Living Space submits plans to double affordable Melksham scheme

Living Space has submitted an application to Wiltshire Council for phase two of its all-affordable housing scheme on the outskirts of Melksham, in conjunction with Terra.

The next phase of the scheme will deliver 53 extra homes on top of the 50 already approved, joining the new landscaping and public realm spaces off Semington Road. Phase two will comprise of 32 affordable rent and 21 shared ownership properties across the 2.8-hectare site.

The homes will be a mix of 1-bed maisonettes, 2-bed bungalows and 2, 3 and 4-bedroom family homes, and will be built with brick and render with reconstituted stone cills and brick quoin detailing – to complement existing homes in the area.

Living Space, which secured planning approval for phase one of the project back in 2023, is now looking for a housing association partner for phase two of the neighbourhood.

Sustainability will sit at the heart of the project with every home in the affordable scheme fitted with an air source heat pump, making it gas-free and helping lower energy bills for residents. Properties in phase two of the development will also have an EV charging point fitted.

The scheme sits within easy reach of local amenities including shops and a sports centre, as well as the nearby primary school and local railway station. The 403 National Cycle Network runs alongside the development and bus routes connect Melksham to Devizes, Bradford-on-Avon and Bath. Once the development is complete, priority will be given to people with a local connection to the parish through family or work.

Paul Breen, Managing Director of Living Space, stated: "We are pleased to have reached the stage where we can submit a reserved matters application for phase two of our Melksham development. Once approved, it will allow us to more than double the number of affordable homes on offer and will play a vital role in meeting the growing affordable housing needs of the area.

“After a successful phase one of the project, we’re now looking for a housing association partner to help us deliver phase two. All homes in phases one and two of the development will be fitted with air source heat pumps and now we’re entering 2025, we’ll see these early decisions begin to pay off as the Future Homes Standard comes into effect. 

“We look forward to being able to progress the second part of this scheme, bringing a new, affordable neighbourhood to Wiltshire.”