Planning has been granted to the first phase of a 3,000-homes scheme being to be built jointly by Barratt Developments and a housebuilding company created by Swindon borough council.

The council gave the green-light to the first tranche of 208 homes to be built by the partnership at Wichelstowe, south of Swindon.

Of these homes, 11% will be affordable, while of the overall 3,000 units due to be built on the 250ha site a maximum of 15% will be affordable.