CONSTRUCTION work has begun on a new housing estate next to Greenham Common.
Developers, Rivar Ltd and Bloor Homes, are building 64 new houses on the former gravel extraction site off Pinchington Lane, which until recently had been covered in industrial rubbish.
The first houses at the new development, dubbed Pinchington Grange, will be available to buy from Spring next year.
According to Rivar Ltd, work to improve the junction with Pinchington Lane has already started.
West Berkshire Council will reveal its preferred development sites for the district early next year as it continues to formulate its Local Development Framework (LDF).
Currently, two sites in Greenham are potential contenders, including plans for a 1500 home development at Newbury Racecourse and a 2000 home development at Sandleford Park.
Rivar director, Andy Mash said: “This development is consistent with the carefully designed masterplan for the future growth of Greenham, which has been proposed under the Local Development Framework.
He added: “By working with other local developers and landowners, Rivar will accelerate the provision of additional urgently needed new homes for West Berkshire residents, despite the recent difficult economic conditions”.
According to Rivar Ltd, the development will feature landscaped gardens and views of the lake, which until recently was used as a private fishing lake by an angling club.
Pinchington Grange will include a selection of two-bedroom terraced houses, three-bedroom semis, and four and five-bedroom detached properties.
The regional managing director of Bloor Homes, Martyn Clark said: “Bloor Homes is a national company, Rivar operates in a smaller niche market. By combining the very specific expertise of both of our companies, we are able to develop a choice selection of high quality, attractive homes in a beautiful location, and within a very short space of time.
With this site, we can quickly boost the supply of much needed new homes in West Berkshire.”
The site was previously used by Rivar Sand and Gravel, which has since relocated to the Wyevale Garden Centre in Thatcham.