Plans have been submitted for a significant housing development of up to 365 new homes on a 54-acre site between Westbury and Dilton Marsh. Persimmon Homes Wessex aims to build the new community on land off Mane Way, just west of Westbury and about a kilometre from the town centre.
The development site is bordered by railway lines to the north and west, Biss Brook river to the west, and Mane Way to the east. Notably, the 17th-century Penleigh House and its historic estate lie adjacent to the western boundary of the land.
This strategic site has been designated for housing in the Wiltshire Local Plan review. The planning application follows extensive consultations with Wiltshire Council, Westbury Town Council, and local residents, including a public consultation held in January.
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The new homes will be constructed in three key zones: a northern section near the railway line, a central area north of Penleigh Road, and the largest section south of Penleigh Road. The southern area will include new lakes designed to manage sustainable drainage and enhance local biodiversity.
Penleigh Road will be preserved as a ‘rural green corridor,’ ensuring natural spaces remain intact. Existing public footpaths will either be retained or rerouted to maintain community connectivity.
Over half of the entire site—more than 50%—will be dedicated to public open space, with improved access to a rare moated ancient monument within the development’s boundaries.
In a move to support affordable housing, Persimmon Homes Wessex has pledged that 30% of the new homes will be transferred to a local housing association, addressing the pressing housing needs for the area.