TV PERSONALITY Kevin McCloud has expressed his excitement at gaining planning permission for a 42 home sustainable development in Swindon.

The Grand Designs presenter told the Adver he felt sick and exhausted ahead of last night’s planning committee meeting at the Civic Offices.

Mr McCloud said he had spent three years working on his proposal to build the homes on land to the rear of Northern Road, Rodbourne.

But his hard work was rewarded when eight out of 12 councillors voted in favour of the proposal, which he had dubbed a “high happiness” concept during the meeting.

Mr McCloud said: “I am immensely relieved — I feel as if I am about to collapse after that.

“I am quite excited. I have spent a huge amount of money and three years working on the project.

“It is a blessed relief — thank you Swindon.”

Mr McCloud had looked on as ward councillors and a local resident objected to the scheme on the grounds of overdevelopment and fears over parking.

Officers had recommended approving the eco-friendly scheme, subject to conditions, but 16 people had submitted written objections ahead of the meeting.

Western ward councillor Des Moffatt told the committee the plan to build a mixture of two storey houses and three storey apartment blocks was not an “appropriate use for this site”

He added: “This application has been largely a PR exercise and spin.”

His sentiments were echoed by fellow ward councillors Jim Grant, who said parking provision was inadequate, and Kevin Small, who said residents of Northern Road and Surrey Road were already suffering from car parking problems.

Jill Little, whose home in Surrey Road backs on to the proposed development, also expressed concerns about drainage and noise and damage to nearby properties during construction work.

But the arguments were countered by Mr McCloud, who said: “This is about providing the fertile ground for a community to grow.

“There is an appetite for this [kind of development] all over Swindon.”

Councillors also considered a proposed car share scheme, the density of the development and a previous application which saw plans for 31 homes on the site approved, before reaching their decision.

Two councillors rejected the proposal while another two abstained.

After hearing their verdict, Mr McCloud said: “It was a test case for Swindon and we won. Thank you Swindon for making that call and being brave.”