Wichelstowe Development Enters Next Major Phase in Swindon
Swindon Borough Council has authorised the transfer of land for 616 new homes, infrastructure, and green spaces, marking a significant step forward.
By Verity Coombes
••3 min read
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Next phase of Wichelstowe housing development in Swindon.
Swindon Borough Council has approved the next phase of the Wichelstowe development, authorising land transfer for 616 new homes, improved infrastructure, and enhanced green spaces.
Work is set to commence on the subsequent phase of Wichelstowe, a significant housing development in Swindon, which aims to provide thousands of new homes. The Swindon Borough Council Cabinet agreed on 8 October to authorise the transfer of land for this next stage.
This phase will deliver a total of 616 homes, ranging from one-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom detached properties. As part of the commitment to affordable housing, 94 homes will be made available through shared ownership or affordable rent schemes managed by a dedicated provider. The developments included are Canalside and Wichel Fields in Middle Wichel, and The Orchards in West Wichel.
Key infrastructure improvements are also planned, including the completion of the primary road network through Wichel Way, connecting the site from east to west. An expansion of the canal network is also scheduled, featuring a connection under Mill Lane. Furthermore, new footpaths and an extension of the boardwalk southwards into the new housing areas will enhance the open spaces.
Sustainability is a core focus, with homes built to the latest standards incorporating modern techniques like timber frame construction and energy generation features such as photovoltaic panels. Each home will be equipped with an electric car charging point as standard. Wildlife will also be supported through the provision of hundreds of swift bricks, bat boxes, and hedgehog highways, alongside the planting of numerous street trees.
The approval also initiates the design process for the final phase of Wichelstowe, to be known as The Meadows. The overall Wichelstowe development, a 250-hectare site on the southern edge of Swindon, is a partnership between Barratt Homes Bristol, David Wilson Redrow South West, and Swindon Borough Council. It is set to deliver 3,000 new homes, alongside new schools and community facilities, extensive open spaces, nature conservation areas, playing pitches, and allotments.
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"I am really pleased my Cabinet colleagues agreed to authorise the transfer of land for this next phase of the development as it represents another significant step forward for Wichelstowe. These new homes, together with improved infrastructure, green spaces and affordable housing, will help meet local demand while continuing to build the vibrant and sustainable community that has been taking shape over recent years. With the final phase now moving into the design stage, we remain firmly focused on delivering one of the UK's leading urban extensions right here in Swindon."
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"This is a crucial next step which sees the completion of the new communities which have been taking shape over the initial six years of the Wichelstowe partnership. We’re excited to deliver this phase and also to look ahead and start planning the development in The Meadows."
