With outline planning consent currently in place for 62 new homes, the development marks a major milestone for the business and its plans to broaden its geographical reach.

Having completed its five year plan with a fourth consecutive rise in profits, 2016 figures for the housebuilder, which is part of the Mactaggart & Mickel Group, revealed an increase in turnover to £55 million and in profit to £13.7m.

The company already has a strong land bank in England and have been involved in strategic land development south of the border since 2008, securing over 1200 acres across the north west and south west of England, with a further 250 acres under offer.

Another reserved matters planning application is expected to be lodged for a second English site in East Challow over the coming weeks.

The expansion into new markets comes as fourth generation family members and cousins, Andrew and Ross Mickel take over the reins in running the family business from recently retired, Bruce Mickel, who has been at the helm of the business for over 40 years.