Major development plans set out for Royal Wootton Bassett

Four sites in Royal Wootton Bassett have been selected for development as part of Wiltshire Council’s ‘Local Plan’ - the framework for future development.

Land at Marsh Farm, Midge Hall Farm, Woodshaw, and land to the West of Maple Drive could be the site of 1,340 new homes, as well as a new school, full day care nursery, six hectares of employment land and a park and ride facility.

If it is approved, this development will be completed by 2038.

A Local Plan sets out a framework for the future development of an area.

“The growth planned for Royal Wootton Bassett will help to maintain the vitality and viability of the town centre, increasing the available pool of local spending,” the draft plan reads.

“There are vulnerabilities at Royal Wootton Bassett due to housing development pressures, and the imbalance of homes and jobs, so housebuilding needs to be balanced with additional investment in business, infrastructure and services for the local community.”

Here’s what the development could look like:

Marsh Farm

Marsh Farm has been the subject of multiple developments recently, with plans for a Lidl store approved this month.

Now Wiltshire Council propose to build 150 homes on the site, with access from Malmesbury Road.

Midge Hall Farm

The draft concept plan for Marsh Farm and Midge Hall Farm (Image: Wiltshire Council)

415 homes have been planned for Midge Hall Farm site over the next 15 years.

In order to cope with this increase of population, Wiltshire Council have also detailed plans for an additional primary school, 1.8 hectares of land for employment space, and a local community centre.

“An imbalance of homes and jobs is a key issue at Royal Wootton Bassett. Providing additional employment land is an important component that helps to address this,” the draft plan reads.

Woodshaw

The draft concept plan for land at Woodshaw. (Image: Wiltshire Council)

Plans for development in Woodshaw include 445 dwellings, a full daycare nursery, and a park-and-ride facility.

These ‘dwellings’ will reportedly be a variety of types, including affordable homes.

West of Maple Drive

The draft concept plan for land west of Maple Drive. (Image: Wiltshire Council)

Land west of Maple Drive is the proposed site for 70 new homes.

The Wiltshire Local draft plan is now going to public consultation from Wednesday, September 27 to Wednesday, November 22.

Residents are encouraged to have their say, by attending the public drop-in session which will be held at Royal Wootton Bassett Library between 3pm – 7pm on Wednesday, October 11.

For anyone unable to attend, a live webinar will also be held on Tuesday, October 10 at 6.30-8pm, where locals can watch a presentation and ask questions.

Full details and how to sign up to the webinar can be found on Wiltshire Council website.