Barratt Developments has revealed a £98 million boost to the local economy in Bristol, Somerset, Gloucestershire and the surrounding area over the past year.

During that period, the group which owns both Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes built 590 new homes, including 157 affordable, and supported 1,530 jobs in the area.

The company also said its construction work had supported 520 supplier and sub-contractor businesses and provided 18 places for graduates, trainees and apprentices.

Barratt and David Wilson Homes spent £22m on physical works which benefit local communities including highway and environmental improvements, affordable homes and community facilities and created 8.5 hectares of green space including public open space and private gardens.

It said it had also contributed an additional £2.7m to help build new local facilities and infrastructure in and around its new developments through the Section 106 contributions and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

And as part of its commitment to protecting the environment, Barratt Developments had diverted 93 per cent of construction waste away from landfill.

These achievements are documented in Barratt Development's latest Social Economic Footprint report which measures the housebuilder's social and economic contribution over the past year.

Ian Menham, West regional director for Barratt Developments said: "House building has the potential to positively impact many aspects of our society and economy and at Barratt and David Wilson Homes, we are committed to playing our part, particularly when the local area is facing such challenges due to the Covid pandemic.

"We are pleased to be able to continue our work during the current lockdown, helping to provide homes to meet known demand, keep the economy moving and create and support jobs. We are also generating economic value for the local area and wider country, building stronger communities and helping to safeguard the environment."