WORK has begun on a new 79 affordable home development at a former coach depot near Worcester.

It is now full steam ahead for Stonewater, which has begun its latest development at the old Astons Coaches depot off Bath Road, between Worcester and Kempsey.

District councillors initially gave plans for the site, which sits within the larger Worcester South Urban Extension in Kempsey, the green light in February.

All the properties will be delivered as affordable housing, with 31 units available for social rent, 13 for affordable rent, 10 Rent to Buy homes and 25 offered for shared ownership.

Solar panels will also be fitted to the properties to help minimise energy costs for residents.

Matt Crucefix, development director for West and South West at Stonewater, said: “To be able to provide a significant number of new affordable homes in Worcester will give local people an opportunity to secure a safe, secure and warm home of their own, something too many people are struggling to do.

“Bath Road is a perfect spot for this development, which will help with the overall housing shortage across Worcester and the Malvern Hills District.

"New customers will have easy access to many local amenities and be able to enjoy the public art installation for many years to come.”

At its heart will be a new local centre, shops and a range of community facilities.

Stonewater is also working with Living Space Housing to commission a piece of public art for the development that will pay tribute to the site’s heritage.

The provider commissions public art pieces in each new development to foster a sense of community and provide a focal point for customers to come together.

Paul Breen, managing director for Living Space Housing, said: “This is our largest project to date and marks our third collaboration with Stonewater this year – having broken ground on 54 affordable homes in Herefordshire in July.

"Redeveloping brownfield land can be complex, but we’ve worked diligently with stakeholders throughout the planning process to address any challenges."

Stonewater is also seeking planning permission on the neighbouring site to build a further 50 affordable homes.