Building work has begun on a new development in a village. Housebuilder Elivia Homes is creating The Woodlands, a 36-home estate on the western edge of Sayers Common, just off the A23 and near Hurstpierpoint. Properties will range from one-bedroom starter homes to four-bedroom family homes.

There will also be affordable housing for social rent and shared ownership, as well as properties available under the government’s first homes scheme which helps qualifying first-time buyers get on the property ladder by offering up to 50 per cent discount on the market value of their home. Two buyers will also have the opportunity to build their own three-bedroom home, with self-build plots being made available. Set within areas of green open space, the properties will incorporate eco-friendly features including sustainably sourced timber frames, superior levels of insulation, air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points.

A bird's eye view of the plans (Image: Elivia Homes) Elivia Homes said Sayers Common is conveniently located for historic Hurstpierpoint and the market towns of Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath. The village has a pub, a community shop and a pre-school. READ MORE: Building work starts on dozens of new homes in quiet Sussex village A wider range of high street and independent shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities can be found in the neighbouring towns and villages.

The rural location, close to the coast and the South Downs, and offering easy commut.