Award-winning housebuilder Backhouse has secured Reserved Matters Planning Permission for two new residential developments in Chippenham, Wiltshire and North Leigh, West Oxfordshire, marking a significant milestone as the business continues to expand across the South of England.
Together, the two developments will deliver 125 high-quality new homes, including a strong proportion of affordable housing, sustainable features and significant investment into local infrastructure and community facilities.
The first development, located on Saltersford Lane in Chippenham, will provide 70 new homes comprising a mix of one to four-bedroom properties. 40 per cent of the homes will be delivered as affordable housing, including seven homes available through the government-backed First Homes scheme.
The second development, situated on Akeman Road in the village of North Leigh near Witney and Oxford, will deliver 55 new homes. The scheme will include a range of one to five-bedroom properties, including larger detached family homes. As with the Chippenham site, 40 per cent of the homes will be affordable, alongside five proposed First Homes properties.
Stuart Walter, Head of Land at Backhouse, said: “Securing two planning approvals in one week is a fantastic achievement for Backhouse and reflects the hard work, collaboration and dedication across the business and wider consultancy teams. Both developments have been carefully designed to deliver high-quality, sustainable homes that respond to local housing needs while creating attractive places for people to live. From affordable housing and First Homes to extensive landscaping and investment in community infrastructure, these schemes will deliver meaningful long-term benefits for their respective communities.
“Both developments offer exciting firsts for Backhouse, with Saltersford Lane being adjacent to our headquarters in Chippenham and North Leigh representing our first development in Oxfordshire, marking another important step in the continued growth of the business. We look forward to bringing both developments forward and sharing further updates as progress continues.”
The developments have been designed by Clifton Emery Design and PAD Design Ltd respectively, reflecting Backhouse’s design-led approach, with a focus on spacious layouts, quality craftsmanship and carefully considered landscaping to support modern living.
Sustainability is central to both schemes, which will incorporate air source heat pumps, electric vehicle charging points, cycle storage and wildlife-friendly initiatives such as bird and bat boxes.
The First Homes scheme provides eligible first-time buyers and key workers with the opportunity to purchase a property at 30 per cent below market value, helping more people take their first step onto the property ladder.
Combined Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy contributions across both developments total approximately £1.4m, supporting local education, healthcare, transport, sports and wider community infrastructure.
Construction at the Chippenham site is expected to commence imminently, with North Leigh anticipated to start on site in June. Homes at both developments are expected to be released for sale from spring 2027.