Stanley Park housing plans rejected by Chippenham council

A planning application was submitted in October to build up to 150 residential dwellings to the south of Stanley Lane in Chippenham, between Abbeyfield School and Stanley Park Sports Ground, where Forest Green Rovers FC train.

If approved, the new housing development would adjoin the 47-acre Stanley Park and provide “an inclusive mix of new energy-efficient homes”, according to developers David Wilson Homes.

But Chippenham town councillors objected to the scheme at a recent planning committee meeting, where it was argued that the environmental impact of the plans would outweigh any benefits.

In a comment on the consultation, they said: “As it currently stands the town council considers that the adverse impacts of the proposal would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the proposal.”

A planning officer report read out at the meeting advised that, while there were benefits to the scheme, including the provision of 60 affordable housing units, it would “undermine the plan-led approach to sustainable development.”

Stanley Park (Image: Newsquest)

This is because the site is not currently allocated for housing in the Wiltshire Local Plan.

Residents have also voiced concerns about increased traffic in the already busy area.

One said: “The traffic is a nightmare around that area without adding to it with houses and extra traffic.

“I own a horse and ride along Stanley Lane, it is bad enough with the flow of traffic we get at this moment.”

But David Wilson Homes insists the site is a “sustainable location for development” with good transport links to the town centre.

Speaking at the meeting, a spokesperson for the firm said: “There are some misconceptions… we do think it’s really well located.

“About a third of the site will remain green. It’s pretty low density overall.”

The western part of the site (Image: Newsquest)

A central green space with a play area would be at the heart of the planned estate.

Access to Stanley Park from Stanley Lane would be retained while a new access point for the development is planned further down the road.

While town councillors voted to object to the proposal in its current form, many voiced support for the idea of the development if alterations are made.

Cllr John Scragg added: “It’s quite a modest development and would seem to fit in fairly well with Pewsham… I agree there should be some modifications, but I wouldn’t object myself to the proposal.”

A public consultation on the scheme will run until December 29, ahead of a decision deadline of January 5.