A new development of family homes on a key site in Moreton-in-Marsh is due to start work later this autumn.

Deeley Homes has bought the two-acre site of the town's former hospital on Hospital Road and is planning to create 20 homes.

The former hospital, which is locally listed, will be converted into apartments, while 12 new detached homes and four town houses will be created across the site on the west of the town.

Peter Deeley, managing director of the Deeley Group, said the location was ideal to create new homes for people wishing to move within the town but also to attract families new to the area.

He said: "Moreton-in-Marsh is a beautiful market town and we are delighted to be working here again and will deliver high-quality homes which the setting so deserves.

"Hospital Road is right in the heart of the town running parallel to High Street so this development will play a key role in town life and allow the home-owners to benefit from the wide range of activities which go on in the town throughout the year.

"We are bringing forward a development which we feel will enhance the surrounding area and at the same time widen the choice of property available in one of the most sought-after towns in the Cotswolds."

The development will feature four two-bedroom apartments, detached homes with two, three, four and five bedrooms, and two-bedroom townhouses.

Anthony Holt, of Deeley Homes, said it was hoped that the show home would be completed for next spring.

He said: "The location of the site and the retention of the former hospital building really allows us to create something unique which will certainly add to the housing offer of the town.

"It is unusual for a site of this size to become available so close to the centre of a market town in the Cotswolds, and we are fully aware of its significance and impact to the local area.

"Our company is renowned for its quality of design and construction, and this is very much a flagship development for our company.

"We hope to start on site in the autumn, with a show home open by spring next year and are expecting heavy interest in the properties."

As part of the project, Deeley Homes will help fund improvements to pathway links to the town centre.

The company opened has just opened its show home at The Meadows, Pillerton Priors and it is open Friday to Monday at 10am to 4pm.