TV star Kevin McCloud has announced he has grand designs for the old Cashes Green Hospital site.

The celebrity presenter of the hit Channel 4 series Grand Designs where he advises and oversees ambitious building projects, has teamed up with Gloucestershire Land for People (GLP).

The partnership was described this week as a "massive step forward" towards redeveloping the derelict site.

Owned by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), the site has been earmarked for building 78 homes in a joint venture between Mr McCloud’s company Hab and housing group GreenSquare, forming Hab Okus.

The agreement sees Hab Oakus work alongside the Community Land Trust, local residents and stakeholders to redevelop the site, which will include allotment space and a community building.

Under the proposals, GLP will own and manage 39 of these homes, which will be available for affordable rent and part ownership.

Max Comfort, chairman of GLP, said: "This is a massive step forward in the development of the Cashes Green site.

"We are really pleased to be able to work with Hab Oakus and thank the HCA for its support in helping us get the project to this stage. We are looking forward to playing our part in what is – quite rightly – a flagship for delivering affordable housing in England."

The remaining homes will be made available for sale on the open market by Hab Oakus. It is the first time such a management model will be delivered for housing on HCA-owned land.

Mr McCloud said: "This will be an exemplar project, which has the involvement of the local community at its core.

"This is a scheme that could show how future housing developments, driven by local communities, could be unlocked. We are delighted to have the opportunity to work on such an important project."

As part of the agreement, Hab Oakus will build all 78 new dwellings to Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, which is a higher standard of environmental sustainability than a traditionally built-house.

Stroud District Council worked closely with the HCA, GLP and Caincross Parish Council to help get the project off the ground.

Councillor Debbie Young, cabinet member for housing, said: "Affordable housing and the environment are key priorities for the council and local people. Innovative sustainable developments really are the way forward for housing. We're looking forward to seeing this exciting project come to fruition."

A full planning application will be submitted later this year.