The scheme at Emersons Green East was formally granted outline planning allowing site preparation and enabling works to get underway.

Taylor Wimpey, which also owns most of Emersons Green East, plans two new primary schools, a secondary school and other community infrastructure alongside up to 2,550 new homes.

The scheme represents the final stage in the Emersons Green development and is a key element in the development of the East Fringe area of South Gloucestershire.

As well as significant new provision for employment and homes, the site will feature new transport infrastructure including a major new Park and Ride facility, a new footbridge over the Avon Ring Road and a network of new footways and cycleways.

Chair of the council’s Development Control East committee Colin Hunt said: “We are pleased that this long awaited development can get underway and bring a much needed, high quality mix of homes to one of the region’s Enterprise Areas.”

Contractor Britannia will formally start  work on 24 June.