Groundbreaking for major new Wiltshire housing project

The house builders behind a forthcoming major development in Trowbridge, were joined by senior councillors to break ground at the site.

Both ourselves and Barrat Redrow showed Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of Wiltshire Council, and Cllr Adrian Forster, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Development Management & Housing, around the site where enabling works has commenced.

Outline planning consent was awarded to the accredited five-star housebuilders to construct 2,500 on the land at Ashton Park last autumn. Persimmon, its sister company Charles Church, and Barratt Redrow have had their initial reserved matters applications approved.

The total scheme will trigger capital contributions of £25.6m from the developers, with £14.1m going to education, £3.3m to healthcare, and £1.1m to bus enhancements. It will also see a Community Infrastructure Levy contribution of £7.5m for local projects, a portion of which will be passed to local parish and town councils.

The developers discussed how they will also deliver a £36.5m relief road – including a new section for the A350, notably bypassing the existing West Ashton traffic-signal controlled crossroads – as well as how the Council can deploy the capital that will go from the housebuilders to the local community to deliver further infrastructure.

The development’s long-term vision to create a thriving community is evident in the commitment to provide new schools, dedicated early years facilities, local centres, an ecology visitor centre, and 13.6ha of employment land to ensure benefits for the town and county.

£5.4m will be ringfenced for the Council to provide off-site affordable housing, in addition to the 27% of on-site homes reserved for local housing association partners. This will help address local housing needs – including many of the 4,000 households currently on Wiltshire’s housing waiting list – and support dozens of households in accessing secure accommodation.

Commenting on the visit, Cllr Ian Thorn – Leader of Wiltshire Council – said “The development at West Ashton is an important part of delivering the new affordable homes we need in Wiltshire. I look forward to the first homes opening and the delivery of vital infrastructure.”

Cllr Adrian Foster – Cabinet Member for Development Management & Housing – added “Given the local and national shortage of both private and social housing this development is a major milestone in meeting these needs, together with appropriate infrastructure."

Seb Spiller – Managing Director of Persimmon Homes Wessex – commented “We were very pleased to welcome the Council’s leadership to Ashton Park to break ground on a scheme that will make a significant difference in meeting housing need in Wiltshire.

“The investment we are bringing to Trowbridge will generate multiple benefits beyond delivering much-needed housing, from infrastructure projects and funding public services to ecological enhancement and community facilities.

“Persimmon is proud to be investing in Trowbridge in this way and we look further to working closely with both the Council and the community on this long-term project.”

Andrew Spicer, Managing Director of Barratt Redrow Bristol – also said “We were delighted to welcome Cllr Ian Thorn and Cllr Adrian Foster to Ashton Park and showcase the new community that we are creating here in Trowbridge.

“This development is a strong example of Barratt Redrow’s commitment to providing high-quality, sustainable homes that respond to local demand, while helping to build vibrant, well-connected communities across Wiltshire.

“It was a great opportunity to demonstrate the positive impact new housing can have on education, healthcare and local projects, both for new and existing residents in the area.”