Local News · Chippenham
Sutton Benger housing estate approved following planning inspector's decision
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Wiltshire Council has granted reserved matters approval for a new 60-home development on the edge of Sutton Benger, despite previous local opposition.
Plans for a residential development of 60 homes on the edge of Sutton Benger have been approved, allowing the project to proceed towards construction. Wiltshire Council has granted reserved matters approval for the site, located off High Street in the village between Malmesbury and Chippenham.
The scheme, which includes a mix of public open space, allotments, and drainage infrastructure, follows a significant planning history. The project was initially refused by the local authority, but that decision was overturned by a planning inspector in January 2025.
This latest approval confirms the specific layout, scale, and appearance of the site. The development is set to provide a total of 60 homes, of which 24 have been designated as affordable housing, accounting for 40 per cent of the total provision. The houses range from one-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom detached family properties.
While the project faced significant criticism during the planning process, with residents raising concerns regarding the impact on village infrastructure, potential flood and sewage issues, and the preservation of the local conservation area, many of these points were addressed through the earlier outline planning stage. The Sutton Benger Parish Council has since withdrawn its formal objections after the developers introduced several amendments to the proposals.
To mitigate the impact on the rural setting, developers have agreed to increase the amount of stone detailing on the properties and refine the layout near identified heritage assets. Environmental and community features now include a new children’s play area, additional hedgerow planting, and an attenuation pond designed to manage surface water. Every home will be equipped with air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points, alongside ecological additions such as bat and bird boxes.
Planning officers noted that while the development will alter the character of the site and its relationship with nearby listed buildings, the planning inspector had previously concluded that any heritage harm would be outweighed by the overall benefits of the new housing. The final approval remains subject to a comprehensive list of conditions covering landscaping, parking, cycle storage, and the long-term maintenance of the site's communal areas.
Source: Wiltshire Times — Chippenham · View original