The demolition of disused office buildings in the village of Merstham has started, paving the way for the construction of much-needed new homes.

Bellway South London has finalised a deal to purchase its former regional head office, off Station Road North, and now plans to build 33 one and two-bedroom apartments on the site, including 10 homes designated as affordable housing for local people.

The housebuilder’s plans were approved on appeal in August last year and demolition work has now started on site. The first apartments are due to be released for sale in late 2020.

Daniel Williamson, Bellway South London’s Head of Sales, said: “When the division moved to its new premises in Redhill last year, we knew this was a great opportunity to provide a positive legacy for our time in Merstham.

“The new development at Bellway House will provide much-needed new homes for local people, as well as transforming what were outdated office buildings into a new apartments development which has been carefully designed to complement the village’s conservation area.

“It’s also a highly sustainable location for new housing, with a bus station and a railway station both within a few minutes’ walk from home. We will also be providing a car club scheme on site to promote sustainable travel.

“We are really pleased to have gained planning permission for our development and look forward to progressing both the demolition and building work on the site.

“There is a considerable amount of work to be done to prepare the site for the construction of the new apartment buildings, but our aim is to have the first homes available to reserve in late 2020.”

Bellway South London is now based at Regent House in Redhill and is currently building new homes across South London, Surrey, Hampshire and West Sussex. For more information about Bellway’s new homes, visit bellway.co.uk.