A former world champion boxer wants to build hundreds of discounted homes for key workers on his land as a "thank you" for their efforts over the pandemic.

Steve Collins has planned for a development of up to 330 homes at his farm in Chiswell Green which he says is a "direct response to the local housing affordability crisis".

Mr Collins, nicknamed the Celtic Warrior during his sporting career, says the entirely affordable housing scheme would be for key workers such as blue light workers and teachers as well as military personnel.

He said: "I’m grateful to this country, our NHS and our armed forces who served this country so brilliantly during the pandemic. I’d like to give something back."

The ex-boxer has put his plans for his former polo field at St Stephen's Farm in Chiswell Green Lane into motion by submitting an outline planning application to St Albans District Council.

Watford Observer: A wider overview of the area the 330 homes have been earmarked for. Credit: Google MapsA wider overview of the area the 330 homes have been earmarked for. Credit: Google Maps

The application aims to give the council a taste of the scheme - called Addison Park after the country's first health and housing minister Dr Christopher Addison - including the type of housing and its affordability.

Around 180 of the homes are proposed to be three bedrooms with properties predominantly available for shared ownership - but Mr Collins wants to go further.

He said: "I’m in the fortunate position to be able to discount every single property by a third. If the market value is £540,000 the property will be made available for £360,000."

In St Albans, figures from the Office for National Statistics showed in September 2020, the median house price was £540,000 compared to a price overall in England of £240,000.

Agent Brian Parker, of McPartland Planning, said: "Steve wants to address the very real gap in the market to provide affordable home ownership for the most valuable in society.

"Steve will discount each property by a third with arrangements in place so that the newly built homes can’t just be flipped for a quick profit.

"It’s a win-win and is truly unique at the moment...because maybe one day every town will have its own Addison Park."

McPartland Planning says it wants to work with local authorities and housing associations to make sales a reality.

The plans could be considered by the council in March with McPartland Planning set to argue the "unique" affordable housing offering demonstrates "very special circumstances" to build on the green belt.

If this and a more detailed application is approved, Mr Collins wants people to start moving into Addison Park in 2025.

The pending application can be found on St Albans District Council's planning portal via the reference 5/2021/3194.

A website is also available detailing more about Addison Park here.