Work to build 78 homes is set to start this summer after a development site in Benson was purchased by a housebuilder.

Bewley Homes plans to build a mix of two to five-bedroom houses and apartments on the land west of Hale Road, with 47 set to be private houses and 31 earmarked as affordable.

Bewley Homes' managing director, Andrew Brooks, said: "This has been a great team effort.

Herald Series: The plans for the site in BensonThe plans for the site in Benson (Image: Bewley Homes)

"We are delighted to have acquired further development opportunities in Oxfordshire where we are growing our brand profile and presence."

He also praised the "swift" contract exchange to purchase the Benson site from Thomas Homes.

He added: "Against a challenging backdrop for the industry, Bewley continues to be offered these exciting opportunities across the south-east and to the west.

"I believe this is due to Bewley being a well-funded private company with a very short line of communication, which enables us to move quickly in securing land investments to support the growth of the business.

"Furthermore, we are known for building high-quality designed schemes that stand the test of time."

In addition to the Benson site, Bewley's current projects include an 80-home residential development in Ashton Keynes, and sites in Bishops Green, Wash Water, Surrey, and Wiltshire.

Mr Brooks added: "These recent investments are key to the continued growth of the business and as always, we are looking for more opportunities."