Following a unanimous approval from Wiltshire Council’s Eastern Area Planning Committee, Backhouse Housing has secured full planning permission for its redevelopment of the former Wadworth Brewery site in Devizes.

The scheme will deliver 102 new homes plus new retail, public open spaces, and enhanced pedestrian and cycling connections to the nearby canal. It has been designed with sustainability and connectivity in mind and will include ample secure cycle storage spaces, extensive new landscaping, 130 car parking spaces, and improved pedestrian routes throughout the site. 

Stuart Walter, senior land & planning manager at Backhouse, said: "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." 

The scheme will feature a collection of three and four bedroom houses, alongside studio, one and two bedroom apartments and has been designed 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. Backhouse has also committed to delivering eight affordable homes as part of the scheme. 

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. 

Work on site is expected to commence in Summer 2025, with completions anticipated in early 2027.