Builder gets permission to build 21 homes in Malmesbury

Persimmon Homes Wessex will incorporate these zero-carbon dwellings into the Backbridge Farm development in Malmesbury.

The dwellings will be built close to the existing site, known as Punters Farm.

The approved designs will result in biodiversity net gain, tree and hedge retention, animal cages, refugia, and walkways.

The developer will also make financial contributions to the community under a section 106 agreement.

Eight of the 21 buildings will be given to a local affordable housing association to help meet Wiltshire’s housing needs.

As part of the arrangement, the developer will construct new car access for a local tennis club as part of its expansion plans.

The proposal was influenced by the Malmesbury Neighbourhood Plan, which, in February 2015, became the first’made’ Neighbourhood Plan in Wiltshire and designated Punters Farm for additional development.

Because of its proximity to Backbridge Farm, the land will benefit from the bigger development’s new infrastructure and amenities, which include a village green, pocket parks, play areas, attenuation ponds, and a recently constructed footbridge into town.

Site-specific traits will result in a 10% net increase in biodiversity.

Through its Community Champions programme, the developer has donated to local charities including Malmesbury Town Carnival, Malmesbury Victoria FC, and Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Seb Spiller, Deputy Managing Director of Persimmon Homes Wessex, said: “We’re happy to have obtained permission to create new homes for Malmesbury at Punters Farm, which complements our site at Backbridge Farm.

“Persimmon has already provided significant community assets at Backbridge Farm that will benefit both the existing site and the future development, including a major new footbridge into town.

“We are very much devoted to Malmesbury – not only is our Wessex business located here and we are constructing houses for local people, but we’re happy of the help we’ve given to local charities and events through our Community Champions project.

“We look forward to working with Wiltshire Council to deliver these homes as quickly and with as little disruption as possible as we help meet local housing need and leave a positive and lasting legacy.”