95 new high-quality homes to be constructed in Chippenham

Persimmon Homes Wessex will construct 95 new high-quality homes for local people on a brownfield site in Chippenham after securing planning approval this week from Wiltshire Council.

The Malmesbury-based builder’s Oak Hill Rise development will be situated at Wiltshire Ambulance Service’s disused station once it is fully purchased in the coming months, with first occupations expected during 2025.

The zero-carbon ready scheme was supported by the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust who decommissioned and mothballed the site after a relocation of staff to a newer building they have built on the Bath Road industrial estate.

The development will be replacing vacant and under-utilised building to provide a range of new high-quality energy efficient homes in a suitable location for first-time buyers, growing families and downsizers alike. The site will be no-gas with all homes powered by air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points.

Benefits of the plans include publicly accessible green space, on-site biodiversity enhancement measures such as bird and bat boxes, a new pedestrian and cycle connection, and over £1 million towards upgrading local services and facilities including schools, sports pitches and children’s play areas.

All 95 homes will be energy efficient and supported with solar panels and electric vehicle charging points, while 26 of the properties will be transferred to a local housing association for the purposes of shared ownership and affordable housing provision.

Commenting on the plan’s approval, Persimmon Homes Wessex Managing Director, Julian Roper said “Persimmon Wessex is delighted to have secured planning permission from Wiltshire Council to bring 95 new, high-quality homes for local people to Chippenham.

“The exciting scheme will see us build homes with quality our customers can rely on at a price they can afford, while we also transfer 26 properties to a local housing association to help tackle local housing need. As part of our mission to leave a positive and lasting legacy, we will also be delivering active travel links, biodiversity enhancements, and contribute over £1m towards infrastructure improvements in Chippenham.

“The project team at Persimmon has worked proactively with local authority officers and other stakeholders to develop a high-quality scheme which works for the site's unique potential and challenges, and we look forward to delivering on the vision we’ve built together.”