandbourne Gardens for sale this winter and anticipate residents will start moving in from next spring."

The overall development due to be completed by the end of 2026.

Along with new homes the scheme will bring more than £380,000 of investment in the local area including funding for education, health, highways and traffic measures, sports facilities and a biodiversity offsetting contribution of almost £41,000 for the provision and management of meadow grassland at Burlish Meadows parkland.

There will be areas of open space, with 40 per cent of the development classified as “green infrastructure”.

Elan will also plant 77 new trees within Sandbourne Gardens.

A Locally Equipped Area for Play (LEAP) will be provided with 12 pieces of equipment, suitable for all ages and abilities.