BUILDING work has now started on the site of the former Malvern water bottling plant in Colwall.

The plant, which produced the Queen's favourite water, closed in 2010 after nearly 120 years of bottling.

The brand's owner, Coca Cola Enterprises, said the plant did not have the capacity to meet demand.

The site has lain unused since then, and much of the bottling plant had been demolished, apart from the Grade II listed Tank House.

This week, a turf-cutting ceremony marked the start of the first stage of building, a development of 12 detached houses for older people, called Lime Tree Gardens. Subsequent stages will include a private nursing home as well as open-market family homes and affordable housing.

The leader of Herefordshire Council, Cllr Tony Johnson, was joined by Nick Cooper from developer Blue Cedar Homes and John Goodwin whose estate agents will be marketing Lime Tree Gardens.

Cllr Johnson, leader of Herefordshire Council said: “After four years of neglect, this redevelopment finally brings some certainty to the village of Colwall. Blue Cedar Homes has made a real commitment to involving the local community and planning officers in the designs for this scheme.

“One of the added benefits is that the whole area will enjoy beautiful views of the hills which were previously hidden by trees. We are also anticipating job opportunities later on with the development of the nursing home.”