Green light for community project

The development includes affordable housing, a library and a creche

A multi-million pound project in Bristol, including 59 affordable homes, has been approved by the city council.

Planners have given the go-ahead for "Junction 3", which is to be built in Lawrence Hill just off the M32.

The housing will offer local families a choice of properties built from energy-saving materials.

Work on the development, which will also include a state-of-the-art library, creche and a public open space, is due to start on Monday.

Councillor Simon Cook said: "The people of east Bristol and surrounding area will certainly benefit from this unique and exciting development, when it opens its doors in 2011."

The £8.4m project is a partnership between the city council, Knightstone Housing Association and the Big Lottery Community Libraries Programme.