Andy Munns
Wiltshire Council has submitted a planning application for 18 affordable houses on land at Old Common Way, Ludgershall, Wiltshire.
The application is part of the council’s ambitious plans to deliver 1,000 affordable homes over a decade for people on the Housing Register and unable to afford a home on the open market.
The proposed houses would be built using modern methods of construction involving volumetric-made elements, which would avoid wasting building materials on site and would allow the final product to have the highest quality of construction finishes and be energy efficient.
The houses would be highly insulated and fitted with heat pumps to further support the council’s commitment to tackling climate change. South-facing roofs would also have solar panels.
The proposed site, located at the former Bartlett House care home, Old Common Way, borders the existing GP surgery, primary school, is close to bus stops, and is within 10 min walking distance of Ludgershall town centre.
All homes would have dedicated car parking, in accordance with Wiltshire planning policy standards, and there will be visitor spaces too. Cycle parking will be provided in rear gardens for houses and shared courtyards for flats.
The proposed housing design reflects the surrounding area’s scale and character.
A mix of housing, from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom houses, is proposed, and these would be a mix of rent and shared ownership. Should planning permission be granted, the site would be managed and maintained by Wiltshire Council.
It includes informal areas to walk, as well as a casual play space. Planting of the open space would include native species to encourage enhanced biodiversity and the network of swales and soakaways that are part of the drainage solution would further help improve habitat for birds, and insects.
Cllr Phil Alford, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “We’re pleased to have submitted this planning application. Our commitment to delivering 1,000 houses over a decade will ensure there are a variety of affordable homes throughout the county for people, meeting a key commitment of our Business Plan.
“Should planning permission be granted, these houses would provide lovely homes to residents who really need them.
“I encourage people to look at all the details of the planning application as all representations received will be considered as part of Wiltshire Council’s usual planning application process.”
The planning application is available to view via the council’s planning web pages. People just need to type in the planning application number PL/2023/06881at https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/
