More homes on former Chippenham police station site refused

There's already permission for eight properties off Wood Lane

A CGI image of what the Wood Lane homes could have looked like
Author: Jessica Moriarty, Local Democracy ReporterPublished 12th Feb 2025

Plans for an extra nine homes on the site of a former police station have been refused by Wiltshire Council.

Applicants Woodsome Estates wanted to build on land off Wood Lane in Chippenham, and make it a fully affordable development.

The site already had full planning permission for the demolition of a car park structure which, according to the application, was considered an “eye-sore by many”, and the construction of eight homes.

However, they've now been denied permission for the additional nine homes.

Wiltshire Council found that the site layout was considered “cramped and contrived” and did not “promote active travel”.

The decision notice report indicates issues such as rear gardens not meeting “the required size or length” and allocated parking spaces “not located close to the dwellings they serve”.

It was also found that the proposal was lacking sustainability measures.

The report states: “The proposed development would result in the loss of existing trees and negatively affect local biodiversity.

“The application fails to adequately demonstrate how it would protect or enhance the natural environment.”

Applicants can appeal to the Secretary of State for the Environment within six months of the date of a decision, when Wiltshire Council refused a development.

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