Contractors have begun site preparation as work to deliver 50 new homes costing £8million commences.

Hoardings will this week go up around the site on Fairlie in Birch Green, Skelmersdale, which will deliver a mix of semi-detached and terraced houses, plus two-storey apartments and bungalows.

The homes are being developed for the company’s owner, West Lancashire Borough Council, and will be available for rent to local people.

Tawd Valley Development's managing director Mark Kitts said: “This is our largest and most challenging scheme to date and will make a significant difference to the quality of life of residents when the homes are completed.

“Our focus is on delivering high-quality, energy-efficient homes that suit the needs of different members of the community, which is why there are a mix of housing types in the development.

"There’ll also be wider improvements as part of the development, including enhanced pavements and a new access road with additional residents’ parking.”

The low-energy homes will benefit from dual zone heating, double-glazing and electric car charge points, as well as light and spacious accommodation.

The £8m development is being constructed by contractor Whitfield and Brown, with the first phase of works focusing on infrastructure such as the access road, ground works and drainage. Construction is expected to last twelve months.

Leader of West Lancashire Borough Council, Councillor Yvonne Gagen, is looking forward to seeing the project progress.

She said: "This development will deliver new and much-needed homes to our residents and the combination of types of housing available will bring together different generations in a way that will help to keep our communities strong.

"As the cost of living crisis bites, good quality council homes will be ever-more vital when it comes to the welfare of our communities."

Fairlie is the latest in a number of developments delivered by TVD for its shareholder.

The latest start on site follows the recent successful completion of thirteen new homes at Eskbank, Brierfield (17 homes), and 14 homes at Fairstead next door to Fairlie.

Other developments at Westhead (10) and Northfield (27) are due for completion this summer.

The development has been designed by John McCall Architects with ARP the providing civil and structural engineering advice.