WORK has started on a controversial scheme that will see 98 new homes built next to a luxury hotel.

Jones Homes was given the go-ahead to develop "a village-type community" for over 55s in the grounds of the Last Drop Village Hotel in Bromley Cross back in 2017.

That decision was taken despite massive resistance to the plans from nearby residents, who submitted more than 660 letters of objection in a bid to stop the scheme from going ahead.

The development, which will become known as Sanctuary at Last Drop Village, is set to comprise a mix of detached, semi-detached and terraced houses, bungalows and apartments.

Construction work has now begun on the first 35 of the homes to be built on the north west of the site, off Hospital Road.

Jones Homes is a part of the Emerson Group that owns the Last Drop Village hotel and leisure complex, and the developer says residents at the development will have access to many of the hotel’s leisure and spa facilities as well as a 24-hour careline.

As part of the scheme, a deal was also struck between Jones Homes and Bolton Council whereby the developer will contribute more than £500,000 in Section 106 payments to the local economy in a bid to ensure the development does not have a negative impact on the surrounding area.

About £373,000 of that money will go towards local schools — £182,500 to Walmsley CE Primary School, and £190,500 to Turton School ­— to account for the expected increase in pupil numbers.

Meanwhile, the developer will also pay £84,294 towards improvements and maintenance of the nearest community play area, at Little Brow, and £53,200 to Egerton and Dunscar Health Centre.

The agreement also stipulated that 34 of the properties built would be affordable homes.

Gemma Pownall, sales director for Jones Homes North West, said: “Sanctuary at Last Drop Village will provide a superb collection of houses and apartments for the over-55s in a sought-after location surrounded by the beautiful Lancashire countryside.

“The development will have a host of facilities onsite, offering an excellent level of customer service and support for residents, who will enjoy the very best in active adult living.

“The wider development will also deliver much-needed private and affordable housing for people of all ages and has already provided funding of more than £500,000 for local services.”

“We are proud to be creating this unique new community at Last Drop Village and look forward to welcoming visitors to the development when the sales centre opens later this year.”

More information on the scheme is available at www.jones-homes.co.uk.