WORK has begun on Magna West Somerset Housing Association's long-awaited St Peter's development in Williton.

Site clearance work has started and trees have been felled to make way for 14 houses to be built in the first phase of a £1.5 million two-phase scheme.

The site is alongside Magna's head officers in the former St Peter's School premises and should eventually provide 21 new homes.

The mix of two, three and one four-bedroom properties, all with their own gardens, is being built to a traditional design of stone, render and brick.

The whole project will be landscaped and include a safe place for children to play.

The scheme was given the go-ahead by West Somerset District Council, which also helped out financially by giving a social housing grant to the development.

Council leader, Steven Pugsley, said: "The authority is always anxious to ensure that good houses are made available for local people.

"We are delighted to support an initiative which increases the housing stock for our residents."

Magna board chairman Ted Wakeham said the company was committed to development in West Somerset, with £4 million currently being invested in new homes in the region and almost £6 million already spent on up-grades.

He said: "Getting schemes off the ground is no easy task. It requires much hard work and close co-operation between Magna West Somerset and the local authority.

"The grant is an essential element. It allows us to get on with the scheme and demonstrates joint commitment to the provision of additional good, affordable housing for the benefit of the community."

Work already carried out on the site has included the removal of old stone walling, with the stone being retained to be re-used in boundary walls to enhance the appearance of the development.

Preparation work will be finished by the end of February, with building work proper beginning on the first phase in March. The new homes should be ready for occupation by the end of the year.

Mr Wakeham added: "This location is one of the most attractive in Williton. The houses are of high quality and attractive design, with services close at hand.

"Local residents will not only find these homes affordable, but located in an enviable position within one of West Somerset's larger towns."

Work on the second phase of the project - seven two and three-bedroom homes - is scheduled to start in April, subject to a further social housing grant being made available.