A Northern Ireland property developer has announced plans to build 1,000 homes in an estimated £200 million scheme that could become one of the largest new-build property developments in the North in over a decade.

Alan Fraser's Carryduff headquartered company, Fraser Houses (NI), intends to develop a 107 acre site on the outskirts of Newtownards in Co Down over the next 10 years.

The company currently has planning permission for 100 houses on the site which it has named “Rivenwood”. But it hopes to develop 1,000 “New England style” homes as part of the scheme which it believes could support 500 jobs over its lifetime.

Fraser Houses has also highlighted “future” plans in its Rivenwood launch brochure for new retail, community and healthcare facilities nearby.

Mr Fraser's company is also currently involved in developing five new high-rise buildings in Belfast city centre which will feature, according to the company, residential, office, retail space and "Belfast's first luxury concierge residence".

Alan Fraser has also been involved in property development in Florida since 1996.