A new development at the former MoD Copenacre site in Corsham has got the go-ahead from Wiltshire Council.


The Strategic Planning Committee accepted the plans for the site, in Bath Road, which include a care home, a hotel, up to 84 homes and office space with the council including a number of conditions, including a section 106 agreement, when they granted permission.


MoD Copenacre became surplus to requirements after the opening of the £800 million MoD Corsham complex, last April.

The plans, submitted by Copenacre Developments LLP, who purchased the site last year, will see existing buildings, car parks and other structures demolished to allow work to begin.

Richard Brown, the planning consultant representing Copenacre Developments LLP, said: “We are delighted that we have got the planning permission for the site. I think this is going to be good for the site and good for the town as it’ll bring some much needed facilities to Corsham and the surrounding area.

“We are now looking at technical issues and the 106 agreements with the intention of speaking to the house building companies in the new year.”

Mr Brown said the company will then look to sell the site to a developer who can carry out the work with their preferred choice being to sell the site as a whole rather than splitting it into segments.


Some of the conditions of the section 106 agreement include affordable housing on the site, the delivery of care accommodation, the inclusion of play areas on the site and a contribution to local education and leisure amenities amongst others.

Wiltshire Councillor Alan McRae, chairman of Corsham Area Board, supported the application at the planning meeting held at Salisbury City Hall on November 14.

He said: “I’m very impressed by the way the developers have kept in touch with the community throughout the planning process. I’m pleased to see a care home included as well as a much-needed hotel, which I’m sure will be of particular benefit to MoD Corsham, for the people who regularly have to visit the site from around the country.”

To see the minutes of the Strategic Planning Committee meeting visit https://cms.wiltshire.gov.uk/documents/g6237/Printed%20minutes%2014th-Nov-2012%2010.30%20Strategic%20Planning%20Committee.pdf?T=1.