Work is progressing on a development which will see more than 100 homes built in Weymouth.

Persimmon Homes South Coast has started work on its Lodmoor Sands development off Louviers Road at Littlemoor.

The development will see 114 homes erected at the site, of which 40 will be made affordable.

The housing will be a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes in 13 different housing styles.

The developers say the new development “will support around 350 jobs” – including direct staff, contractors and the wider supplier network.

It will also be contributing to local community facilities via the community infrastructure levy.

It is hoped the development, in Louviers Road, will be launched in September with a three-bedroom showhome due to open this autumn. The first homeowners are due to complete by the end of the year.

Planning permission for the development was approved in June last year.

At the time there was only one objection with concerns for local wildlife, some of which travel between local areas where they live and forage.

The area is close to the Lorton Valley Nature Park and within 500 metres of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It was also agreed that a financial contribution will be made to the management of the nature park as part of the consent.

Graeme Cole, Head of Sales at Persimmon Homes South Coast, said: “This development is attracting some interest as it is only a short drive from a lovely sandy beach, and will appeal to a wide cross-section of buyers. When Lodmoor Sands launches, people will be able to buy off-plan which means they can secure their preferred property and location within the development.”

Cllr Louie O’Leary who represents Littlemoor and Preston on Dorset Council and helps to run the local youth club said: “I believe they’ve given us some money for the youth club.

“The only problem I have with (the development) is the name. It’s called Lodmoor Sands, but it’s neither in Lodmoor or near the sand.

“It frustrates me they weren’t prepared to call it something with Littlemoor in the name.”

He added: “I understand that people need somewhere to live, but for me the name is trying to get away from the fact it’s in Littlemoor.”

The development company says it has been named due to a public footpath leading from the development to the Lodmoor nature reserve.