A MAJOR scheme for more than 150 homes near Winchester has been given the green light.

Developers Taylor Wimpey has secured final approval for plans to build 169 homes in Colden Common, meaning that work on site will now begin.

Kings Gate, as it will be known, will feature one to five bedroom homes, including 40 percent affordable housing for social rent and shared ownership.

The new homes at the former Sandyfields Nurseries site off Main Road will be centred around an area of public open space which will provide a focal point for the community, while open spaces around the boundary of the development will include a green trim-trail.

Although Taylor Wimpey was granted outline planning permission in May, it only received reserved planning permission this month. As part of the plans, the homebuilder will be making financial contributions of more than £1.8 million towards local infrastructure improvements.

Work is set to begin on site this month and the first plots are due to be released for sale in September 2018, with detailed plans and prices to be revealed at the development launch.

Alex Sciarretta, land and planning director for Taylor Wimpey Southern Counties, said: “We are delighted to have received planning permission for this fantastic new development, which will provide a superb selection of new homes for local people in this popular Hampshire location.”

The details which were awaiting approval for the scheme included siting, design and external appearance of the buildings, as well as landscaping.

Chairman of Colden Common Parish Council Richard Izard said: “It’s brilliant news. We had to be satisfied as a parish with what we were getting and people have already been making enquiries.”