The construction of a 70-home housing development next to Saddleworth School is getting underway this month.

The eight-acre housing development named Broadstone Manor will straddle the access road to Saddleworth School and include nine affordable properties.

Redrow, the property developers behind the project, has said the houses will be split into “two parcels” and include a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes and six apartments.

The homes are due to be released for sale in spring next year and the guide prices for the first release of private sale homes will be from around £420,000.

Last year, the council approved an application for 77 homes to the north and south of the access road.

At the time, residents and members of the parish council criticised the application, which also divided the councillors on the Planning Committee themselves. 

But Claire Jarvis, the managing director for Redrow, stressed the positive side of the scheme and said the homes were “ideal for couples and families” due to their proximity to local amenities and schools.

This month Redrow has also said that as part of the planning agreement it is committing more than £365,000 to improve several recreation spaces in Diggle.

The funds will be used to replace the play area equipment at Ward Lane and add new equipment and an outdoor gym at Diggle Fields.

Fencing and path improvements will also be funded and new wooden seating at Diggle Fields.

The money will also be used to revamp the play area at Sunfield Avenue and support clearance and landscape improvement work at Diggle Pond.

A further £55,000 will be paid to the council to help improve habitats for the long-eared owl and woodland and water habitats within the area.

Karl Longworth, land director for Redrow Lancashire, said: “Broadstone Manor will deliver a wide mix of two, three, and four-bedroom homes and apartments in a sought-after Saddleworth location.

“The homes will all be built in natural stone, with designs based on our Arts and Crafts inspired Heritage Collection.

“Ideal for families, couples, and professionals, the location is close to natural green space, amenities, and schools, including the brand-new high school.”