Wadworth Brewery housing plans deemed 'unacceptable'

Revised plans were submitted in October for the redevelopment of the former Wadworth Brewery on the corner of New Park Street and Northgate Street, Devizes.

The main portion of the site has been earmarked for housing by developer Backhouse and several amended proposals have been submitted to Wiltshire Council over the last 18 months.

If approved, the scheme would see the creation of 102 new homes on the historic site, replacing the former brewery.

But while Backhouse believes its latest plans have addressed concerns put forward by the town council, residents, and other members of the community, objections have once again been lodged.

Among these objections was a statement from the town council.

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Revised plans for the Wadworth brewery (Image: Backhouse) Councillors remain concerned about the design of the development and the parking facilities, labelling the latest plans “unacceptable.”

A spokesperson said: “Poor parking design remains an issue, not compliant with the National and Wiltshire Design Guides, particularly the interface of parking at Block Q with the former petrol filling station.

“The block fronting onto New Park Street, although improved relative to the listed brewery buildings, is still unacceptable in its critical interface with New Park Street as it does not adequately follow the curve of the street.

“The proposed boundary with the former petrol filling station remains in need of improvement.

“Despite significant improvement in the provision of affordable housing, the level and mix is considered inadequate.”

Backhouse says its latest proposal has been informed by feedback from interested parties and will bring a range of benefits to a disused site.

Revised plans for the Wadworth brewery (Image: Backhouse) In the firm’s design and access statement, a spokesperson said: “This development is set in an area of excellent transport accessibility.

“It is located in a sustainable location, within walking distance of Devizes town centre, and has excellent access to local amenities.

“It is an ideal location for a high-quality residential scheme. It encompasses the advice and guidance provided by officers from Wiltshire Council, and comments from the public consultation and exhibition.

“The design has been developed to relate to the local context and to balance the requirements of stakeholders.”

Wiltshire Council is still considering the application.

The Grade II listed buildings at the front of the old brewery will be retained and converted into a range of new uses under a separate scheme that is being proposed by Trevor Osborne Ltd.