Work to build 90 new homes in a village has begun.

The first foundations have been dug up at the new development off Hailsham Road in Stone Cross, near Eastbourne.

Persimmon Homes South East is building the homes, made up of a mix of two, three and four-bedroom properties.

Of the 90 new homes, 32 will be transferred to a housing association partner for those registered on Wealden District Council’s (WDC) housing list, or for those looking for shared ownership homes.

The new development will also feature a unique amphitheatre which will offer an attractive space for play and performance.

Kerri Bland, planning director of Persimmon Homes South East said: “Our scheme at Stone Cross is a high-quality, green and attractive site and I’m delighted that we have been able to secure approval for these plans.

The Argus: The land where the homes will be builtThe land where the homes will be built (Image: Google Maps)

“Wealden is an important area for us, and it was pleasing to see councillors recognise the efforts we made to produce a design that reflects the character of Stone Cross.”

The plans were approved by WDC last December after councillors raised concerns about the appearance of the site, in particular the use of white render on some of its larger buildings.

Working with councillors, the developer refined the design and materials used to make sure the homes reflect the character of the area. 

Persimmon Homes South East will be investing more than £800,000 in the area through developer contributions, it said.

The Argus: A bird's eye view of the plansA bird's eye view of the plans (Image: Persimmon Homes)

More than £200,000 will be directed into local public services while Persimmon will be planting 116 new trees.

Martin Crick, managing director of Persimmon Homes South East, said: “We are delighted to have started work at Stone Cross and will be bringing forward these much-needed new homes.

“We have a proud legacy of delivering high-quality, affordable homes across the South East and our latest House Builders Federation customer satisfaction scores show 100 per cent of our customers would recommend us to a friend during the first eight weeks in their new home.”