Work has begun to create a 100 acre country park as part of a controversial housing development.

David Wilson Homes Eastern Counties has started seeding the new park in Stanford-le-Hope as part of the company’s Stanford Park development.

Work is underway as the developer creates paths and seeds the grassed areas to the site, which was previously a golf course.

The country park is being provided alongside 350 homes which have been built on land off Butts Lane, despite huge criticism from residents when the scheme was initially put forward in 2010.

The homes and country park are situated on green belt land, and the land will be transformed into an extensive country park with footpaths and bridleway.

As well as grassed space for people to enjoy there will be areas of wildflower meadow created as a new habitat for insects, bees, birds and animals.

David Wilson Homes is also monitoring local wildlife such as newts, snakes and badgers as part of the work and retaining them on a natural habitat.

Jason Colmer, sales director at David Wilson Homes Eastern Counties, said: “We are delighted to be creating a beautiful new country park in Stanford-le-Hope for new and existing residents to explore.

“The space will create a new wildflower meadow habitat for nature to enjoy as well as residents.”

Alongside the country park, the homebuilder will also be building a play area for younger residents to enjoy.

The country park will be opening to the public in 2018, with homes in Stanford Park now sold out.

The controversial development by Barratts, earmarked for land that used to belong to St Cleres golf course, received outline planning permission from Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, in March 2012, despite fierce opposition from residents.

The original planning application was approved by Thurrock Thames Gateway Development in February 2011.

But it was called in by Mr Pickles that May, as he was concerned the proposal might conflict with national policies.

An inquiry was held in October the same year, where inspector Graham Dudley recommended planning permission be granted.

Mr Dudley said the application would result in the land being improved, and the creation of a new open space as part of the scheme would provide a positive environment, thus outweighing the harm to the green belt.

Opposition saw more than 300 residents attend a public meeting against the development while community group, the Residents Against Inappropriate Development held peaceful protests and acquired 2,000 signatures on a petition attempting to block the plans.

The homes consist of two, three and four bedroom family houses.