Award-winning housebuilder Backhouse has secured Reserved Matters Planning Permission for two new residential sites in Chippenham, Wiltshire, and North Leigh, West Oxfordshire. The approvals mark a major milestone for the firm as it expands its housing portfolio across the South of England.

Combined, the two developments will construct 125 high-quality new homes. Both schemes feature sustainable design elements, a high proportion of affordable housing, and significant investment into local community facilities and infrastructure.

The first site, situated on Saltersford Lane in Chippenham, will construct 70 new homes ranging from one to four-bedroom properties. Affordable housing will make up 40% of the site, which includes seven properties offered through the government-backed First Homes scheme.

The second project, located on Akeman Road in North Leigh near Witney and Oxford, will provide 55 new homes. This development features a mix of one to five-bedroom properties, including a selection of larger detached family houses. Affordable housing will again account for 40% of the total, alongside five proposed First Homes properties.

-- Advertisement --

Stuart Walter, Head of Land at Backhouse, comments: "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 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."

The developments were designed by Clifton Emery Design and Pad Design Ltd respectively. Both projects incorporate Backhouse's design-led approach, blending spacious layouts, high-quality craftsmanship, and carefully planned landscaping with modern living features.

The integrated First Homes scheme will allow eligible key workers and first-time buyers to purchase properties at 30% below market value, supporting local people as they buy their first property.

Sustainability and placemaking form core elements of both projects. The houses will feature electric vehicle charging points, air source heat pumps, cycle storage, and biodiversity initiatives such as bat and bird boxes.

Total financial contributions across both schemes via Section 106 and the Community Infrastructure Levy will come to approximately £1.4 million. These funds will support regional healthcare, education, transport, sports, and general community infrastructure.

Construction at the Chippenham site is scheduled to begin imminently, while work at North Leigh is anticipated to start on site in June. Properties at both developments are scheduled for release for sale from spring 2027.