Plans for a large-scale housing development comprising 2,500 homes near Trowbridge have received final legal approval, marking a significant step forward in the project’s progression.
In July, Wiltshire Council’s strategic planning committee granted outline permission for the Ashton Park development. Since then, lawyers representing both the council and the developers—Persimmon and Barratt Redrow—have finalized the necessary legal agreements to ensure the project meets strict delivery, sustainability, and responsibility criteria.
The developers are now required to submit detailed proposals outlining building designs, layouts, scale, appearance, and landscaping that were not included in the initial outline application. Approval of these details is anticipated within the coming months, with construction expected to commence in early 2026.
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The Ashton Park development will be completed in four phases: 350 homes in phase one nearest Trowbridge, followed by 375 homes in phase two, 725 in phase three, and 750 in phase four.
Of the total homes, 600 will be affordable housing units situated on-site, supplemented by a £5.3 million financial contribution toward affordable housing elsewhere in Wiltshire.
The plan also includes nearly 14 hectares dedicated to employment land, two local centers featuring retail, community, and dining facilities, two primary schools, and designated land for a potential secondary school. However, the need for the secondary school remains uncertain as both existing secondary schools in Trowbridge—John of Gaunt and Clarendon—currently have capacity.
Public amenities are a central feature of the development, with extensive green spaces, including a country park, sports pitches, playgrounds, natural areas, allotments, and an ecological visitor center designed to promote biodiversity.
Infrastructure improvements will include construction of the Yarnbrook and West Ashton Relief Road, diverting A350 traffic away from West Ashton to improve local conditions. New junctions, along with pedestrian and cycle pathways, will also enhance connectivity.
Cllr Adrian Foster, Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for strategic planning, development management, and housing, stated: “Securing planning permission for Ashton Park is a major milestone for Trowbridge and the wider Wiltshire area. This development will deliver essential new homes, job opportunities, and community infrastructure while carefully addressing environmental concerns. We look forward to reviewing the detailed plans and starting construction soon.”