Persimmon and Barratt Redrow have broken ground on a major development that will deliver 2,500 new homes in Trowbridge.
The housebuilders were joined by the leader of Wiltshire Council, Cllr Ian Thorn, and the Council’s cabinet member for development management & housing, Cllr Adrian Forster, to mark the commencement of enabling works on the site.
Outline planning consent was awarded to the housebuilders to construct the new homes on the land at Ashton Park last autumn. Persimmon, its sister company, Charles Church, and Barratt Redrow have had their initial reserved matters applications approved.
The total scheme will trigger capital contributions of £25.6million from the developers, with £14.1million going to education, £3.3million to healthcare, and £1.1million to bus enhancements. It will also see a Community Infrastructure Levy contribution of £7.5million for local projects, a portion of which will be passed to local parish and town councils.
The developers will also deliver a £36.5million relief road, including a new section for the A350, as well as how the council can deploy the capital that will go from the housebuilders to the local community to deliver further infrastructure.
The housebuilders’ plans for the new community include the creation of new schools, dedicated early years facilities, local centres, an ecology visitor centre and 13.6ha of employment land.
£5.4million will be ringfenced for the council to provide off-site affordable housing, in addition to the 27% of on-site homes reserved for local housing association partners.
Cllr Ian Thorn said: “The development at West Ashton is an important part of delivering the new affordable homes we need in Wiltshire. I look forward to the first homes opening and the delivery of vital infrastructure.”
Seb Spiller, managing director of Persimmon Homes Wessex, commented: “We were very pleased to welcome the Council’s leadership to Ashton Park to break ground on a scheme that will make a significant difference in meeting housing need in Wiltshire.”
“The investment we are bringing to Trowbridge will generate multiple benefits beyond delivering much-needed housing, from infrastructure projects and funding public services to ecological enhancement and community facilities.”
“Persimmon is proud to be investing in Trowbridge in this way and we look further to working closely with both the Council and the community on this long-term project.”
Andrew Spicer, managing director of Barratt Redrow Bristol, said: “We were delighted to welcome Cllr Ian Thorn and Cllr Adrian Foster to Ashton Park and showcase the new community that we are creating here in Trowbridge.”
“This development is a strong example of Barratt Redrow’s commitment to providing high-quality, sustainable homes that respond to local demand, while helping to build vibrant, well-connected communities across Wiltshire.”
“It was a great opportunity to demonstrate the positive impact new housing can have on education, healthcare and local projects, both for new and existing residents in the area.”
