Work has started to build dozens of homes on the site of a former nursery.

The new development in Ashington, near Storringotn, will see Chanctonbury Nursery in Rectory Lane replaced with 74 houses.

Construction will include the demolition of an existing glass house and ancillary buildings.

The new development will feature a mix of properties, including 48 private units and 26 affordable homes.

The affordable housing will consist of 18 affordable rented properties and eight shared ownership units, while the private homes will include a selection of two, three and four-bedroom properties.

Read more: Work will start soon on dozens of new homes near quarry

The 5.83-acre site was previously occupied by the nursery, with the southern portion dominated by a large glass house. With construction now started, the site will be cleared to make way for the homes.

Developer Elivia Homes said the development will be built using timber-frame construction and will incorporate modern eco-friendly features such as air source heat pumps, electric vehicle charging points and a sustainable urban drainage system for stormwater management.

Additionally, the developer said the project is “water-neutral”, offsetting the high-water usage from the site's previous nursery operations, “ensuring a positive environmental impact”.

Kevin Wawman, managing director of Elivia Homes Southern, said: “We are excited to move forward with our plans for this significant development in Ashington. The site offers a great opportunity to create a new community that blends sustainability with high-quality design, while also delivering much-needed affordable homes. With the support of the local community and planners, we look forward to seeing this project come to life.”