Plans for 180 new homes on outskirts of Devizes given approval by Town Council

Devizes Town Council has given their blessing to the plans, poised by Origin3 on behalf of Princeton Homes, for Marshall Road.

Previously, concerns were raised by residents about pollution, the impact on traffic and the loss of greenspace surrounding the plans.

Developers now say they want to create a community on what is currently grassland, and hope that green cycle links, a public open space, a pond and playpark can be created alongside the houses.

There are also early talks regarding the potential for a wildlife corridor along the northern bank of the dismantled railway embankment on the site.

Planners say the greenfield site is made of grassland which”has negligible ecological value.”

The nearby Fox and Hound pub is also mentioned in early plans, with the hope the plans can be mindful to its character.

In a meeting of Devizes Town Council this week, councillors gave their approval for the development - although Wiltshire Council’s planning department will have the final say before work can begin.

Due to the location of the development, the 180 homes will not form part of the town’s neighbourhood plan, although this is being investigated.

The proposed layout

Cllr Ray Parsons said: “We are looking to a far greener future. Solar panels should be an automatic part of this development - we really need to be a modern, developing council.”

The proposals provide a mixture of new homes, both market and affordable.

Cllr Judy Rose added: “This plan is something we looked at in neighbourhood planning with a bit of concern, because these homes are completely outside the plan’s limits.

“It doesn’t seem to be a particularly bad proposal, but we are going to do some careful looking at the neighbourhood plan to accommodate its creation. I do agree there should be far more in the ways of sustainable matters on each house - solar panels should be a given.”

While the town council approved plans, they also urged that the social housing promised as part of the plans be of the same standard as other homes at the site, to ensure there is not maintenance issues in years to come.

Planners say the new development will create strong links to existing pedestrian and cycle routes as well as provide new green routes across the site to the surrounding countryside.

They add: “The site is located next to existing bus stops providing alternative means of transport and reducing reliance on the car.”

Planning documents, submitted by Origin3, add: “Overall, the proposals will support and assist in the delivery of new homes in Wiltshire.

“They will also contribute towards the council meeting its requirements relating to housing land supply – responding positively to the presumption in favour of sustainable development.”