WORK on 3,000 homes on the Wichelstowe Canalside development will start this spring.

Detailed planning permission has now been granted to the development, a joint venture between Swindon Borough Council and developer Barratt Homes.

The final green light means construction can start and is expected to begin sometime in early spring.

Councillor Gary Sumner, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, said: “Full planning approval marks a significant step forward for the development at Wichelstowe and enables work on the first phase to get underway and provide much needed housing in the Borough.

"I am personally delighted that this important scheme has been approved demonstrating the effectiveness of the public and private sectors working together.”

Chris Burton, Wichelstowe, joint venture board chair, said: “The joint venture is delighted with the news of Swindon Borough Council’s decision.

"Getting to this stage is the result of a huge amount of commitment and hard work by a large amount of people.

"We can now get on and deliver what we believe will be an outstanding community where people will want to make their home.”