Construction of a major new housing development in Otham has passed the halfway mark.

Bellway has now built 169 of the 250 homes at Bicknor Wood after starting work on the site in December 2018.

Located off Gore Court Road, the development will eventually comprise 175 properties for private sale and 75 affordable homes for rent or shared ownership.

A total of 94 private homes have been completed and 85 of these are now occupied. A further 75 affordable homes have also been constructed and handed over to a local housing association. Construction work is due to be completed by next summer.

Bicknor Wood features a range of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes. With 109 private properties now sold, Bellway will soon be releasing a further selection of homes for sale.

Mark Harrop, Sales Director for Bellway Kent, said: “Since we began work on the site in December 2018, build progress has been good and there has been consistent interest shown in the new homes by house-hunters.

“One of Bicknor Wood’s major draws is it’s rural setting and expansive open area located in the heart of the development. Despite being just three miles from Maidstone town centre, the development is situated on the edge of open countryside and is accessed via a tree-lined country lane, giving it a truly rural feel.

“Access to outdoor space has become a high priority for housebuyers during lockdown, and that has been reflected in the growing demand for homes at Bicknor Wood since the start of the pandemic.

“Upsizers and growing families have been attracted to the larger houses available at Bicknor Wood, and we expect this trend to continue once the new four and five-bedroom homes are released for sale.

“There are also options for first-time buyers and downsizers, with a range of two and three-bedroom properties available to purchase.”