A social housing provider says work will get under way on a new development in Papworth Everard next year.

The Flagship Group, which is based in Norwich, says it has secured planning permission to build 66 new homes on derelict land between Church Lane and Ermine Road South.

The development, on about five acres of land, will include nine affordable homes as well as homes for rent and for sale on the open market. Work is expected to begin “towards the end of next year”.

A former printworks on the site is also set to be redeveloped and made available to Cambridge-based charity Allia to “establish a brewhouse, bakery and community rooms”.

Adam Broadway, Flagship’s Director (Development), said: “The purchase of this development site is the first step towards Flagship fulfilling its intent to provide homes for people in need at different points in the market - from affordable rent to outright sale.

“This new growth direction offers opportunities for home ownership and will ensure Flagship remains financially resilient into the future.

“At our heart, we remain a business rooted in building and supporting communities which is why we’re also thrilled to be working in partnership with Allia on their plans for a brewhouse, bakery and community rooms to provide new facilities for existing and future residents as part of this exciting project.”

Allia is a charity which supports social ventures to start up and expand.

Martin Clark, development director at Allia, added: “We’re delighted to be working with Flagship on our plans for the Papworth site and look forward to working closely with residents to provide a useful and enjoyable community space which we also hope will bring employment opportunities at the former printworks.”