A housebuilder is making a significant investment in Gloucestershire as part of a £50million package of developments across the Severn valley.

Wainhomes have acquired seven sites across Bristol, Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire as part of its plans to build up to 500 new properties per year.

Working from a new head office close to the M5 motorway in Almondsbury near Bristol, Wainhomes are launching sites across the region.

Managing Director, Carl Haley, said: "This is an exciting time for the new Severn Valley operation and Wainhomes.

"We hope that by investing in the region through the provision of new homes, making financial contributions through Section 106 planning agreements and the Community Investment Levy and providing training and job opportunities, we can play our part in addressing and providing solutions to socio economic challenges."

Wainhomes (Severn Valley) Limited already has plans in place to build at Saxon Meadows near South Cerne, one of four sites currently being worked on.

They are also awaiting news on plans to build at Twigworth between Gloucester and Tewkesbury as well as in Cam.

A large proportion of the new homes they build will be sold privately, but the developer is also working with registered housing providers, for affordable social rent and shared ownership.

From 2016 to 2036 the affordable housing target for the West of England is 24,500, homes in a range of tenures and unit types, which is a priority in all UK residential dwelling projects.

Mr Haley added: "The West of England's key challenge is how to accommodate and deliver much needed new homes, jobs and infrastructure alongside protecting and enhancing its unique built and natural environments.

"It is this combination that will create viable, healthy and attractive communities in which people can take pride."

Wainhomes already has well established regional operations in the North West and South West of England.

In addition, a specialist division - HIMOR - focuses on complicated brown field sites and property investments that have long term redevelopment potential.

In the year ending June 2019, the company successfully completed nearly 1,000 new home sales from the North West and South West offices - a record year.