Wiltshire 2026 Consultation Methodology and ... - Wiltshire Council
Wiltshire 2026 Consultation Methodology and ... - Wiltshire Council
Wiltshire 2026 Consultation Methodology and ... - Wiltshire Council
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<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Local<br />
Development<br />
Framework<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>2026</strong><br />
Planning for <strong>Wiltshire</strong>’s future<br />
<strong>Consultation</strong> methodology <strong>and</strong> output report<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy July 2010<br />
Data Appendices
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />
Information about <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong> services can be made available on request in other<br />
languages including BSL <strong>and</strong> formats such as large print <strong>and</strong> audio. Please contact<br />
the council on 0300 456 0100, by textphone on 01225 712500 or by email on<br />
customerservices@wiltshire.gov.uk.
Contents<br />
1.0 Introduction .......................................................................................................1<br />
2.0 Individual comments section ...........................................................................2<br />
2.1 Proposed overall spatial strategy: comments ...............................................2<br />
2.2 Proposed overall spatial strategy: respondents ..................................................4<br />
3.0 The story across the whole of <strong>Wiltshire</strong> – by topic........................................7<br />
3.1 Topics: The individual papers ...........................................................................7<br />
3.2 Strategic Objective 1 (Box 2) climate change: comments ...........................7<br />
3.3 Strategic Objective 1 (Box 2) climate change: respondents................................9<br />
3.4 Strategic Objective 2 (Box 3) long term economic growth: comments .....10<br />
3.5 Strategic Objective 2 (Box 3) long term economic growth: respondents...........14<br />
3.6 Strategic Objective 3 (Box 4) meeting<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong>’s housing needs: comments ........................................................16<br />
3.7 Strategic objective 3 (Box 4) meeting<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong>’s housing needs: respondents............................................................22<br />
3.8 Strategic Objective 4 (Box 5) infrastructure <strong>and</strong> services: comments ......23<br />
3.9 Strategic Objective 4 (Box 5) infrastructure <strong>and</strong> services: respondents............28<br />
3.10 Strategic Objective 5 (Box 6) vitality <strong>and</strong><br />
viability of town centres: comments .............................................................29<br />
3.11 Strategic Objective 5 (Box 6) vitality <strong>and</strong><br />
viability of town centres: respondents ...............................................................30<br />
3.12 Strategic Objective 6 (Box 7) safe <strong>and</strong> accessible places: comments ......31<br />
3.13 Strategic Objective 6 (Box 7) safe <strong>and</strong> accessible places: respondents...........34<br />
3.14 Strategic Objective 7 (Box 8) sustainable<br />
forms of transport: comments .......................................................................35<br />
3.15 Strategic Objective 7 (Box 8) sustainable<br />
forms of transport: respondents ........................................................................38<br />
3.16 Strategic Objective 8 (Box 9) natural environment: comments..................39<br />
3.17 Strategic Objective 8 (Box 9) natural environment: respondents ......................41<br />
3.18 Strategic Objective 9 (Box 10) high quality<br />
built environment: comments ........................................................................42<br />
3.19 Strategic Objective 9 (Box 10) high quality<br />
built environment: respondents .........................................................................45<br />
3.20 Strategic Objective 10 minimising risk of flooding: comments..................45<br />
3.21 Strategic Objective 10 minimising risk of flooding: respondents .......................37
4.0 The story by community area ........................................................................48<br />
4.1 Chippenham community area ........................................................................49<br />
4.2 Headline statistics .............................................................................................49<br />
4.3 Issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities ...................................................................................50<br />
4.4 Change <strong>and</strong> delivery .........................................................................................52<br />
4.5 Strategic site options .........................................................................................53<br />
4.6 Settlement hierarchy .........................................................................................56<br />
4.7 Housing distribution...........................................................................................57<br />
4.8 Chippenham: respondents ................................................................................58<br />
4.9 Chippenham: exhibitions <strong>and</strong> events ................................................................64<br />
4.10 Trowbridge community area ..........................................................................72<br />
4.11 Headline statistics .............................................................................................72<br />
4.12 Issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities ...................................................................................73<br />
4.13 Change <strong>and</strong> delivery .........................................................................................74<br />
4.14 Strategic site options .........................................................................................75<br />
4.15 Settlement hierarchy .........................................................................................80<br />
4.16 Housing distribution...........................................................................................80<br />
4.17 Trowbridge: respondents...................................................................................81<br />
4.18 Trowbridge: exhibitions <strong>and</strong> events...................................................................84<br />
4.19 Wootton Bassett community area .................................................................92<br />
