A LOCAL property development firm has acquired control of around one third of the land which is destined to become the New Eastern Villages.

The 8,000 homes urban expansion scheme proposed to the south east of Swindon is one of the largest urban expansions in the UK.

Last year, South Marston based Capital Land Property Group secured 82 hectares - around 200 acres - known as Great Stall.

The firm’s vehicles moved on to the site in July to complete the digging of trenches to allow archaeological and investigatory work to take place.

Work is now being progressed through the planning system aimed at delivering a mixed residential scheme that includes a new secondary school along with associated public services.

The group expects to submit a planning application on the first phase of development within the next two months.

But in recent weeks, Capital Land has expanded its stake in the New Eastern Villages scheme.

Through its associated companies, the group has secured interests in a further 34 hectares, or 84 acres of key development land.

The area, known as Great Stall West, is included within the Swindon Local Plan and earmarked to provide additional housing, a retail park and a business centre.

This latest acquisition increases the group’s overall controlling interests in the total eastern expansion development scheme to approximately one third.

Capital Land’s directors have welcomed the latest development and believe that the additional land will form an important part of the strategic planning for the area where the delivery of key infrastructure is vital to delivering on the wider scheme.

Chief Executive of Capital Land, Jeremy Francis, said: “As a local company with established roots in Swindon we are committed to the future of the town’s wider regeneration and this development creates a great opportunity for ourselves and the town.

“Capital Land continues to work closely with Swindon Borough Council where together we believe a credible development can be delivered at New Eastern Villages that can be seen as a legacy for the town with a real sense of community for generations to come.”

In an effort to see their vision through until the end of the project, Capital Land have also established their own house building company, Capital and Country Homes, which they hope will take an active role in building a significant amount of the scheme.