Building work on a development of more than 80 new homes in Fenstanton has started.

Senior management from Kier Living Eastern held a turf cutting ceremony at the Cambridge Road site, which used to belong to celebrated 18th century architect Lancelot Capability Brown, to mark the beginning of the development.

In total, 86 homes will be built, with open spaces created and existing trees, believed to have been planted by Capability Brown, protected and kept to maintain the character of the site.

According to Kier, Capability Brown owned the site in the 18th century and the land off Cambridge Road was one of many parks across the country he landscaped.

David Thomas, Kier Living Eastern’s sales and marketing director, said: “This is an exciting development for us, not least because of the history of the site and the village itself.

“We are looking forward to contributing to this wonderful area by building these superb, exclusive new homes for existing residents and those wanting to move to this beautiful village.”

Mr Thomas said a name for the site was still being considered and would be announced in the near future.

A spokesman for Kier said work is currently ongoing to safeguard the future of protected great crested newts at the site, with habitats being built. Archaeological digs are also taking place to discover if anything of significant historical interest is underneath the surface.