4.20 Headline statistics .............................................................................................92<br />
4.21 Issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities ...................................................................................93<br />
4.22 Change <strong>and</strong> delivery .........................................................................................94<br />
4.23 Strategic site options .........................................................................................95<br />
4.24 General comments ............................................................................................98<br />
4.25 Settlement hierarchy .........................................................................................99<br />
4.26 Housing distribution.........................................................................................100<br />
4.27 Wootton Bassett: respondents ........................................................................105<br />
4.28 Wootton Bassett: exhibitions <strong>and</strong> events ........................................................107<br />
4.29 Bradford on Avon community area .............................................................115<br />
4.30 Headline statistics ...........................................................................................115<br />
4.31 Issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities .................................................................................116<br />
4.32 Change <strong>and</strong> delivery .......................................................................................119<br />
4.33 Strategic sites..................................................................................................119<br />
4.34 Settlement hierarchy .......................................................................................122<br />
4.35 Housing distribution.........................................................................................122<br />
4.36 Bradford on Avon: respondents.......................................................................123<br />
4.37 Bradford on Avon: exhibitions <strong>and</strong> events.......................................................124<br />
4.38 Calne community area ..................................................................................136<br />
4.39 Headline statistics ...........................................................................................136<br />
4.40 Issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities .................................................................................137<br />
4.41 Change <strong>and</strong> delivery .......................................................................................138<br />
4.42 Strategic site options .......................................................................................138<br />
4.43 Settlement hierarchy .......................................................................................140<br />
4.44 Housing distribution.........................................................................................140<br />
4.45 Calne community area: respondents...............................................................140<br />
4.46 Calne community area: exhibitions <strong>and</strong> events...............................................141
4.47 Corsham community area ............................................................................143<br />
4.48 Headline statistics ...........................................................................................143<br />
4.49 Issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities .................................................................................144<br />
4.50 Change <strong>and</strong> delivery .......................................................................................145<br />
4.51 Strategic site options .......................................................................................146<br />
4.52 Settlement hierarchy .......................................................................................146<br />
4.53 Housing distribution.........................................................................................147<br />
4.54 Corsham community area: respondents .........................................................147<br />
4.55 Corsham community area: exhibitions <strong>and</strong> events..........................................148<br />
4.56 Devizes community area ..............................................................................151<br />
4.57 Headline statistics ...........................................................................................151<br />
4.58 Issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities .................................................................................152<br />
4.59 Change <strong>and</strong> delivery .......................................................................................154<br />
4.60 Strategic site options .......................................................................................155<br />
4.61 Settlement hierarchy .......................................................................................155<br />
4.62 Housing distribution.........................................................................................156<br />
4.63 Devizes community area: respondents ...........................................................157<br />
4.64 Devizes community area: exhibitions <strong>and</strong> events ...........................................158<br />
4.65 Malmesbury community area.......................................................................159<br />
4.66 Headline statistics ...........................................................................................159<br />
4.67 Issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities .................................................................................160<br />
4.68 Change <strong>and</strong> delivery .......................................................................................160<br />
4.69 Strategic site options .......................................................................................161<br />
4.70 Settlement hierarchy .......................................................................................162<br />
4.71 Housing distribution.........................................................................................162<br />
4.72 Malmesbury community area: respondents ....................................................163<br />
4.73 Malmesbury community area: exhibitions <strong>and</strong> events.....................................164<br />
4.74 Marlborough community area......................................................................183<br />
