THE 401-home development soon to be built on the former Woodford Lodge High School site will feature the first council houses built in west Cheshire for 40 years.

Housing developer Keepmoat was recently granted permission by Cheshire West and Chester Council to build 401 houses on the 30-acre brownfield site in Woodford Lane West.

Keepmoat has now announced that work is set to start on the site this month where interested buyers will have the option of purchasing off plan.

The development will consist of two, three and four bedroom properties under the government backed Help to Buy scheme.

There will be 130 affordable properties built on behalf of the council within the development which will be the first council houses built within the borough for almost 40 years.

Gareth Roberts, regional managing director for Keepmoat in the north west, said: “Working in partnership with the council, we have identified key ways to regenerate a surplus piece of land and really invest in Winsford while creating housing solutions – particularly for first time buyers.

“This major new scheme will also create new job opportunities, which supports the Council’s aspirations for Winsford. We’re delighted that this shared vision for Woodford Grange has been given the go ahead and we look forward to getting on site.”

A green corridor and a small central village garden will be created at the heart of the development.

Cllr Angela Claydon, Cheshire West and Chester Council cabinet member for housing, said: “This is really good news for Winsford. The partnership will provide a true mix of properties including 130 homes built for the council which will give people a real choice from a range of new build homes.”