Redrow Homes, one of Britain’s biggest house building firms, has bought the Bureau West site in Devizes.

The company will submit a detailed planning application for 118 homes on the site, off Horton Road, at the end of the month. It says it is also in discussion with a care home operator.

The former Ministry of Defence computer centre was bought by Leda Properties which applied for planning permission for 172 homes, a care home and office space on the site.

It was turned down by Kennet District Council but the company won an appeal.

Lee Hawker, head of land for Redrow Homes (South West), said: “I am pleased to confirm that Redrow Homes completed the purchase of land at Horton Road, Devizes, from Leda Properties in January.

“Redrow now owns the entire site, which has outline planning approval for up to 172 homes, a care home and offices.

“Our initial discussions with the local planning authority have been positive and we hope to submit a reserved matters application at the end of February.

“Subject to approval, this will see the development of residential properties, a care home and offices.”

Mr Hawker added that his company’s plans include 118 three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached properties.

The development of the site, which has been empty since Cap Gemini left it in 1999, will remove problems of vandalism and anti-social behaviour there.

Eric Clark, a member of Bishops Cannings Parish Council, said: “We have been pressing for some time to have the buildings on the site demolished because they are very dilapidated and a magnet for vandalism and arson.

“We always knew the previous owners would sell it on but Wiltshire Council now has to make sure there are resources in the parish to support such a large increase in the population.”