WORK has started on 142 new homes on the outskirts of Chester.

Formerly university playing fields, Anwyl Homes is transforming the 13-acre site, off Clifton Drive, Chester, to create new homes and areas of green space.

Bordered by open fields on two sides, the development has been named Deva Green and will feature two, three and four-bedroom homes for private sale from Anwyl’s housing range, as well as 21 affordable properties.

In addition, the housebuilder will contribute £175,000 towards a local playing field improvement scheme and will relocate the changing rooms on site to a new location.

Contributions towards local education of almost £315,000 and highways of £60,000 will also be made by Anwyl as part of the planning agreement.

Around the new homes, Anwyl will be providing new habitats for wildlife.

In line with ecologist’s recommendations, ponds will be created to provide homes for amphibians and other wildlife with native aquatic planting and deadwood areas.

Bat and bird boxes will also feature throughout the site in the structure of new buildings and in trees to enhance the opportunities for roosting bats and nesting birds.

Phil Dolan, managing director for Anwyl Homes Cheshire and North Wales, said: “This is a highly sustainable location for new homes and will be a superb place to live for future residents.

A comprehensive earthworks programme has commenced which will include raising levels across the entire site in preparation for development.

The show homes are expected to be open to the public late Summer, 2022.

The decision by councillors to give the plans the go ahead, brought to an end an eight year long saga, which had seen multiple applications and appeals, a public inquiry, and the involvement of government ministers.