Plans to build another 616 homes at Wichelstowe have taken a major step forward after Swindon Borough Council agreed to release the next section of land for development.
The decision, made by the council’s Cabinet on 8 October, paves the way for work to begin on the next stage of one of Swindon’s largest housing developments, which has already transformed a substantial area on the southern edge of the town.
The latest phase will see work completed at Canalside and Wichel Fields in Middle Wichel, alongside The Orchards development in West Wichel.
Properties will range from one-bedroom flats through to five-bedroom detached family homes, offering a mixture of housing options for people looking to move into the area.
Of the 616 properties planned, 94 will be made available through affordable rent or shared ownership schemes, managed by an affordable housing provider.
That represents just over 15 per cent of the homes in this phase.
New roads, canal connections and walking routes
The next stage of Wichelstowe is not just about building more houses, with several infrastructure projects also forming part of the plans.
One of the biggest changes will be the completion of the main road network through the development.
Wichel Way will provide an east-to-west connection across the site, helping to link the different neighbourhoods as the community continues to grow.
There are also plans to extend the canal network, including a new connection beneath Mill Lane.
For residents who enjoy getting out and about, further improvements are planned for the surrounding green spaces.
New footpaths will be installed, while the existing boardwalk will be extended southwards to connect with the new housing areas.
These improvements are intended to make it easier for residents to move between different parts of Wichelstowe on foot and access the development’s open spaces.
Energy-efficient homes and wildlife protection
The developers say sustainability will continue to play a part in how the next phase is built.
Modern construction methods, including timber-frame building techniques, will be used alongside features designed to improve energy efficiency.
Solar panels are among the measures planned, while every new home will have access to an electric vehicle charging point as standard.
The development will also include measures intended to protect and encourage local wildlife.
Hundreds of swift bricks and bat boxes will be installed, alongside hedgehog highways that allow the animals to move between gardens and other green spaces.
Hundreds of new street trees will also be planted as the development progresses.
Final phase of Wichelstowe moves closer
The council’s decision also means design work can begin on the final stage of the development, which will be known as The Meadows.
Wichelstowe is being delivered through a partnership between Swindon Borough Council, Barratt Homes Bristol and David Wilson Redrow South West.
Once completed, the wider 250-hectare development is expected to provide around 3,000 homes, together with schools, community facilities and large areas of public open space.
Plans for the wider site also include nature conservation areas, sports pitches and allotments.
The latest approval is another step towards completing the development, which has been taking shape over several years.
Council welcomes progress on housing development
Councillor Matty Courtliff, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Property, welcomed the decision to transfer the land.
“I am really pleased my Cabinet colleagues agreed to authorise the transfer of land for this next phase of the development as it represents another significant step forward for Wichelstowe.”
He said the additional homes and supporting infrastructure would help meet housing demand while continuing to develop the community already established in the area.
“These new homes, together with improved infrastructure, green spaces and affordable housing, will help meet local demand while continuing to build the vibrant and sustainable community that has been taking shape over recent years.”
Councillor Courtliff added that work on the final phase would help bring the council closer to completing what it considers one of the country’s leading urban extension projects.
Russell Glimstead, Barratt Redrow Regional Managing Director for the West region and Wichelstowe LLP Board Chair, also welcomed the progress.
“This is a crucial next step which sees the completion of the new communities which have been taking shape over the initial six years of the Wichelstowe partnership.”
He added: “We’re excited to deliver this phase and also to look ahead and start planning the development in The Meadows.”
What happens next?
With the land transfer authorised, the next stage will be for the developers to progress work on the approved housing areas and associated infrastructure.
Although the council has cleared an important hurdle, a confirmed construction start date and timetable for the completion of the 616 homes have not been provided in the announcement.
The plans will bring Wichelstowe closer to its eventual completion, although residents will be watching how the additional housing, roads and community facilities come together as the development continues.
Further information about the council’s planning and development work is available through Swindon Borough Council.
