WORK is about to start on a huge new town on the edge of the South Hams that has been 20 years in the planning, .

Reserved matters planning consent has been granted for nearly 600 homes, the first of 5,500 proposed for the new town of Sherford.

The decision was made by Plymouth and South Hams councils last Friday.

The new town will fall into both areas, although the majority of the first phase of homes will be built within city council boundaries.

Granted outline planning permission for the first phase in November 2013, Sherford is one of only a handful of government backed major housing developments.

The reserved matters consent approves proposals for the finer details of the new community, including housing design, landscaping plans, environmental considerations and transport links.

Work is now expected to begin ‘imminently’ at the site south west of Deep Lane junction on the A38.

Forecast to take 15 to 20 years to come to fruition, the vision for Sherford involves the huge number of new houses as well as 83,000 square metres of schools, shops, community spaces, leisure facilities, parks and places of worship.

A consortium of three housebuilders will be responsible for building Sherford: Bovis Homes, Linden Homes and Taylor Wimpey.

The new town will accommodate 15,000 residents when complete, and has already received £32 million from the Homes and Communities Agency, the Government’s national housing and regeneration agency.

Ian Knight, head of area for the HCA, said: ‘There is a real need for housing across Devon. By setting up a consortium like this, and working with the HCA, three of the country’s largest house builders are showing a clear commitment to speeding up development and building homes for local people.’

The decades-long construction phase is expected to see a whopping £1bn invested.

The builders say when complete, approximately 5,000 new jobs will become available within the town, with numerous shops, businesses and schools integrated throughout the community.

Wayne Bennett, south west sales and marketing director at Bovis Homes, said: ‘This milestone marks a significant moment for Sherford and we’re delighted at the support received from both the local ­community and council.

‘The Sherford Consortium is ­committed to building a new ­community, contributing to both the identity and economy of the region.’

Linden Homes managing director Nigel Palmer said: ‘Sherford isn’t just about building a housing ­development, it’s about creating a new way of life in one of Devon’s finest countryside spots.

‘As the gateway to the South Hams, the town will include high-quality travel links, employment, leisure facilities, open spaces and homes. Alongside the other consortium members, we look forward to Sherford taking shape and we will endeavour to create a county town open to everyone.’

Taylor Wimpey sales director Clare Brimble said: ‘The Sherford Consortium is working with some of the UK’s finest architects, designers and craftsmen, as well as local ­residents and experts.

‘We want to ensure that the vision of a sustainable and vibrant Devon community is brought to life.

‘We are extremely proud to be a part of such a prestigious development and the making of history in Devon.’

For more information on Sherford, keep an eye on the website at www.sherford.org, although this, too, is currently under construction.