4.75 Headline statistics ...........................................................................................183<br />
4.76 Issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities .................................................................................184<br />
4.77 Change <strong>and</strong> delivery .......................................................................................185<br />
4.78 Strategic site options .......................................................................................185<br />
4.79 Settlement hierarchy .......................................................................................186<br />
4.80 Housing distribution.........................................................................................186<br />
4.81 Marlborough community area: respondents....................................................187<br />
4.82 Marlborough community area: exhibitions <strong>and</strong> events ....................................187<br />
4.83 Melksham community area ..........................................................................193<br />
4.84 Headline statistics ...........................................................................................193<br />
4.85 Issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities .................................................................................194<br />
4.86 Change <strong>and</strong> delivery .......................................................................................200<br />
4.87 Strategic site options .......................................................................................203<br />
4.88 Settlement hierarchy .......................................................................................210<br />
4.89 Housing distribution.........................................................................................212<br />
4.90 Melksham community area: respondents........................................................214<br />
4.91 Melksham community area: exhibitions <strong>and</strong> events........................................215
4.92 Pewsey community area...............................................................................239<br />
4.93 Headline statistics ...........................................................................................239<br />
4.94 Issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities .................................................................................240<br />
4.95 Change <strong>and</strong> delivery .......................................................................................240<br />
4.96 Strategic site options .......................................................................................241<br />
4.97 Settlement hierarchy .......................................................................................241<br />
4.98 Housing distribution.........................................................................................242<br />
4.99 Pewsey community area: respondents ...........................................................243<br />
4.100 Pewsey community area: exhibitions <strong>and</strong> events............................................244<br />
4.101 Tidworth <strong>and</strong> Ludgershall community area................................................247<br />
4.102 Headline statistics ...........................................................................................247<br />
4.103 Issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities .................................................................................248<br />
4.104 Change <strong>and</strong> delivery .......................................................................................248<br />
4.105 Strategic site options .......................................................................................248<br />
4.106 Settlement hierarchy .......................................................................................249<br />
4.107 Housing distribution.........................................................................................250<br />
4.108 Tidworth <strong>and</strong> Ludgershall community area: respondents................................250<br />
4.109 Tidworth <strong>and</strong> udgershall community area: exhibitions <strong>and</strong> events..................253<br />
4.110 Warminster community area ........................................................................257<br />
4.111 Headline statistics ...........................................................................................257<br />
4.112 Issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities ................................................................................258<br />
4.113 Change <strong>and</strong> delivery .......................................................................................260<br />
4.114 Strategic site options .......................................................................................260<br />
4.115 Settlement hierarchy .......................................................................................262<br />
4.116 Housing distribution.........................................................................................262<br />
4.117 Warminster community area: respondents......................................................263<br />
4.118 Warminster community area: exhibitions <strong>and</strong> events......................................264<br />
4.119 Westbury community area ...........................................................................271<br />
4.120 Headline statistics ...........................................................................................271<br />
4.121 Issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities .................................................................................272<br />
4.122 Change <strong>and</strong> delivery .......................................................................................272<br />
4.123 Strategic site options .......................................................................................273<br />
4.124 Settlement hierarchy .......................................................................................275<br />
4.125 Housing distribution.........................................................................................275<br />
4.126 Westbury community area: respondents.........................................................276<br />
4.127 Westbury community area: exhibitions <strong>and</strong> events .........................................277
<strong>Consultation</strong> methodology <strong>and</strong> output report <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy August 2010<br />
