Building work has started on a housing development at the edge of a medieval village close to Coalville.

The 50-home plan took two attempts to gain approval after councillors initially raised concerns that developer Allison Homes was trying to "cram" them into "too poor of a space".

However, the properties were given the go-ahead by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council in February after a rejig of the layout increased garden sizes for future residents, bringing them in line with space standards. Now, the first spade has been put in the ground for the scheme.

The new homes will be built off Main Street, in Stanton-under-Bardon, near Coalville. They will be a mix of two-, three-, and four-bed properties, with eight of the homes to be classed as "affordable".

Allison Homes said it is hoping to have a show home open on the site in the Autumn. The full scheme is expected to be completed by December 2026.

A number of open spaces will also be provided, with the developer describing these as a "significant" amount. A play area is included, and the existing public footpath will be maintained, the company added.

Around £600,000 will be put into local services through developer contributions. These will go to local schools, the Markfield Medical Centre and the village's recreation ground.

Amy Gormley, head of sales, at Allison Homes, said: "It is very important to us to not only provide quality homes but also ensure we are creating a new, sustainable community by extension."