Construction has begun on a new 155-home development in Takeley, with the project set to incorporate a range of environmentally sustainable features.

Housebuilder Bellway received detailed planning permission for the Trinity Green scheme, located on land west of Garnetts, from Uttlesford District Council in March.

The development will use timber-frame construction methods and will feature electric air source heat pumps for heating, along with electric vehicle charging points at all properties. These measures are expected to reduce carbon emissions by 62.33 per cent compared to current building regulation requirements.

Mary O'Sullivan, Sales Director for Bellway Essex, said: "We have worked very closely and constructively with Uttlesford District Council and the Uttlesford Quality Review Panel to create a development plan that meets the needs of the community and does so in a well-thought-through and sustainable way.

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"We set out to create a neighbourhood that respects the unique rural quality of this area and especially the surroundings and views of the Grade I listed Holy Trinity Church, and our plans will achieve this.

"With local investment connected to the development totalling more than £2.4 million, and the provision of more than 60 affordable homes and acres of public open space, Trinity Green will bring significant benefits to its new residents and the wider community.

"This is a very desirable location within a 20-minute drive of Bishop's Stortford town centre and less than 10 minutes from Stansted Airport, so it is very well connected too."

The Trinity Green development will include 62 affordable homes, accounting for 40 per cent of the total, with a mix ranging from one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom houses. The remaining private homes will offer between two and five bedrooms.

As part of the planning agreement, Bellway has committed more than £2.4 million towards local infrastructure and services. This includes £1.4 million for education provision and over £590,000 for sustainable transport initiatives.

The scheme will also feature around 10 acres of public open space, including an off-lead dog area and a circular dog walking route. In addition, a nearby play area will be upgraded as part of the development.