Developers behind plans for an 'untenable' and 'extraordinary' house estate consisting of 2,500 new homes near Trowbridge have requested more time to complete legal formalities

The proposal for land to the southeast of Trowbridge, between the villages of North Bradley, Yarnbrook and West Ashton, also includes two local centres, two primary schools, a secondary school and a public open space.

The application dates back to 2015 and has been held up until now because of delays in completing legal agreements. 

In 2018 the scheme was given permission to go-ahead, subject to the completion of legal agreements, which have not been completed.

Developers had been due to complete the agreement by the end of January, which would have given them a contractual obligation to acquire the site, but say concerns around the housing market and economy make it "not a viable proposition".

“The applicants have said that they are hopeful that the market will adjust to these uncertainties during 2023," a report to Wiltshire Council's planning committee says.

“As a result of these circumstances, the applicants have requested an extended period of time, until September 2023 to conclude the legal agreements.

“Accordingly, the matter is brought before the Committee again for it to consider a further recommendation to further extend the period for completion of the legal agreements by eight months – to 30 September 2023.”

Attached to the application is a phasing plan which shows the stages at which the developments will happen.

There have since been several comments criticising the plans, many highlighting the length of time since the application was first put forward.

One of the objections raised says: “The application in question is beyond untenable. Most of the supporting documentation is dated from 2015 so would be a minimum of 5 years out of date.

“Many design codes, legislation, and minimum requirements have changed in that time.”

It adds: “It would be right to assume many people from the local area would have moved on from 2015, and many new people that have moved to the area should be able to have their say.

“The planning decisions should be made with more up to date documentation that is in line with current environmental standards.”

Another comment adds: “How on Earth are we talking about a highly unsustainable development on green field land and a hugely damaging road in terms of carbon emission and habitat damage, at a time when Wiltshire Council has apparently signed up to a Declaration of Climate Emergency?”