450 more homes to be added to east of Melksham

WILTSHIRE Council has given the green light for a further 450 homes to be built on land east of Spa Road.

Joint applicants Hallam Land Management and Bloor Homes have been given permission to build 450 new homes on land east of Snowberry Lane.

The site will lie between the new East Clackers Brook  development and stretch out as far as Melksham Oak Community School and Melksham Town’s new football stadium.

The development would also see the construction of a new  extension of the ‘Eastern Relief Road’ from Thyme Road to Spa Road/Snowberry Lane, to include the construction of a new junction off Thyme Road to the north and the construction of a new roundabout and modified junction at Spa Road/Snowberry Lane.

Councillor Jon Hubbard said, “No-one wants 450 houses to be built on their doorstep but the reality is, it’s the most logical space for them to go.

“I’m pleased to report that we will be forming a Neighbourhood Liaison Group so nearby residents can voice their concerns to myself and the developers.

“They have real and genuine concerns about the development, but they also are mature and intelligent enough to understand that Melksham must provide more housing. I’m pleased that the developers have agreed to meet the residents and take everything they say into account.

“Another thing I’m extremely pleased with is the developers have agreed to build the community centre. We still need to finalise the details, but this is crucial for the community.

“We have also agreed that Snowberry Lane will not be used for construction traffic, which is brilliant because that was one of the concerns of the nearby residents.”

Melksham Without parish councillor Terry Chivers said, “I think this a win/win situation for Melksham and the council had no real reason to turn the application  down.

“Space needs to be found for 664 homes in the town, and this development will account for a large chunk of them.

“The developer will build a new community centre, make a large contribution to schools nearby, and provide space to extend the Spa Medical Centre. I think it’s a good result.”