Work on a new development of 290 homes at Ross-on-Wye, on land east of the A40, will start imminently, with the first phase of homes due to be released for sale in the summer.The company behind the development, the Edenstone group, say that the scheme will offer more than just housing, as the company is investing more than £2 million in the wider local community and providing facilities for residents to enjoy.Martin Taylor, managing director of the Edenstone Group, said: “Ross-on-Wye is a prime example of how we balance the need for new homes with ensuring that the development is sustainable and includes the community facilities and infrastructure people want and need from a neighbourhood.”The new development called St Mary’s Garden Village, will include a pond and wetland area, formal and informal play areas; plus a mile-long jogging trail around the site perimeter with gym equipment at various points. Mr Taylor said: “At this new garden village we will build on around half of the 23 hectare site so that there’s an abundance of open space for residents to enjoy. At the heart of the new neighbourhood will be a community building with on-site gym, providing a focal point and somewhere people can come together perhaps for residents’ meetings, yoga classes or parent and toddler sessions. We will also invest in existing facilities, including more than £1 million for the local schools; with funding also allocated for transport, sports and recycling provision.”

 See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.