WORK on a major development of up to 765 homes with a new primary school and a 15-acre urban park at Hedge End is expected to start before the end of the year.

The huge new development on 69 acres of land at Dowds Farm is a key part of Eastleigh Council's bid to

provide desperately needed houses in the borough and will feature at least 200 affordable homes.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott cleared the way for the development a year ago after plans landed on his desk because the application was a departure from the adopted local planning blueprint.

It was up to Mr Prescott to decide whether to "call in" the scheme for his own determination.

Had he chosen to have the final say, the matter would have gone through the lengthy process of a public inquiry.

The Highways Agency also put a stop on Eastleigh clearing the way for the application because traffic chiefs were worried about the impact of the new development on the M27.

But that block was lifted on the condition that motorway link roads were improved.

Now Eastleigh has revealed that landowners have signed a legal agreement with the borough council which has allowed the authority to issue the outline planning consent agreed in September 2003.

Hampshire County Council will provide the new school and the development will also mean local highway improvements and additional new bus services to Southampton.

Eastleigh Council says it is expecting to receive detailed plans of the proposed house designs, landscaping and road layout for the development within the next few weeks.

Council leader Councillor Keith House said: "This is really good news for Hedge End. Grange Park will gain a much-needed primary school and affordable homes for local people.

"It will also provide a large and attractive area of parkland and help give a heart to the Grange Park area. We can now look forward to working up detailed plans with the local community over the coming months."

A council spokesman said development by both private developers and a housing association was expected to start before the end of the year.