Leigh Park Community Association hopes the construction of 24 new homes on the estate could boost progress on its planned community centre.

The association was given planning permission for a community hall by West Wiltshire District Council in December 2007, but construction was put on hold while the unitary council was formed.

Developer Persimmon has now submitted planning permission for 24 new homes on land next to Westbury Leigh Primary School in Sandalwood Road.

A number of conditions are expected to be included in a legal agreement covering the plan, which could include Persimmon making a contribution to a new community centre.

Leigh Park Community Association Chairman, John Rogers, has welcomed the new homes plan, which he said will be an added bonus for the estate after plans for a new £5 million primary care centre in Mane Way were granted in November.

He said: “At the moment it’s unused land and no one is keeping it very tidy so it’s suitable for homes.

“It will increase business for the shops in the precinct which will also benefit the area.

“With the health centre being built on the estate it will become a vibrant area.

“If we are going to build the community hall, which will benefit everyone, the centre can perhaps use the hall for things like blood tests.”

There have been further requests from Wiltshire Council Arts Service and Wiltshire Council’s department of neighbourhood and planning for contributions through the section 106 agreement.

The arts service has asked Persimmon to contribute £6,240 and the neighbourhood and planning department has suggested a play area should be built off Carmargue Road. A contribution to education has also been requested.

Persimmon Homes Wessex managing director Steve Roche said: “Section 106 details are still to be agreed as we are awaiting draft proposals from the Local Authority Our proposed development is adjacent to Westbury Leigh Primary School’s car park and while we haven’t been in direct consultation with the school, we are aware that planners are in discussion with the education authority.

“We propose to build a mix of two, three and four bedroom homes and can confirm that the scheme will include an element of affordable housing, in accordance with Wiltshire housing policy.”

Westbury Town Council’s highways, planning and development committee will discuss the application on Monday at The Laverton and a Wiltshire Council decision is expected before March 4.