BUILDERS have begun work on a new housing development of almost 700 new homes.

The developers have started digging the access to the scheme at Longhedge, Old Sarum.

Catesby Property has planning permission for 673 homes, plus employment space, a new primary school, a neighbourhood centre, community facilities and public open space.

Wiltshire Council also approved plans for a new roundabout on the A345.

Linden Homes and Bovis Homes have struck a deal with Catesby to build the the new homes, access (including the roundabout), landscaping and public open spaces including a sports pitch and changing rooms, alongside the community open space.

The housebuilders will also provide a serviced site for a new primary school.

The building work will come in two stages – road works to construct a new roundabout in stage one, with the remainder following in stage two.

Most of the stage one work will happen within the site to reduce disruption for drivers on the A345, and should be finished by May this year.

Linden Homes’ planning manager Lydia Whittaker said: “Now that we have received detailed planning permission, we are beginning the construction phases in earnest.

As part of this process, we are committed to communicating with the community and issuing regular updates as building work progresses.”

Julian Walker, Bovis Homes’ planning manager, said: “A lot of hard work has gone into developing these proposals and we’re excited that the time has now come to start delivering them for the local community.

“The scheme will respect the rural character of the area, while having a contemporary design and logical layout.

“We look forward to working with residents as this new part of the community, with its much-needed new homes and facilities, takes shape.”