Welcome
Gleeson Land is bringing forward proposals for a landscape-led new development on land east of Melksham.
The outline planning application will deliver up to 275 new homes including 30% affordable housing and extensive areas of public open green space. The proposals have been designed to incorporate a significant amount of green landscaping, comprising approximately 70% of the site. With excellent connectivity and easy access to existing facilities in Melksham, the proposals would provide a natural and sustainable extension to the town and deliver significant benefits to both the new and existing community.
This website provides details of our proposals and offers the opportunity for you to have your say by sharing feedback with us.
Illustrative masterplan (click to enlarge).
Our proposals
The site
Site location plan (click to enlarge)
The site is located on land east of Blackmore Farm, on the eastern edge of Melksham. It adjoins the consented Blackmore Farm site to the west and existing homes at Lopes Close and Blackmore House to the North.
Meeting local housing needs
There is an urgent housing need in Wiltshire. The emerging Wiltshire Local Plan currently provides for 2,041 homes per annum, which falls significantly below the authority’s identified housing need of 3,488 homes – meeting less than 60% of Wiltshire’s housing requirement.
The Regulation 19 version of the Emerging Wiltshire Local Plan (2020–2038) identifies land to the east of Melksham as suitable for residential development, confirming this area as a strategic location for future growth.
The proposals offer an opportunity to address this shortfall through a high quality, sustainability located, nature-driven scheme.
What is outline planning permission?
Outline planning permission establishes the principle of development. Details such as the design, layout, and mix of homes will be determined at later stages through reserved matters applications.
The proposals
The proposals would deliver:
275 high-quality homes, featuring a range of housing types and sizes
83 affordable homes
Simple, safe access for vehicles from Sandridge Common
New planting and biodiversity enhancements, achieving a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain
Enhanced pedestrian connectivity in all directions
Substantial open green space including recreation spaces, allotments, orchards and formal play areas for children and teens
Contributions towards significant infrastructure upgrades would be agreed with Wiltshire Council through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and Section 106 contributions subject to planning approval
New homes
The development would deliver a mix of homes, including 30% affordable housing. Details, such as the design of the homes, would be agreed through subsequent reserved matters application(s) and would ensure that the development complements the character of Melksham with regard to architectural style and materials.
Connectivity to services, facilities and infrastructure
Melksham town centre is accessible on foot or by bike and offers ample shopping, leisure and local amenities. Schools, healthcare, recreational areas and shopping outlets, including a pub, the Co-op, and Forest and Sandridge Primary School are all conveniently located close by, to meet day to day needs. The consented neighbouring site will also provide a new community building and employment uses that new residents of this site would benefit from.
A landscape-led scheme – 70% green space
The proposals place nature at the heart of the development, with green spaces comprising almost 70% of the site. A central network of green spaces would integrate new homes into the landscape, creating a natural setting that reflects the surrounding landscape.
Landscape features include:
East Green - an extensive natural open space
An extension to the Clackers Valley Park, creating new open green space alongside the stream, and further supporting wildlife
A new Eastern green corridor linking Clackers Valley Park to the nearby bridleway, with walking routes, play space and allotmentss
Two new Parks - Oak Park, designed around the existing oak trees and connected to the green corridor, and South Park, which could include space for teenagers and informal active play
Existing habitats would be protected and enhanced wherever possible. Mature trees and hedgerows would be retained, alongside new planting and landscaping to support biodiversity and create a greener, more attractive place to live.
Transport and access
Proposed site access plan (click to enlarge)
Site access
Access is proposed via a new T-junction from Sandridge Common, located between Blackmore House and Lopes Close, designed to safely accommodate all residents. This access would also incorporate a pedestrian and cycle link as approved as part of the neighbouring consented development.
Active travel
New walking and cycle routes would link to nearby bridleways and provide attractive connections through Clackers Valley Park and East Green. Local bus services already operate nearby, and a new service linked with the neighbouring consented development could also serve the site. Melksham railway station is easily accessible, with excellent road connections via the A350 and A361 providing links to Chippenham and Trowbridge.
Gleeson Land is an established specialist land promoter and part of MJ Gleeson plc, who have been delivering much needed new homes and community facilities for local people for almost 120 years. Gleeson are passionate about providing a personal, bespoke approach whilst working closely with landowners to enable the creation of beautiful homes and places.
For further information visit www.gleesonland.co.uk