In addition to the 700 homes the plans include 10.6 hectare of green infrastructure as well as public open space and a primary school.
Pickles said in his decision letter (101-page / 982KB PDF) that in making the decision he had given "significant weight" to the fact that neither Wiltshire or neighbouring Swindon Council have a five year housing land supply set out in an up to date development plan. He noted that the National Planning Policy Framework "strongly supports" that planning permission should be granted in such circumstances.
Pickles said that the site had previously been considered suitable for housing allocation by the Council and that there were no objections from the Council to the development in terms of the sustainability of its location.
Taylor Wimpey's application was brought to a public inquiry in May after Wiltshire Council failed to determine the application within the prescribed time limit. At the appeal hearing, both Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council argued that their emerging core strategies and emerging local plans made adequate provision for more housing and that the development therefore was not necessary.
“Taylor Wimpey is delighted that the Secretary of State has agreed with the Inspector’s decision to grant planning permission for the Ridgeway Farm development," said the developer according to local reports. "We look forward to working with the local authority developing this scheme, including the provision of a new primary school, affordable housing and highway improvements.”
Wiltshire councillor Jacqui Lay said she was disappointed with Pickles' decision. “I hope that the councils will be able to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to provide the infrastructure required in the locality to support the new residents and to ensure that the existing residents are not impacted by this very unwelcome decision,” she said.
