The developers have now confirmed the first phase of the project has been approved, and will include up to 1,600 new homes, 2,000sqm of public open space and public transport links. Infrastructure work at the site began in May, and the first homes are due to commence in 2029. "Through careful planning, the development will encourage active travel, improve access to services and create opportunities for people of all ages to live, work and prosper locally." Built on a former green belt site, the development has been 20 years in the making and has seen court battles and legal challenges to finally reach this stage. The government plans to build seven new towns across the UK - although the Gilston development is not officially one of these - and provide 1.5 million homes by 2029.