A ten-year project to create 3,330 new homes in Didcot made a major step forward this week.

Housebuilder Taylor Wimpey started groundwork preparation at the Great Western Park development west of Didcot and will begin building the first 220 homes next month.

The £60m development also includes plans for primary and secondary schools, shops, a community centre, health centre, open spaces and play areas plus £20m for local road improvements.

Jon Fletcher, of Taylor Wimpey, said: “Great Western Park has undergone years of extensive planning and consultation and we are delighted that work has now started on this exciting project.

“The £60m investment will mean we can establish a community feel here that will benefit existing and new residents.”

Ann Ducker, leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, added: “Significant planning has gone into this development to ensure it fully meets the needs of the whole community.

“I am really looking forward to the completion of a quality development which will provide much-needed housing and attract further investment and prosperity to the region.”

Almost a fifth of the homes will be within the boundaries of the Vale of White Horse District Council. The leader of the council, Tony de Vere, said: “Great Western Park is a fantastic example of neighbouring councils and developers working closely together to develop complex new schemes which meet the needs of the local area and offer huge benefits to the region.”

The first phase of two-, three-, four- and five-bedrooms homes is expected to go on sale in March 2011, with the first residents expected to be moving in by the summer.

For more information, call 01235 541960 or visit the website taylorwimpey.co.uk