PLANS for a 3,000-home garden village on the outskirts of Thornbury have taken a step forward with the selection of a developer for the project.

The Tortworth Estate, who own the land on which the prospective settlement would be built, have announced they have selected St Modwen from more than 20 expressions of interest from developers around the country.

Since the controversial project was announced last year, a great deal of opposition has come from residents in nearby Thornbury and Falfield, with campaigns from action groups and Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall having prevented the project from receiving financial backing to assist the planning stage.

But the selection of St Modwen demonstrates the estate’s commitment to the garden village, with plans for the scheme set to be worked up in the near future, which are likely to comprise a mix of housing and employment uses, alongside a range of health, education and community facilities, transport and communications infrastructure, retail provision and green open spaces.

Robert Moreton of Tortworth Estate, said: "The Estate is extremely pleased to have reached this important milestone.

St. Modwen impressed us, and our advisors, with their 30 year track record of successful regeneration and development expertise in both the residential and commercial sectors and as an award winning housebuilder.

Furthermore, they have demonstrated great commitment to work collaboratively with us in taking Buckover Garden Village forward. Having such a well-respected partner on board provides reassurance that the project is achievable and can be delivered in the time scales of the emerging Joint Spatial Strategy.”

Mr Moreton confirmed that the Tortworth Estate would “remain true” to the principles of a garden village, as it retains the role of “master builder”.

Rupert Joseland, property director of St. Modwen West and Wales said: “As a regional and national developer with expertise in creating new communities, we continually strive to change places to create better futures.

“We believe our philosophy complements the Buckover Garden Village concept which sets out to deliver a sustainable new community that will benefit the local and broader area by providing new homes, much needed community facilities and creating employment opportunities; all of which will be designed to complement the existing area and ensuring that the estate leaves a legacy to be proud of in years to come.

“We are extremely pleased to have been selected by the Tortworth Estate and we look forward to drawing up plans and consulting more broadly with the surrounding community as they start to take shape.”