Construction has begun on Cala Homes' 17-hectare Knightwood Chase development in New Forest, Fordingbridge.

The project is set to provide 198 homes, offering a selection of one to four bedrooms.

An estimated 42 homes will be available via affordable options, including shared ownership and social rent.

Each flat will feature eco-friendly elements like solar panels and electric vehicle charging points.

Furthermore, almost 10 hectares of new public space will be introduced, contributing a 10 per cent onsite biodiversity gain.

The project is set to provide 198 homes (Image: Supplied)

It involves play areas, walking and cycling paths and over six hectares of Suitable Alternative Natural Recreational Greenspace.

Cala intends to preserve wildlife in the New Forest and adopt measures for onsite wildlife protection as part of its Urban Wildlife Strategy.

Alison Deakin, sales and marketing manager at Cala Homes, said: "We’re looking forward to beginning work in Fordingbridge this month and being able to provide the community with a range of affordable homes across the banks of the River Avon.

"Being so close to New Forest, one of the UK's largest national parks, we’re dedicated to supporting local wildlife on site through our Urban Wildlife Strategy. This will ensure we can create a neighbourhood that delivers fantastic new homes in a rural location while creating new green spaces and supporting wildlife habitats."