WORK has started on a plan to build 55 new homes in a village.

The proposal by Hayfield Homes will see 55 homes built on land south of Greenhill Lane in Hallow near Worcester.

All of the homes will come equipped with air source heat pumps, solar panels, energy-efficient underfloor heating and smart electric vehicle fast-charging points.

Andy Morris, managing director of Hayfield, said: “Only two per cent of new homes are currently being built to EPC A standards, which indicates the highest energy efficiency and performance standards.

“While our standard specification already delivers zero carbon ready homes, which achieve a high EPC B-rating, we have taken the decision enhance the eco credentials for Hayfield Grove further with solar PV panels.

“The future residents will benefit from a home that self-generates a proportion of household electricity, which when combined with our air source heat pumps, will significantly minimise grid energy use.

“In addition, EV charging points are installed as standard, enabling solar energy to be used to power cars too.

“These outstanding homes will be fit for the future, while combining the kerb appeal of traditional architecture and considerable net biodiversity gains across the site.”

The developer has already built 65 homes on neighbouring land with the latest 55-home plan set to accompany Piper Homes’ plan to build 33 houses in the village.

The mix of two, three and four-bed homes would be accessed through a new road being built by Piper Homes with around two-and-a-half acres of green space provided.

One-bed maisonettes and two-bed bungalows will also be built as part of the development.

The adopted neighbourhood plan for Hallow – which sets out how many homes should be built in the village – had said around 40 homes should be built on the land.

Despite the size of the development, planning officers at Malvern Hills District Council rather than its planning committee approved the plan.

Council officers said the scheme would provide “much-needed housing of a mix of types and tenures to reflect market and affordable demand in a village that is in a sustainable location.”