DRONE footage shows work to build 120 new homes on a field in Kidderminster has started. 

The controversial development, on land off Habberley Road, was given the green light last year.

Footage taken by 'Kidderminster Drone' shows the once green field churned up by machinery ahead of the construction of new homes at the 13.8-acre site.

The Stop the Habberley Road Development Group was previously set up to oppose the development and staged two protests at the site, with hundreds objecting to the plans.

The action group raised fears that the highway infrastructure would not support increased traffic levels. There are also concerns over the impact on the nearby nature reserve.

The properties will be built by Vistry Mercia, part of the national housebuilder Vistry Group, under its Bovis Homes brand.

The housebuilder lodged a proposal for the 120 homes after a previous application for up to 124 from their development partner Richborough Estates was rejected by Wyre Forest District Council in July 2022.

It was revealed that the council will pay £37,000 in costs to Richborough Estates after they successfully appealed against the council's "unreasonable" decision.

The planning inspectorate decided that the application should have been permitted. It was rejected by the council's planning committee over traffic concerns.

As part of the planning agreement for Habberley Park, Vistry Mercia has agreed to pay around £370,000 for education and £76,800 for healthcare, as well as providing funding for a range of transport-related projects including £291,532 for highway infrastructure, £225,491 for school transport, and £20,000 for a pedestrian crossing improvement.

The homebuilder will also contribute around £167,500 towards Habberley Valley Local Nature Reserve.

Habberley Park will feature 90 private homes, featuring a range of two, three and four-bedroom properties – including four bungalows – and provision for two custom-build plots.

The other 30 properties will be provided as affordable housing for local people through low-cost rent or shared ownership, consisting of 18 houses and a collection of 12 one and two-bedroom apartments in one three-storey building.

The first homes are expected to go on sale in Spring 2024.