A development of 46 homes is set to be built in the New Forest National Park.

Property development firm Hurst & Hurst Estates has joined forces with Barwood Capital and Close Brothers Property Finance to undertake the project, which is valued at £13.5 million.

The six-acre site in Sway will accommodate new energy-efficient homes, with half designated as affordable housing.

The homes will feature air source heat pumps, EV charging points, and wastewater heat recovery systems.

Native planting, bat and bird boxes, and log piles will enhance the biodiversity of the area, meeting the government's 10 per cent biodiversity net gain target. The development will also provide a significant amount of recreational green space.

As of now, major infrastructure work, including roads and mains drainage, has been completed, and foundation work is finished on nearly all plots. Superstructure work is currently underway.

Hector Hurst, founder and managing director at Hurst & Hurst Estates said: "We’re very excited to be progressing at speed through the build phase of this landmark site, partnered once more with Barwood. Being the most substantial development allowed in this area of the New Forest in many years, we’re thrilled to be able to showcase our quality on such a prestigious stage."

Steve Chambers, head of residential at Barwood said: "We are delighted to have invested in this unique project and been able to support Hurst & Hurst on our second project together. Hurst & Hurst is an outstanding SME housebuilder and this relationship, and a project of this nature typifies those that Barwood seeks to invest in through our UK Residential Investment Platform."

The first homes are expected to be ready by mid to late 2025, with marketing to start in the spring of the same year.

Barwood Capital will supply all equity for the project, while Close Brothers will provide the senior debt.

The new homes are being constructed to meet the demand for housing in the rural area.