Construction of a new development, which will deliver 104 new homes and a community building, has begun in Basingstoke.
The development is spread over 7.24 hectares in Worting Park and will build a selection of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom houses, according to the developer Cala Homes.
The scheme, which is part of the Manydown allocation in the local plan, includes the demolition of an existing vehicle repair centre, workshops and stable buildings.
The proposal had received significant objections from residents before it was approved by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in December last year.
The plans were approved despite concerns raised by Oakley Lodge, a nearby residential home for people with learning disabilities.
Cala Homes has promised to improve an 18th-century walled garden at Worting Park to become a community garden where residents can "come together to socialise and grow fruit and vegetables".
Alongside new homes, the development will also include a dedicated community hub, featuring a village hall and a nursery.
The developer has also promised to build a new public open space featuring cycle and pedestrian routes, recreational facilities including a kickabout area, play area and orchard – which will contribute to an on-site biodiversity net gain of more than 10 per cent.
Through its urban wildlife strategy, Cala will also introduce measures to support and protect wildlife on the site.
This will include hedgehog highways, invertebrate bricks, bat boxes, native tree planting and bird nesting features.
Cala said as it makes further progress at Worting Park it will introduce its community pledge, a series of commitments "above and beyond legal planning requirements to deliver positive, measurable social impact for the local communities."
The pledge covers a range of tailored engagement activities such as volunteering, learning programmes, bursaries and donations.
Alison Deakin, sales and marketing director at Cala Homes, said: “We’re excited to start construction at Worting Park and re-establish this historic site into a contemporary, well-connected neighbourhood through the development of community hubs such as the village hall, public green space, and restoring the orchard and walled garden for the new generation of homeowners.
“Not only are we committed to preserving community; we also want to preserve the local wildlife which inhabits Basingstoke’s green space through our Urban Wildlife Strategy. This will allow residents to enjoy the beautiful landscapes, all while supporting habitats native to the area.”
For further information on Cala’s Worting Park development, visit: cala.co.uk/homes-for-sale/south-east-england/hampshire/worting-park-basingstoke/
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