Planning Approved For Up To 2,500 Homes at Ashton Park, Trowbridge

Posted by UK Property Forums on 22nd August 2025 -

Wiltshire Council’s Strategic Planning Committee has resolved to grant outline planning permission for a landmark mixed-use development at Ashton Park, south-east of Trowbridge.

The permission was granted on July 29 subject to the signing of legal agreements and subject to planning conditions.

The approved application submitted by Ashton Park Trowbridge Ltd and Persimmon Homes Ltd, will deliver up to 2,500 new homes, including affordable housing with 13.6 hectares of employment land.

Plans also show two new primary schools and one secondary school site two local centres with community and retail facilities and a new ecological visitor facility.

Extensive public open space is also included in the plans, including formal sports pitches, play areas, and a country park.

The Yarnbrook and West Ashton Relief Road will also be upgraded to improve traffic flow on the A350
This development represents the largest allocated site in the Wiltshire Core Strategy and is a key component of the council’s strategy to meet housing and employment needs across the county.

The scheme will also play a vital role in meeting Wiltshire’s housing needs.

The scheme includes a comprehensive package of ecological mitigation measures, developed in partnership with Natural England and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.

Key obligations secured through Section 106 agreements include a phased delivery of 26 per cent on-site affordable housing, with an additional £5.4m contribution towards affordable/social housing on other sites, more than £14m in education contributions and £3.4m for healthcare provision.

Enhanced bus infrastructure and cycling and walking connectivity to and from the site should also be included, along with long-term ecological monitoring and management, including a full-time wildlife warden.

The relief road, a critical element of the proposal, must be completed before the occupation of the 1,000th dwelling or within five years of the first occupation – whichever is sooner.

Managing director of Persimmon Homes Wessex, Seb Spiller, said: “We’re delighted that Wiltshire’s Strategic Planning Committee has resolved to grant permission for our plans and grateful for the constructive way the Council has worked with us during this process. Their support reflects the clear benefits this scheme will bring – not least the delivery of much-needed housing for local people.

“Our proposed development in Trowbridge will provide high-quality homes, helping local people stay rooted in their communities – able to live not just where they can afford, but where they truly want to be. Alongside this, the scheme will unlock millions of pounds in investment for local services and infrastructure.

“The Ashton Park scheme will deliver new roads, schools, employment land, foot and cycleways, a visitor centre, green open spaces, and ecological enhancements. It will also ease pressure on the local housing list, creating lasting, wide-reaching benefits for both new and existing residents.

“We look forward to signing the Section 106 agreement soon, so we can begin turning this vision into reality and leave a positive, lasting legacy in Trowbridge.”

Rob Hart, managing director of Barratt Bristol, said: “Securing resolution to grant planning permission marks a vital step forward in delivering the new homes that local people urgently need. The South West continues to face significant housing pressures, particularly when it comes to the supply of affordable homes and this development will play a major role in helping to address that challenge.

“We’re proud that Barratt Homes will be part of bringing forward this important development and ensuring it delivers genuine community benefits, including new infrastructure, public green spaces, and homes for local families at all stages of life.

“Working alongside Persimmon Homes and in close dialogue with Wiltshire Council and local stakeholders, we look forward to creating a high-quality, sustainable new neighbourhood that supports the future of Trowbridge and the wider area.”

Cllr Adrian Foster, cabinet member for Strategic Planning, Development Management, and Housing, said: “This is a significant step forward for Trowbridge and indeed for Wiltshire.

“This site, which is a key part of the Wiltshire Core Strategy, has been delayed by complex legal issues, but thankfully these have now been resolved and the application can move forward.

“Ashton Park will deliver much-needed homes, jobs, schools, and infrastructure, while also mitigating the effect on our natural environment. It’s a balanced scheme that reflects our commitment to sustainable growth, and I am pleased that the Strategic Planning Committee has resolved to approve the application.”

Image: Persimmon Homes