PLANS for two major garden settlements in Oxfordshire have taken a step closer to completion.

The Oxfordshire Growth Board has welcomed the Government’s confirmation that two of the county’s bids to the Housing and Infrastructure Fund are progressing through to co-development.

Detailed business plans will now be developed for the £300m worth of transport infrastructure investment that will help bring forward the Didcot Garden Town and West Oxfordshire Garden Village, near Eynsham.

If agreed, the investment would help improve the county’s transport infrastructure, including a new river crossing at Culham and an upgrade of the A40.

The improved infrastructure would enable the development of new living and employment areas using sustainable design principles, including improved cycling provision.