Plans for Wiltshire eco-homes, allotments and orchards

Developer Hortus Living want to create eco-friendly homes, allotments and wildlife zones as part of their application

A green developer is proposing to build an estate of eco-houses and flats to boost housing and the environment.

Hortus Living also want to create allotments, orchards and wildlife zones for a site in Wiltshire.

The company claims the homes will "deliver low energy demand, lower carbon emissions, promote health and wellbeing, and lower energy bills".

The project is for 38 properties on the edge of Blunsdon St Andrew, with Tadpole Garden Village to the east.

Nearby residents are being asked to give their view on the plans for 27 houses and 11 flats, before a formal planning application is submitted to Swindon Borough Council.

The company's consultation documents show an apartment block, with houses arranged in short terraces with communal green spaces and paths in the centre of the plot.

Trees and greenery also feature, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

As well as creating what it called "much-needed homes" for Swindon, the developer said it was also keen to make the enjoyment of nature and the outdoors a key feature of the estate.

"Our plans are centred around the concept of allotment living and will deliver generous community allotments, associated public open space, natural play areas, orchards and wildlife zones and regenerative gardens to encourage biodiversity throughout the scheme," it added.

Existing trees will also be kept and new ones planted to enhance the space.

Once the application is sent to Swindon Borough Council, a decision is expected in the summer.

If approval is given, work on the scheme could start towards the end of the year.