Groundworks have begun at a derelict brownfield site where flats – described as the worst in Bradford – once stood.

Developer Keepmoat Homes and social housing provider Incommunities are building a new development of 136 two, three and four-bedroom homes on land off Woodend Crescent in Windhill, Shipley.

The large grassed area became a magnet for vandals, arsonists and young drinkers after the former flats were bulldozed in 2005. Plans for the scheme, which is due to be completed by 2016, were praised by campaigners battling house-building on green fields in the Bradford district when they were revealed last year.

Elizabeth Hellmich, chairman of Heaton Township Association, which presented a petition of 1,000 signatures to Bradford Council demanding brownfield sites be re-developed ahead of green fields, welcomed the news that work had started near Woodend Crescent.

She said: “It’s nice to hear it’s going ahead. I have looked at the plans and it looks like a really good development. It’s about time we had something positive. It’s a good example of how brownfield sites can be used to meet the district’s housing needs.”

Steve Graham, Keepmoat partnership manager, said the scheme, which will include 29 affordable homes, would be the largest new-build development in Shipley for several years.

He said: “The scheme demonstrates the commitment by Keepmoat and Incommunities to redevelop this important site, creating a sustainable and vibrant community.

“We look forward to the release of the first phase of new homes during the next couple of months and the positive impact this new development will have on the wider Shipley area.”

An Incommunities spokesman said: “I can confirm that groundworks and site preparation have started on site at our Woodend Crescent development with our partner Keepmoat Homes.”

In 2004, it was announced the former flats in Woodend Crescent would be pulled down following a two-year campaign by the then Shipley MP Chris Leslie.

At the time, Mr Leslie likened the boarded-up and vandalised homes to Dickensian slums.