Construction has started on a new affordable housing development in Hythe.

The development by Dorset-based AJC Group will provide 22 homes, including one- and two-bedroom apartments and two- and three-bedroom houses.

The homes are being built on behalf of New Forest District Council and will provide a crucial boost to local housing needs.

David Cracklen, director at AJC Group, said: "We’re pleased to be commencing construction at this key housing site in Hythe, our second live affordable development in the New Forest.

"These homes will help to fill a gap in the social housing offering; indeed we know that the New Forest area is crying out for more affordable housing, and we’re proud to be part of the solution.

“This development is very much part of our mission to build 500 new affordable homes in the next five years, and it is encouraging to see the New Forest District Council adopt such a forward-thinking approach, in order to provide an opportunity for local people to own a home in this area of Hampshire which they have previously been priced out of.”

READ MORE: Plans for 119 homes approved despite objections

The £6.8m scheme has been made possible thanks to capital funding from the district council, Homes England, and the Brownfield Land Release Fund.

The homes will be energy-efficient and have been designed to be in keeping with the local area, as well as creating an attractive street scene to complement the existing properties surrounding the site.

The development will also boast a new green public space, complete with a play area and plenty of new planting to enhance and protect the local wildlife.

District councillor and housing portfolio holder Steve Davies said: “After a rigorous and competitive process AJC Group has been selected to build this scheme for us; our third development to meet the full Future Homes Standard.

"It's great that work has started and I look forward to seeing the homes taking shape over the coming months."