MORE than 75 new homes will be built as part of the city council's plans to extend Winnall Flats.

Wates Residential has been appointed to complete the work in Winnall Manor Road which is due to start in summer 2021.

Currently there are four blocks comprising 156 homes, of which around 25 have been sold as leasehold and the remainder are council owned.

A further 35 shared ownership homes and 41 'affordable rent' properties are to be built.

Lee Bushell, operations director for Wates Residential, said: "We are proud to be partnering with Winchester City Council to deliver these much-needed new homes for local people.

"Investing in the regeneration of this site will not only ensure that we are building high quality, energy efficient new homes that are fit for future generations.

"It will also enable us to create a wider positive impact for the entire community through an investment of over £2m to improve the outside spaces that link the existing homes on the estate to the new development.

"We believe that everyone deserves a great place to live and we look forward to bringing this vision to life for the residents of Winnall."

Measures to minimise carbon emissions, promote renewable energy and manage water effectively will be integral parts of the scheme.

It has also been designed to offer enhancements to local green spaces.

This will include the a new community park which will include seating, areas to socialise, a play area for younger children and a food growing beds.

Cabinet member for housing and asset management, Cllr Kelsie Learney, said: “Working with Wates Residential is a great fit for the city council in helping us achieve our housing, environmental and employment goals. These 76 new homes in the Winchester district will help ensure more of our residents can afford to live in well-designed, energy efficient homes.

"We look forward to work starting in summer 2021."

Wates and the city council have made a joint pledge to provide additional education, employment and training opportunities for local people as part of their investment in the local area.

This will include providing a boost to the Winchester economy by employing local businesses and creating job opportunities.