TEN homes are set to be built on a former stone quarry that was used to construct Blenheim Palace.

The Pitts in Bladon, near Woodstock, will be developed into housing after plans by Blenheim Estate were approved by a West Oxfordshire District Council planning committee earlier this month.

A range of one to four-bedroom properties will be built on the quarry, which was utilised in the 18th century but has since become derelict and overgrown.

Blenheim originally wanted to build up to 24 homes on the brownfield site, but reduced the number to preserve nearby trees following a consultation period.

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Matthew Neilson, the estate’s head of property and development, said: “The stone would have been quarried by hand and then transported by cart onto the estate.

"At one point it was also a bottle waste tip for Bladon and a number of derelict outbuildings and structures, which were on the site, have also been cleared."

Most of the homes are single-storey and will include natural rubble stone walls, one of several features to ensure they 'fit sympathetically' into the surroundings.

Blenheim will also create a new footpath connecting the adjoining public footpath with the community play area and primary school, plus extra visitor parking.

Woodland management will incorporate features for wildlife, including barn owl nesting boxes.