Work has begun on a development of 49 new affordable homes as part of a 140-dwelling development in Shefford.

The new homes for rent and shared ownership are being built by social housing provider Stonewater within Bovis Homes’ new 140-home Campton Fields development, off Campton Road on the western edge of the town.

Stonewater says that about 120 jobs will be created during the building of the affordable housing scheme, which is set to be completed by June 2019 – with the first phase of five shared-ownership homes opening at the end of this year.

Councillor Nigel Young, responsible for regeneration at Central Bedfordshire Council, said the new homes highlighted the council’s commitment to providing lower-cost housing.

He said: “We have recently opened our draft Local Plan for public consultation, which sets out how we plan to deliver up to 30,000 new jobs and between 20,000 to 30,000 new homes across the whole of Central Bedfordshire over the next 20 years, 30 per cent of which will be affordable homes.

“While these homes in Shefford have come before the Local Plan is adopted, they do highlight our commitment to planning for lower-cost homes for our residents – while the 120 jobs this development will provide will be a welcome boost to the local economy.”

The mixed scheme will offer 12 one-bedroom flats, two two-bedroom bungalows and 17 family homes with two or three bedrooms, all for renting.

The shared ownership element will comprised nine two-bedroom and nine three-bedroom houses.

Chris Montague from Stonewater said: “I am delighted that work is now underway on these new homes in Shefford, which will increase housing choice and also create local jobs and economic growth in the area.

“Campton Fields is an excellent example of how housing associations and developers can work together to create new homes where they are most needed.”

Robin Hambrook from Bovis added: “We are very pleased to be working in partnership with Stonewater to deliver affordable homes in this great location. It’s exciting to be working closely together to create fabulous homes we can all be proud of.”

Stonewater owns and manages 1,054 homes in the Central Bedfordshire district.