THE first homes at a new garden village in Ross-on-Wye are now available to reserve "off plan".

The Edenstone Group is building 290 homes at St Mary's Garden Village and has pledged more than £2 million of investment in the local area.

Properties in the first phase are available to purchase now under the company's Edenstone Homes brand. Future phases will include designs from Bluebell Homes, plus a host of community facilities.

Edenstone Group sales director Adele McCoy said: "St Mary's Garden Village is an exciting new development, taking shape less than a mile from Ross-on-Wye town centre. It's an example of how we're adapting the garden village concept to meet modern ideals of how people want to live and because we're providing more than just housing, it's piqued buyers' interest.

"We have an ever-growing list of people keen to know more about the homes and the community facilities we'll be offering. The first phase will include a rare chance to own a brand new bungalow, with three styles to choose from, plus family homes, all close to a wetland area. The wider development will also include a community building with equipped indoor gym, community hall and kitchen; play areas; walking trail with outdoor exercise equipment and allotments."

The well-designed properties have an arts and crafts influence to their external design. Inside, they are spacious with a superb specification including a premium range of traditional or contemporary style kitchens, with bathrooms featuring sanitaryware by Roca and premium wall tiles from Porcelanosa.

In addition to the Community hub the Edenstone Group will provide an abundance of open space across the 23 hectare site for residents to enjoy. This will include a kick about area; cycle hire facilities; allotments with raised beds, plus an orchard and meadow. There will also be a viewing platform overlooking the pond, with a direct view to St Mary's Church.

As a responsible homebuilder, the company has also agreed a substantial package of investment in the surrounding area.

Financial contributions will include £1,396,000 towards pre-school and primary education; £435,000 for a bus service and other transport measures; £143,000 for sports facilities and £15,000 for recycling.

The creation of the community facilities and investment in the wider neighbourhood will be triggered by the progress of the development.

For more information about the properties go to edenstonehomes.com/ross-on-wye/or bluebellhomes.co.uk/ross-on-wye