The housebuilder of a Stevenage development, which will see hundreds of homes built on land known as Forster Country, has made its first payment towards infrastructure investment in the area.

Bellway is set to deliver 400 homes off North Road, with Miller Homes to deliver a further 396 homes.

The development - named Forster Park - also includes a new primary school, shops, commercial space, public plaza and 93-acre country park.

Bellway has paid £700,000 towards the investment of more than £6.4 million as part of the planning agreement for the development.

The initial financial contribution includes £486,000 towards primary education - the first instalment of more than £4.2 million Bellway is providing towards the construction of a new school off North Road.

Other payments include £73,553 towards the construction of cycle-friendly traffic lights at the junction of Coreys Mill Lane and North Road, and £18,027 to signpost walking and cycling routes between Stevenage town centre and Graveley.

Meanwhile, £200,000 has been paid towards road improvements, with £115,377 put towards installing traffic lights at the North Road T-junction with Graveley Road and High Street.

Zoe Dobbs, Bellway North London sales manager, said: "As part of the planning agreement for Forster Park, we are pleased to be helping improve facilities and infrastructure which will benefit people in Stevenage, as well as those who visit the area.

"We have so far invested more than £200,000 to help make the local roads safer and easier to use for everyone, be they drivers, pedestrians or cyclists.

"We’ve also made the first payment towards the construction of a new school at Forster Park. This school will ensure that education provision in the area is increased to accommodate the new neighbourhood and will provide children with a modern purpose-built environment in which to learn."

Forster Country lies within the St Nicholas Conservation Area and includes author EM Forster's childhood home Rooks Nest House, Grade I-listed St Nicholas Church and Grade II-listed The Bury.

Zoe said: "The development has already proved to be popular with homebuyers in Stevenage. Part of the attraction is the fact that the site will provide lots of green open space, featuring ponds and nature trails, and is surrounded by a glorious 93-acre country park."