The move means Bellway now has 15 operating divisions across the UK.

A trading update to the city today showed an 8.2% increase in sales for the year to July 31.

The group sold 5,625 homes compared to 5,226 last time at an average price of £193,000 from £186,648.

The government’s Help to Buy scheme has boosted sales with 830 properties reserved under the initiative.

Bellway boosted operating margins during the year which are set to rise above 11.5%.

The firm said: “Further growth in volume and margin, together with a continuing focus on return on capital employed, combined with a progressive dividend policy, should enable the Group to deliver further enhancements in shareholder value.”