DEVELOPER Bellway Homes will build the first phase of 181 houses at a golf club in Chelmsford.

The building firm has secured the rights to construct the homes after reaching an agreement with agent Ptarmigan Land, which was acting on behalf of the land owners.

Plans for 750 homes to be built on the course in north Chelmsford were agreed by Chelmsford Council’s planning committee in November.

As part of the first phase, Bellway will also help construct a new road, which is part of the proposals.

Richard Burrows, managing director of the company’s Essex division, said: “We’re delighted to be involved with the delivery of what will become a prestigious development serving the local Chelmsford and surrounding area.

“The product and mix will complement our recent acquisition of the former Marconi premises in the city centre and I’m sure both developments will be well received by potential purchasers.”

Construction work is set to start in either spring or summer.