Work has officially begun on the next stage of the East Leeds Extension, one of the region's largest infrastructure projects, which could eventually see up to 5,000 new homes built.

Housebuilder Persimmon has broken ground on its Morwick Green development, a key phase of the 575-acre scheme that spans areas including Red Hall, Swarcliffe, Whinmoor and Crossgates.

The development will deliver 528 new homes, including a mix of one to four-bedroom houses and one and two-bedroom apartments. All properties will feature air source heat pumps and electric vehicle chargers. Of the total homes, 80 will be allocated for social and intermediate rent.

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Persimmon will also make significant contributions to local infrastructure, including more than £12 million towards the construction of the East Leeds Orbital Route (ELOR) and almost £1.5 million to support primary education. Additional funding will go towards enhancing bus services and local travel options.

Further plans include a contribution to the future delivery of a new two-form entry primary school, a retail unit, a community facility on the south side of Leeds/Barwick Road, and new sports pitches for the area.

James Parkin, Land Director for Persimmon West Yorkshire, said: "We're delighted to be starting work on our latest development within the East Leeds Extension.

"Morwick Green is an incredibly exciting development for us and is the product of decades of collaboration with the local community, stakeholders, the Council and adjoining developers.

"We're looking forward to bringing these much-needed high quality homes to fruition which we’re sure will prove popular with local homebuyers."