Backhouse Gains Approval for 125 New Homes in Wiltshire and Oxfordshire Developments
Backhouse, the award-winning housebuilder, has obtained Reserved Matters Planning Permission for two residential projects in Chippenham, Wiltshire, and North Leigh, West Oxfordshire. This marks a key expansion in the company’s portfolio across southern England.
The combined developments will deliver 125 homes, featuring a substantial share of affordable housing, sustainable design elements, and significant investment in local infrastructure and community amenities.
The Chippenham site on Saltersford Lane will comprise 70 homes, ranging from one to four bedrooms. Notably, 40% of these will be affordable, including seven properties offered through the government-supported First Homes scheme.
Meanwhile, the North Leigh development on Akeman Road, located near Witney and Oxford, will provide 55 homes with one to five bedrooms. This includes a selection of larger detached family houses. Similarly, 40% of these homes will be affordable, with five designated as First Homes.
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.”
He added: “Both developments offer exciting firsts for Backhouse, with Saltersford Lane being adjacent to our HQ in Chippenham and North Leigh being 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.”
Clifton Emery Design and Pad Design Ltd have designed the Chippenham and North Leigh schemes, respectively. Both projects embody Backhouse’s design-led philosophy, featuring spacious layouts, quality craftsmanship, and thoughtfully planned landscaping to support modern living.
The First Homes initiative enables eligible first-time buyers and key workers to purchase properties at 30% below market value, facilitating local access to home ownership.
Sustainability is integral to both developments, which will include air source heat pumps, electric vehicle charging stations, cycle storage, and wildlife-friendly measures such as bird and bat boxes.
Combined contributions from Section 106 agreements and the Community Infrastructure Levy across both sites amount to approximately £1.4 million. These funds will support local education, healthcare, transport, sports, and broader community infrastructure.
Construction at the Chippenham site is expected to begin imminently, with work at North Leigh scheduled to start in June. Homes at both locations are anticipated to be available for sale from spring 2027.
