The Thornwood Park development will be a “garden suburb” containing up to 62 new family homes complete with gardens, landscaping, community orchard, parking and 4.7 acres of public open space in the form of a pocket park.

Outline planning for the scheme has been granted allowing demolition of existing buildings on the site followed by the new development.

The new scheme will consist of two, three, four and five bedroom family houses with gardens and landscaping, designed around winding streets and crescents. The site is currently occupied by redundant residential property, outbuildings and a clay pigeon shoot facility.

The Epping deal is the first of a series of site acquisitions currently in negotiations which form part of Weston Homes plans to invest up to £500m in strategic land acquisitions over the coming five years.

Chairman and managing director Bob Weston said: “The acquisition of the Thornwood village site in Epping will enable Weston Homes to deliver a new residential scheme of family houses perfect for first time buyers, young couples and families.

“This new development in the London commuter region is part of our ongoing major growth and expansion. The business has a highly diverse range of developments across London and the South East, including traditional housing and major landmark mixed use schemes.”