DEVELOPERS behind the ambitious Phoenix Gate building have welcomed a decision by planners to approve the scheme.

The controversial £20 million housing complex, on the site of the post office in Fleming Way, was finally given the go-ahead on Mon-day night after weeks of negotiation.

Ian Thomas, land and planning director for Beaufort admitted: "We are relieved but still a little bemused that it took so long to come through."

He added that work would not start on the building until next year at least, depending on negotiations with The Post Office and the prevailing economic con-ditions.

The 189 home apartment has twice been rejected by planning officers on the grounds that it did not provide enough open space and has been poorly designed.

But the developers have made many changes to the design, including reducing the height of the building, to allay their concerns.

In a report to members of the planning committee, officers said the scheme was an important and very good scheme for the town centre.

The Phoenix Gate develop-ment is an important ele-ment of Swindon Council's 30 year vision for the town.

And it is hoped that the new building will attract more investment into the town centre and provide much needed housing.

About 20 flats will now be offered to key workers like nurses, teachers and police officers to help them climb on the first rung of the housing ladder.

The bold design of the building has polarised opinion, with some dubbing the building ugly and others welcoming it.

The floors are arranged on 10, eight, and five storeys and echo the recently completed Plaza 21, another of the companies successful developments in the town.

In September, Beaufort Western threatened to with-draw from the scheme unless it received more cooperation from council officials.