Politics & Council · Chippenham
Fresh plans for 200 homes on the edge of Royal Wootton Bassett
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Developer Leda Properties has submitted an outline application for a new housing estate at Marsh Farm, which would push the edge of the town up to the M4 motorway.
A major new housing development proposed for the northern edge of Royal Wootton Bassett could see the town extend right up to the boundary of the M4. Developer Leda Properties has submitted an outline planning application for up to 200 homes on an 11.8-hectare site at Marsh Farm, situated west of Hook Road.
The proposal involves the demolition of existing farm buildings to make way for a residential estate that includes 81 affordable homes. According to the developer's masterplan, the properties would be situated approximately 90 metres from the motorway, with plans including an acoustic bund designed to mitigate traffic noise.
If approved, the development would significantly alter the landscape north of the town. The site is located immediately west of the Midge Hall Farm scheme, where Wiltshire Council has already resolved to approve a separate project for up to 425 homes, a primary school and employment land. Taken together, these developments represent a major expansion that will shift the town's built-up edge further into the countryside between Royal Wootton Bassett and Swindon.
Access to the proposed site would be via the B4042, using the infrastructure built for the nearby Lidl store. Beyond housing, the developer has proposed a range of amenities including a skatepark, a multi-use games area, children's play spaces, allotments and over 4.7 hectares of public open space, alongside new walking and cycling routes.
The applicant acknowledges that the scheme conflicts with the current Wiltshire Council settlement strategy as the land sits outside the defined settlement boundary. However, the developer argues that the local shortage of housing land should be considered a significant factor in favour of granting permission. A heritage assessment submitted with the plans notes that the development would cause a low level of 'less than substantial harm' to the setting of the Grade II-listed former Marsh farmhouse.
Public consultation held prior to the submission of the application highlighted several concerns among the local community. Residents raised questions regarding the impact on traffic flow, pressure on essential services such as schools, GP surgeries and dental practices, as well as worries about utility capacity and the risk of flooding. The loss of countryside was also cited as a key concern during the consultation process, which saw around 50 to 60 people attend a public exhibition.
The application is now with Wiltshire Council for consideration, where it will be assessed against local planning policies and the feedback received during the formal consultation period.
Source: Swindon Advertiser - Politics · View original