Go-ahead for £50,000 plan to revive “bleak” part of historic town
The project will transform the space around the Grade I listed Yelde Hall in Chippenham Market Place
Last updated 29th Sep 2026
A “bleak and empty” space outside one of the most important historic buildings in a Wiltshire town is set for a £50,000 transformation after plans to overhaul the area were given the green light.
The project will transform the space around the Grade I listed Yelde Hall in Chippenham Market Place, replacing what planners described as a “bleak” and cluttered area with new York stone paving, seating, landscaping, lighting, cycle stands and bin storage.
Chippenham Town Council secured funding through the Wiltshire Towns Programme and earmarked £50,000 for the works, which are intended to improve the setting of the medieval hall while creating a more attractive space for residents and visitors.
The Yelde Hall, one of only two Grade I listed buildings in the town, hosts a wide variety of community events including theatre performances, craft fairs, talks, music and dance activities.
Planning documents submitted by the town council said the current space fails to showcase the historic building to best effect.
Existing problems include concrete paving, poorly positioned planters obscuring views of the hall, a lack of seating and cluttered alleyways connecting to The Shambles.
“The poor state of the public space does not showcase the Grade I listed Yelde Hall to best effect,” they said. “There is no reason to linger in this space.”
The approved scheme will introduce a curved landscaped planter, bespoke seating, a tree, biodiversity features and improved public lighting. New cycle parking and bin storage will also be provided, while sections of hard surfacing will be replaced with natural York stone.
Planners concluded the works would enhance both the setting of the Yelde Hall and the wider Chippenham Conservation Area.
Wiltshire Council officers said the existing area is characterised by “extensive areas of concrete paving, street clutter and fragmented landscaping” which do little to reinforce the significance of the historic building.
Conservation officers raised no objections and advised the proposals would cause “no harm” to the setting of the Yelde Hall or nearby listed buildings.
Historic England initially suggested changes to the position of one of the proposed benches to improve views of the hall and St Andrew’s Church. Revised plans were submitted and the organisation subsequently confirmed it had no further comments.
Granting permission, Wiltshire Council said the project would deliver significant public realm, biodiversity and townscape benefits, helping create a more welcoming environment around one of Chippenham’s most important historic landmarks.
Work will begin within three years.