The construction of a new housing development has been given the go-ahead on land just west of Elizabeth Way, on the northeastern boundary of Trowbridge.

This means that 68 new homes have been approved on the site, which comprises 3.2 hectares of grassland within Hilperton Parish.

The application was first submitted to Wiltshire Council in September 2020 by Persimmon Homes.

Hilperton Parish Council objected to the plans, stating that the location of the proposed play area was “inappropriate”, the position of the road access was “dangerous”, and that multi-storey properties would not be in keeping with nearby Albany Close.

It also noted that the green belt along Elizabeth Way “seems too narrow to conceal the houses from Hilperton or to attenuate noise from Elizabeth Way to the new properties.”

Residents’ comments raised concerns regarding the impact on the environment and landscape.

However, the case officer report found that the development plans were located a sufficient distance away from existing properties to ensure no loss of light or privacy.

It added that the site only represents “a portion of the overall Hilperton Gap”, with the larger part to the west remaining unchanged.

Overall, it was concluded that the proposals would have economic benefits and would help to provide affordable housing.