WORK to build a block of affordable homes on a housing estate in Ruthin has resumed, seven years after it was postponed due to flooding.

Taylor Wimpey, one of the largest UK-based housebuilding companies, has restarted work to build 42 homes on Glasdir Estate that was suspended in 2012 after 122 existing properties on the estate were affected by severe flooding.

The housebuilder, which confirmed last August the work would resume, said it had been facing concerns over insurance and mortgages by residents on the site, which is a floodplain, that prevented it from restarting the development for seven years.

It had received criticism from councillors and Welsh assembly members who claimed the project had been abandoned with homes left half-built.

During that time, Denbighshire County Council (DCC) set up flood defences which allowed for the construction and opening of a learning campus for over 500 pupils from two primary schools on the estate.

Taylor Wimpey's house building has now resumed following planning permission from DCC and the developer said it is “excited” to meet the growing demand for homes in Ruthin.

Stuart Craig, sales and marketing director for Taylor Wimpey North West, said: “We’re excited and committed to delivering high-quality homes that meet the growing demand from the market. We’re delighted to have taken that first step towards the build.”

The block of homes will include a range of two to four-bedroom detached and semi-detached properties, which Taylor Wimpey says will give opportunities to homeowners on every stage of the property ladder.

The properties will be available to purchase using the Welsh Government backed Help to Buy scheme, aimed at helping first-time buyers to secure a new-build home up to the value of £300,000 through a five per cent deposit and an equity loan of up to 20 per cent.

Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, county councillor for Ruthin, welcomed the continuation of the work and said it will help the housing needs of Ruthin. He said: “The development is hugely encouraging and good news for Ruthin.

“We have worked with Taylor Wimpey to resume the development over the last two years.

“The half-built homes which have been an eye-sore will be finished and they will meet the housing needs of the town.

“The housing will also bring an injection of money into the local economy.

“Once the work is complete, Denbighshire County Council can take over and maintain the area, its roads, drainage and grass.”

Cllr Emrys Wynne, county councillor for Ruthin, added: “I’m delighted the work will continue because it shows confidence in the housing market in Ruthin and I welcome the support for first-time buyers, which is much needed.”

To register for updates about the Glasdir work, visit the Taylor Wimpey website.