Work has started to build more than 60 new homes in a multi-million-pound development on the edge of a Norfolk town.

Norfolk County Council is working with not-for-profit social landlord Places for People to develop the Lavender View housing scheme on the A149 King's Lynn Road, about three miles away from Hunstanton.

Conservative-controlled County Hall is putting almost £3m towards the new homes, which are aimed at people aged 55 and over.

Government agency Homes England has provided £5.7m in grant funding for the scheme, which includes collaboration from developer Lovell Later Living and building contractor Lovell Partnerships.

Designed by Langtry Langton Architects, the homes - 11 two-bed and 50 one-bed apartments - will be offered as affordable housing for people who need extra care and support, provided by Radis Community Care.

Work on the development began on Wednesday, September 25 with a traditional turf-cutting ceremony.

The turf-cutting ceremony at Lavender ViewThe turf-cutting ceremony at Lavender View (Image: Places for People)

Alison Thomas, County Hall's cabinet member for adult social care, who attended the ceremony, said: "I’m delighted to see work begin on Lavender View.

"We’ve been working hard to bring more Independent Living schemes to Norfolk, and thanks to the efforts of Places for People and our other partners we’ll soon be able to offer people a chance to have a home within a friendly community right here in Hunstanton."

The development, which includes an onsite café, an activity room, a main lounge and landscaped gardens, on-site hairdressing, a spa room, mobility scooter storage and on-site parking, is due to be finished by summer 2026.

Tim Gardiner, director of new business at Places for People, said: "We are thrilled to celebrate this addition to our successful partnership with Lovell Later Living – a collaboration that will see a total of 279 homes for those aged 55 and over delivered by 2026."

The scheme secured planning permission in April, with the homes among 160 properties due to be built beside the coast road on the outskirts of Hunstanton.

Norfolk County Council analysis has shown the county needs to build 2,842 independent living units by 2028 to cater for the needs of people in Norfolk.