Backhouse Housing has secured full planning permission for its redevelopment of the former Wadworth Brewery site in Devizes, following a unanimous approval at the most recent meeting of Wiltshire Council’s Eastern Area Planning Committee.
The scheme will deliver 102 new homes, new retail, public open spaces, and enhanced pedestrian and cycling connections to the nearby canal. Designed with sustainability and connectivity at its heart, the development will include ample secure cycle storage spaces, extensive new landscaping, 130 car parking spaces, and improved pedestrian routes throughout the site.
The site became vacant after Wadworth Brewery relocated to a modern facility on Folly Road, allowing the business to expand while remaining in Devizes. The approved plans cover most of the former brewery site, excluding the Grade II listed Wadworth Brewery building, which is subject to a separate planning application.
Designed to complement the surrounding Devizes Conservation Area, the scheme will feature a collection of three and four bedroom houses, alongside studio, one and two bedroom apartments. The development has been carefully planned to integrate with its historic surroundings with the buildings ranging from two to four storeys in height, lower than the adjacent six-storey brewery building, to maintain a sense of character and place. Backhouse has also committed to delivering eight affordable homes as part of the scheme, helping to meet local housing needs.
The project incorporates a range of sustainability measures, including air source heat pumps and solar photovoltaic panels, ensuring energy-efficient homes that align with modern environmental standards. Extensive landscaping will contribute to a 1,446% biodiversity net gain, with new trees, hedgerows, and planting along the canal to protect and enhance the natural habitat for a range of species. Backhouse will be providing a number of community benefits through financial contributions (secured through a S106 agreement) totalling £461,000. They will also make a significant investment to decontaminate and prepare the brownfield site for development.
Stuart Walter, Senior Land & Planning Manager at Backhouse, comments:
“The former Wadworth Brewery is an important regeneration project for Devizes and we are very pleased to have achieved planning to deliver high-quality local homes at this location. This decision reflects our collaborative approach with officers, stakeholders, and the local community to create a high-quality, design-led scheme that is sensitive to its historic surroundings. We look forward to starting work on site soon.”
Work on site is expected to commence in Summer 2025, with completions anticipated in early 2027. Chippenham-based Backhouse has a strong track record of delivering high-quality, design-led developments across Wiltshire, including recent schemes in Calne, Westbury, and Warminster. These projects have been recognised for their exemplary design and have set new standards for placemaking in the region. Backhouse’s commitment to thoughtful planning, architectural design, and sustainable building methods ensures that each development is a lasting asset to the local community.
The approval of this scheme comes at a time of increasing demand for high-quality housing in Devizes. The mix of homes within the development will cater to a broad range of buyers, from first-time homeowners to downsizers, supporting the town’s housing needs.
Backhouse worked closely with stakeholders, including the Assize Court Trust, Anstie Court residents, the Devizes Canoe Club, and the Canal & River Trust, to refine its proposals in line with community aspirations. As a highly sensitive site within the Devizes Conservation Area, the development has been designed to respect and enhance the surrounding historic environment. The preservation of key heritage features, alongside a sympathetic approach to architecture and materials, will ensure the scheme integrates seamlessly with its surroundings.
Beyond the delivery of new homes, the scheme will play a key role in supporting the local economy, creating jobs and opportunities throughout the construction phase and beyond. The introduction of a new shop, improved public spaces, and enhanced pedestrian and cycling routes will also contribute to the wider community area, benefiting both new and existing residents.