Update on plans to double Wiltshire social homes on street

In July, housing association GreenSquareAccord revealed plans to replace four properties it owns on Dixon Way in Calne.

If plans are approved, these homes will be knocked down and replaced with eight new properties, all of which will be available for social rent.

At the time, this idea proved controversial and some residents living in the houses earmarked for demolition were strongly opposed to them.

Following an initial consultation, GreenSquareAccord has now unveiled updated proposals for the scheme.

These plans include a reduction in the number of homes from nine to eight, improved off-road parking, and the inclusion of one and four-bedroom homes.

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Plans for the development at Dixon Way (Image: GreenSquareAccord)

A spokesperson for GSA said: “We were proud to present our updated proposals to double the number of social homes on land we own located on Dixon Way. 

“As a social landlord we are keen to provide homes for those that currently are seeking an affordable home within Wiltshire.

“Thank you to those that provided feedback on our proposals for Dixon Way during both public consultations.

“We appreciate you taking the time to provide feedback on our proposals and value your input. We look forward to sharing the final versions of our plans in due course.”

The housing association has insisted that any tenants impacted by the replacement of the current homes will be offered temporary or permanent housing, as well as the opportunity to take a new build once the scheme is completed.

But at the time the plans were revealed, some residents were unhappy at being forced from their current homes.

Michael Hitchcock is one of those affected and has lived on the street for over three decades.

Michael Hitchcock at his Dixon Way home (Image: Newsquest)

At the time of the initial announcement, the widower said that he was left “devastated” by the thought of leaving his family home.

He added: “I’ve been dealing with the death of my wife for the last year and now it feels like someone has died all over again, it ripped my heart out.

“When they told me I just sat there in shock and cried my eyes out, I feel like I’m drowning.

“It’s brought all the memories of my wife and kids living in that house flooding back, there’s so many memories here it’s comforting.

“This is my home and I don’t want to leave.”

GreenSquareAccord added that customers have been notified and will receive statutory home loss payment.