Plans to build 300 new homes in Trowbridge reach decision time

Many residents and councillors are strongly opposed to the three new housing developments totalling 285 homes, which will be decided upon by Wiltshire Council's strategic planning committee on February 22.

The planned estates would mean 55 new homes by a private developer south of Church Lane; 50 new houses being built Newland Homes behind Spring Meadow at Upper Studley, and 180 new homes being built by developers Waddeton Park at Southwick Court Fields, south of Boundary Walk.

There have been fears the A361 Frome Road near Southwick Country Park could become a high-risk zone if the developments go-ahead.

Councillor David Vigar, who represents Trowbridge Grove on Wiltshire Council, said: “These plans would see a quadrupling in the number of homes from which traffic turns onto the busy Frome Road between the country park and St John’s Church. This must increase risks of accidents and congestion.”

On top of this councillors and archaeological experts have also objected to the proposed development at Southwick Court Fields amid claims a potentially large Roman site could be destroyed.

They believe the site contains the remains of a large Roman villa, along with a smaller 1st century villa, barns and other buildings that could include a bath house and a religious shrine.

There has also been opposition to other parts of the scheme which include a £7 million link road and 100-metre bridge over a flood plain that could cost up to £30 million.

The link road scheme was abandoned a decade ago but has been revived by Wiltshire Council planners to serve the 50 new homes to be built by Newland Homes.

Protesters even walked to Wiltshire Council HQ on July 22 last year to present a petition containing around 220 signatures asking councillors to reject the plans to build 180 homes on the Southwick Court Fields. 

MP for South West Wiltshire Andrew Murrison has said he also objects to the application on the basis of preventing congestion and protecting the Roman site.  

But the plans for the Southwick Court Fields homes say: “The proposed development would provide a well-considered environment delivering a variety of new housing types in accordance with the draft allocation enabling Wiltshire Council to meet the local housing need.

“Overall, the proposed development represents a positive development in an established and sustainable urban location.

“It will provide much needed new housing as well as many identifiable, tangible and long-lasting benefits for the local area and the town.”