Work is set to begin on a project to build 453 new homes in Chippenham.

Developers Crest Nicholson has announced they have bought the land for Rowden Gate, a new 42.6 acre site on the edge of the town, and that construction will begin this year.

The project is part of a wider 126-hectare garden village development and will see 453 new homes built by 2029.

Bradley Stone, Crest Nicholson’s head of land and planning, said: “We’re pleased to be responding to local demand for much needed high quality homes in the area, providing a range of house types and sizes for a variety of buyers, alongside green space and other community facilities.”

Phase one and two of the development will consist of 152 and 64 new houses respectively. These will vary from one to five bedroom homes and Crest Nicholson say this will cover a broad price range, from first time buyers to those looking to upsize.

Rowden Gate garden village, which is just 20 minutes from the town centre, is also set to provide footpaths and cycleways alongside a new riverside park which will stretch into the town.

The masterplan also includes a village centre, a food retailer and a primary school with local bus routes set to be enhanced.