Consultation document COVER.ai - Wiltshire Council

Wiltshire Local
Development
Framework
3.6.4 Opportunities
Existing employment land may become at risk from other higher value land uses, particularly
residential.
The relatively limited range and size of shops in the town means that expenditure is lost
to other centres and additional trips are made by car to satisfy the needs of the local
population.
Residential growth has not been supported by the right infrastructure.
Service provision does not currently respond to local needs. The town lacks facilities for
the young and is reliant on other centres for community hospital services.
Land has been safeguarded in the current development plan in order to re-open Corsham
railway station, but this aspiration may well be unrealistic.
The town centre lies on the eastern edge of Corsham, at some distance from the less
constrained areas of the town where potential exists for future growth.
The release, and future use of formerly owned Ministry of Defence (MoD) land, will need
to be carefully considered as large areas relate poorly to the town.
Although the town has a relatively lower need for affordable housing than elsewhere due
to recent provision, incomes also remain relatively low. Housing growth is required to meet
affordable housing need, but this should be limited to ensure that there is no increase in
the dormitory status of Corsham.
The MoD is the town’s largest employer. Its presence at the town will be sustained through
the consolidation of activity from a number of sites onto the redeveloped Basil Hill Barracks
site.
Redevelopment of the MoD headquarters for communication and information services
could boost the area’s economic prospects through the attraction of related businesses.
Implementation of the planning consent for extra care apartments, care home and GP
surgery at Royal Arthur to the south of the town could help meet specific housing and
healthcare needs in the area.
The town could develop its role as a tourist destination due to its historic town centre,
Corsham Court and the surrounding attractive countryside, including the Cotswolds Area
of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The town’s environment and surroundings make it an attractive place in which to live and
work.
Further employment growth can be accommodated on existing sites well located in relation
to the built-up area.
3.6.5 How do we expect Corsham to change by 2026
Since Corsham is one of the smaller market towns and lies close to Chippenham and Bath,
it is unrealistic to plan for significant growth, but there can be some increase in employment
linked to the MoD. The town’s historic environment and accessibility will continue to attract
small to medium size businesses on locations well related to the town.
The main focus should be for Corsham to acquire a better range of local shops and services,
and at least the range that can be expected for a settlement of its size. This should
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