Tewkesbury has won its bid to become a Garden Town with the government approving a £750,000 funding boost for the future development of the borough.

Garden Town status means the borough council can now look towards the upcoming development of the town and surrounding area in a holistic way.

The status is specifically aimed at helping the council deliver in excess of 10,000 houses for Tewkesbury and Ashchurch before 2041.

Using the Garden Town status, the council is now better equipped to meet future housing need and provide space for new businesses while maintaining the feel of the town.

Tewkesbury Borough Council's Chief Executive, Mike Dawson, said: "We are really pleased to have been awarded Garden Town status and funding to meet our communities' future needs.

"The government clearly recognises the crucial role our area plays in helping to unlock the delivery of much needed homes, and the Garden Town status formally recognises our commitment to creating vibrant and thriving communities.

Tewkesbury Borough Council submitted its bid to the government in November 2018, explaining that the area is the perfect location, due to its proximity to the M5.

Garden Town status means the borough council and its stakeholders can develop Tewkesbury and its surrounding area in a really holistic way.

The aim is to create vibrant settlements where people want to live, work and raise families.

In order to achieve this the council will have access to specialist government support and strategic planning advice on improving transport links, education provision and green infrastructure.

The Garden Town status is specifically aimed at helping the council deliver up to 10,195 houses for Tewkesbury at Ashchurch over the period to 2041.

Through the Joint Core Strategy and the Ashchurch Concept Masterplan, options have been discussed on how best to deliver Tewkesbury's housing shortfall of 2,500 homes by 2031.

Enjoy reading our content? Click here to get the latest Gloucestershire news straight to your inbox daily 

By planning to 2041, and using its new Garden Town status, the council is better equipped to meet future housing need while ensuring green space remains a key part of the mix.

"We want to build communities in a way that is inclusive, delivering high-quality housing and strong links to public services like doctors' surgeries, schools and transport," Dawson added.

"We look forward to working together with our residents, parish and town councils, and business representatives to bring forward this exciting programme."