Persimmon Homes has officially broken ground on its new Hawthorn Park development in Leominster, welcoming local councillors to the site to mark the start of construction.

The Deputy Leader of Herefordshire Council, Councillor Elissa Swinglehurst, and Councillor Allan Williams, who represents Leominster West, joined the five-star housebuilder last week as groundwork commenced on the 353-home scheme.

Set to include a range of one to five-bedroom energy-efficient homes, the development will also see 88 properties transferred to a local housing association to support affordable housing in the area. Prices for the homes are expected to be announced shortly, with a showhome and official sales launch scheduled for June.

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All properties at Hawthorn Park will be fitted with solar panels, supporting sustainability goals, and Persimmon has invested over £500,000 in nutrient neutrality credits to protect the River Wye and its tributaries from environmental harm.

In addition to delivering much-needed housing, the development will generate £1.8 million in community contributions. These funds will support local education, transport upgrades, sports and recycling facilities, and flood attenuation measures.

Located within walking distance of Leominster’s historic town centre—with its blend of medieval charm, Georgian architecture, and modern conveniences—Hawthorn Park offers residents easy access to shops, schools, and amenities. The development also benefits from strong transport links, with the Brecon Beacons less than an hour away by car and a range of attractions across Herefordshire nearby.

Lee Hawker, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes East Wales, said: "We're very pleased with the progress we’ve made at Hawthorn Park and it was great to welcome Councillors Swinglehurst and Williams to view the site.

"Our aim is to deliver high-quality homes for local people in Leominster, while also creating lasting benefits for the community, including new jobs and investment. We value working closely with local stakeholders to ensure a positive legacy for the area.

"Persimmon looks forward to launching our showhome on site and opening up to customers later this year."