CONSTRUCTION has begun on a project to bring new “affordable” housing to a piece of greenfield land in Bolton.

A total of 12 homes are now being built in Fletcher Street, opposite Derby Barracks, as part of a £1.2 million development.

The 0.72-acre site will house three-bedroom two-storey, semidetached properties.

The homes have been designed by Lancashire-based Croft Goode Architects for St Vincent’s Housing Association after planning approval was granted by Bolton Council’s planning committee in July last year.

David Croft, a Croft Goode director, said: “Although a relatively small development, this project shows what can be done on a small patch of land to help relieve the shortage of affordable housing in our towns and cities. The properties have been designed to provide for the changing needs of modern family life and also meet high standards in sustainability as set out by the government.”

Damien Mason, development manager at St Vincent’s Housing Association, which operates 3,000 homes in the North West, said: “The new development at Fletcher Street is an exciting project which is being delivered by St Vincent’s Housing Association in partnership with Bolton Council and the Homes and Communities Agency.

“It will provide high-quality affordable rented housing for local people.

“The design from Croft Goode Architects has ensured that the properties will be affordable to run and maintain, securing their sustainability in the future.”

The development is due to be completed in June.