BUILDING work has begun on 40 new homes near Worcester.

The homes are being built off Droitwich Road, Fernhill Heath, by Piper Homes.

There will be a mix of one, two, three and four bedroom houses at the site, called Heath Meadows, and the home is expected to be complete this summer.

The development was originally approved in October last year.

Planners from Wychavon District Council approved the development despite neighbours saying it was “crammed in” and “out-of-character” with the rest of the area.

Dave Bradley, managing director of Piper Homes, said: “Heath Meadows will provide much needed homes in the local area.

“We’re very excited to be starting work on the development so soon after the planning application was granted; demonstrating our commitment to meeting the housing need.

“Prices for the new homes will be released in the coming weeks and several buying schemes will be available to help people get onto and move up the property ladder.”

Piper Homes said in addition to the new homes, 40 per cent of Heath Meadows has been allocated to green, open space; a much higher proportion than is typical of new build housing developments.

A new play area and landscaping throughout the development will also be delivered according to the developer.

READ MORE: Plan for 40 homes in Fernhill Heath given go ahead

Les Chadney, construction director at Piper Homes, said: “Groundworks are now underway at Heath Meadows, preparing the land for the first foundations to be put in place.

“Anyone walking past will be able to see machines on site and, over the next few months, our houses will begin to take shape.”

READ MORE: Worries over 'crammed in' homes near Fernhill Heath

The land on which the development stands is between Sling Lane and the Old Drive off Droitwich Road on the eastern edge of Fernhill Heath.

The nearly five-acre site is bordered by the A38 to the north and the grade II-listed Fernhill House and Hindlip House are nearby.

Homes have already been built to the west and a number of fields border the site to the south.

The site was allocated specifically for housing in the North Claines Development Plan.

The plan was approved unanimously by Wychavon District Council’s planning committee at a meeting on October 17.