THIS is what the first phase of the controversial Barton Farm development near Winchester will look like.

After debates and demonstrations stretching back nearly 20 years the building work on the 2,000-home scheme is due to start this April.

The artists’ impression shows the initial phase of house-building which developer Cala Homes is calling Kings Barton. The first stage is for 223 homes.

Archaeological work has already begun on the site off Andover Road.

Construction has started on building one of the main junctions onto the site which will eventually carry the diverted Andover Road.

The new junction, near Wellhouse Lane, is due to be completed next month.

Overall 800 of the homes, 40 per cent, will be affordable and available only to those on the city council housing register.

There will also be a new primary school, parks and a village green, shops, community centre, GP surgery and park and ride.

Cala is also involved with Clarendon Court on nearby Park Road, the restoration of an Edwardian home into six luxury apartments. It will also include two more apartments, a four bedroom detached home and five bedroom detached home.

Graham Cunningham, regional managing director for Cala Homes, said: “We are excited about the upcoming 12 months for Cala Homes in Winchester.

“Kings Barton will not only provide much-needed homes but will also generate significant investment in local facilities and services, while Clarendon Court will bring a historic Winchester home back to its former glory, with the  additional buildings designed to reflect its Edwardian architecture.”

Barton Farm is the biggest single housing development in the city since Badger Farm in the 1970s and 80s.

The absence of greenfield development over the last 30 years lead to intensive infill development within the city boundaries.