Developer wins appeal to build 70 houses
Planning Inspectors said it's a logical extension for the town of Melksham
A developer has won an appeal to build 70 houses on the outskirts of a market town.
In November 2024, land promoter Waddeton Park Ltd applied to construct up to 70 dwellings on land off Woodrow Road, on the northern edge of Melksham.
The application included proposals for open space, ecological enhancement, play space and associated infrastructure.
The application was refused by Wiltshire Council planners in July 2025.
Planners said the proposed development was outside the limits of development defined for the market town, and also cited flood risk concerns.
The council issued three reasons for its refusal on the decision notice.
The first reason the council gave was that the site of the proposed development lies outside the limits of development defined for the market town of Melksham as identified in the Wiltshire Core Strategy.
The second reason was due to the flood risk faced by the land in question. The notice states the applicant had not submitted a sequential test, despite the site being deemed at risk of surface-level flooding. According to the council, this means the “applicant has failed to demonstrate and satisfy the council that there are no reasonably available sites appropriate for housing development across Wiltshire in areas at lower flood risk, now or in future.”
The third reason was that a Section 106 had not yet been signed, and as such, “the proposal as submitted, fails to make the necessary provisions identified as being necessary for public open space, equipped play, sports provision, education school spaces, affordable housing, safeguarding.”
Waddeton Park appealed to the Planning Inspectorate, which conducted a site visit and held a two-day planning inquiry in February.
And this week the inspector ruled in favour of the developer, noting that the appeal site “is well related to the
existing built-up area and would form a logical extension to this part of the town.”
The inspector also noted that planning permission has been granted for around 500 dwellings at nearby Blackmore Farm.
The inspector also ruled that ” with the imposition of suitably worded planning conditions… there would be no increase in flood risk.”
And they gave “very substantial weight” to the fact that Wiltshire cannot meet its five-year housing target.
Since launching the appeal, the developer has agreed to make contributions towards primary and secondary education, outdoor play equipment, and waste and recycling services.