Work will start soon to build dozens of “desperately needed” affordable homes.

Some 68 homes will be built in Ringmer off Bishops Lane on the northeast boundary of the village.

The original scheme was approved at appeal in November after it was initially refused on a variety of grounds, including overdevelopment and "poor design".

The planning inspector judged both of these elements to be acceptable.

Lewes District Council planning committee members had also raised concerns about the impact of additional traffic on Earwig Corner, a busy junction on the A26 in Lewes. But this was dropped as a reason for refusal during the appeal process.

Developer Thakeham and social housing provider Stonewater amended the plans earlier this year and converted the development to 100 per cent affordable homes, which will be available for rent and shared ownership.

When complete, the development will include a mix of one, two, three-bedroom and larger four-bedroom family homes.

Thakeham said all homes will have a high energy-efficient rating and will have electric vehicle charging points, air source heat pumps and thermally efficient windows and doors, as well as a number of homes featuring solar panels.

Construction is due to start on May 13 and homes will be ready to move in in autumn 2025.

Read more: Plans for new two-storey block of flats to replace home

Rob Boughton, founder and CEO of Thakeham, said affordable homes are “desperately” needed in the area.

“By integrating a range of green technologies and sustainable enhancements, our development ensures residents will enjoy homes that are not only more energy-efficient, but also more affordable to run,” he said.

Plans include a community orchard, attenuation pond and additional planting of trees and hedgerows. There will also be a play area for both new residents and the wider community.

Thakeham said the development’s design is “distinctive” but “complementary”. It will be built with a varied mix of red/brown bricks, brown tile hanging and white weatherboarding. Roofs will be finished in either red or brown tile, with bonnet hip tiles.

Parking will be provided with either on-plot driveway parking, communal coach house and courtyard parking and on-street visitor bays.

Jonathan Layzell, chief growth and development officer at Stonewater said the homes will allow more local residents to “remain where their roots are in an area they might otherwise be priced out of”.

“The environmental and public realm features at Ringmer will contribute to a greener, more cost-effective, and vibrant living environment for our new customers, who we look forward to welcoming,” he said.