WORK is set to begin later this year on the latest phase of a multi-million pound 435-home development in Feniscowles, Blackburn.

Kingwood Homes are hoping to start building in the autumn having completed the purchase of final 64 acres needed for the estate.

In June last year the firm was granted detailed approval to build 155 houses initially and outline planning permission for a further 280 on land off Moorland Drive.

The scheme is an extension of the Green Hills development originally conceived by Blackburn-raised design guru Wayne Hemingway.

In May this year it was given approval to change the designs of some of the properties.

This month Kingswood Homes applied for detailed planning permission for the final 280 homes in phases seven to 11 of the ‘Green Hills Residential Development’ off Broken Stone Road and Livesey Branch Road.

The application is expected to be considered by councillors on Blackburn with Darwen planning committee later this year.

It includes a range of properties from two-bedroom bungalows, through three-bedroomed semi-detached house to detached homes with six bedrooms.

Some of the initial 155 houses on the development, which is part of the Gib Lane Masterplan, have already been completed, with 125 homeowners having moved in.

The remainder of the work, expected to last seven years, will begin after detailed planning permission is granted.

Kingswood Homes managing director Paul Jones said: “The vision of a sustainable village in Blackburn has become a reality at Green Hills.

"It’s fast become a desirable neighbourhood where people aspire to live.

"We’ve welcomed more than 125 homeowners to date and have committed to delivering hundreds more homes with this latest land acquisition “The new ‘Homestead’ range draws upon the local vernacular and heritage of Blackburn, with a nod to features of the Georgian era which was popular during the peak of the town’s growth.

“We will also be introducing bungalows for the first time, in the later phases of Green Hills.

“We’re aware there is a particular demand for bungalows in the area, given that few developers build them as a general rule.”

The developer has also pledged to invest £4million into the local community by providing land valued at more than £3million for a new primary school and has pledged £850,000 towards new primary school places.

The company will also make a £150,000 contribution towards provision of off-site affordable housing.