DEMOLITION work is under way at a former Habitat store in Wallingford that is being demolished to make way for more than 130 homes.

Lightwood Property and David Wilson Homes have been given planning permission to build 94 homes and a 40-unit care home to provide support for people aged 55 and over.

Wallingford Town Council objected to the application because of concerns it would “reduce current employment land” but South Oxfordshire District Council granted planning permission.

Demolition work has now started on the 158,000 sq ft warehouse in Moreton Avenue, on the Hithercroft industrial estate.

Lightwood Property director James Sorrentino said: “Demolition could take several weeks and building work on the new homes could start in the new year.

“Some of the material at the warehouse will be recycled.

“About £1.86m has been made in developer contributions towards community infrastructure, including new road improvements.

“I think there has been a lot of support for this development locally.”

Town councillor Bernard Stone said: “It’s the frontrunner in two major housing schemes for the town.

“It’s the first of two major housing schemes as the planning application has now been submitted for about 555 homes at Slade End Farm, off Wantage Road.”

The Habitat warehouse stood empty for two years and some residents called for it to be demolished.

South Oxfordshire District Council initially proposed siting the 555 new homes at Winterbrook, off Reading Road, but a planning inspector ruled against this.