WORK has started to build 217 new homes in a £40million investment.

Housebuilder Keepmoat Homes has started work on site at its Lyndon Park development in Great Harwood after plans were passed last year.

Working in partnership with Hyndburn Council and the Reilly Developments, Keepmoat Homes will be delivering a collection of two, three and four bedroom family homes, including bungalows.

The scheme is being built on land to the south of Harwood Lane, close to the centre of the town.

Outline planning permission was granted in 2015 despite more than 1,150 residents signing a petition against it.

The new development will also provide new play equipment and a significantly improved pedestrian link between Lyndon Avenue and Balfour Street.

Gareth Roberts from Keepmoat Homes said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Hyndburn Council. The new homes we’re building for Great Harwood, which have already garnered significant interest from customers, will help to address housing need within the town and also attract new people to the area, boosting the local economy.”

The first new homes are due to be completed from June 2018, with homes on the development being eligible for the Government’s Help to Buy scheme.

For more information about Keepmoat Homes visit https://www.keepmoat.com/