Data Appendices<br />
1 Introduction<br />
1.1 This document relates to ‘<strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>2026</strong> – <strong>Consultation</strong> <strong>Methodology</strong> <strong>and</strong> Output<br />
Report’, part of an on-going process that will eventually produce the new planning<br />
core strategy for <strong>Wiltshire</strong>. Following consultation <strong>and</strong> community involvement events<br />
in autumn 2009, the main report is simply a write-up of the process <strong>and</strong> results, laying<br />
down another bed of evidence in the foundation of the core strategy <strong>and</strong> feeding back<br />
to the community our findings. It represents an information resource <strong>and</strong> part of the<br />
evidence base that has, by law, to underpin any planning strategy of this kind.<br />
1.2 The response to the <strong>2026</strong> consultation was excellent, with thous<strong>and</strong>s of individual<br />
comments being received. In order to reduce the physical bulk of the main report,<br />
therefore, we have extracted the more detailed aspects of the data itself: the<br />
summarised comments of respondents <strong>and</strong> accounts of exhibitions <strong>and</strong> workshops.<br />
These are based on verbatim summaries of post-it notes left on posters <strong>and</strong> other<br />
information <strong>and</strong> these are included in this appendix.<br />
1.3 While the main report describes the methodology employed during the consultation<br />
<strong>and</strong> attempts a general pulling together of themes drawn from the responses, this<br />
appendix contains just the data itself. This is not strictly ‘raw’ data; the original<br />
comments have been saved, verbatim, on computer. However, given the volume<br />
involved, it was necessary to reduce file size by summarising comments into a refined<br />
list that, for instance, removed comments that were direct duplicates. However, every<br />
comment was counted <strong>and</strong> the numbers have been recorded in the main report.<br />
1
<strong>Consultation</strong> methodology <strong>and</strong> output report <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy August 2010<br />
Data Appendices<br />
2 Individual comments<br />
2.1 This appendix section contains the individual comments from respondents collected<br />
together by council officers from each section of the consultation. The first section to<br />
be recorded is that which sought the community’s reaction to the overall spatial<br />
strategy that <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>2026</strong> proposed. Following this, later sections move on to<br />
consider the comments received in response to the section on topics – that is the<br />
Strategic Objectives (SOs), <strong>and</strong> then finally the individual community areas.<br />
Proposed overall spatial strategy: comments received<br />
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All settlements should be looked at individually with a detailed sustainability<br />
assessment before the appropriate level of development at each settlement can<br />
be decided.<br />
The strategy does convey a sense of what it is trying to achieve; the hierarchy<br />
should not be the sole indicator of housing distribution. The strategy needs to<br />
provide a unique approach for <strong>Wiltshire</strong>.<br />
The need to address transport <strong>and</strong> flooding issues before deciding the<br />
appropriate location does not seem to have enough prominence in the strategy.<br />
Proper travel assessments are needed, as well as realistic assessments of<br />
flooding risks.<br />
The imposition of a hierarchy needs to be more flexible in regard meeting local<br />
objectives <strong>and</strong> distinctiveness.<br />
The size <strong>and</strong> amount of development should not be overly rigid between market<br />
towns <strong>and</strong> SSCTs.<br />
Certain market towns have a much more important role to play <strong>and</strong> this should be<br />
recognised. Higher levels of development might well be appropriate at certain<br />
settlements where they have potential to exp<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> improve the role they play in<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong>.<br />
The current proposals do not seem to reflect the role <strong>and</strong> function (R<strong>and</strong>F)<br />
analysis. The amount of development proposed at Policy B settlements should<br />
reflect the R&F.<br />
The smaller villages identified in the hierarchy bare no relation to policy in the<br />
RSS <strong>and</strong> therefore should not be identified as settlements in the hierarchy. As a<br />
strategic document identification of these settlements is not in line with the RSS<br />
<strong>and</strong> therefore makes the document unsound.<br />
The mechanisms used to identify settlements at the policy C level are not well<br />
designed <strong>and</strong> should be reappraised. A more balanced local assessment based<br />
on Matthew Taylor report should be used.<br />
A number of the settlements which have been indentified at policy C level are<br />
significantly larger bigger distinction at policy C recognising some will benefit from<br />
growth.<br />
The strategy should give more weight given to issue of coalescence in the rural<br />
area <strong>and</strong> the ability of multiple rural settlements to support each other <strong>and</strong> act as<br />
a hub for sustainable rural living.<br />
There should be more definition between the different settlements in the lower tier<br />
of the hierarchy. Purton for example should be recognised as an important local<br />
centre <strong>and</strong> should have specific development targets.<br />
Villages should be left to decide their own numbers using parish councils <strong>and</strong><br />
other local decision making processes such as village design statements.<br />
The plan must guard against the creeping urbanisation of villages, especially<br />
those near other towns. The individual identity of settlements must be protected.<br />
The policy below is too restrictive for those settlements not included in the<br />
hierarchy, some limited development should still be allowed at these settlements.<br />
2
<strong>Consultation</strong> methodology <strong>and</strong> output report <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy August 2010<br />
Data Appendices<br />
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There should be a clearer definition of what is considered infill. It is difficult to<br />
support the hierarchy when it is not totally apparent exactly what will be seen as<br />
appropriate at the bottom tier.<br />
The lack of SSCT in east <strong>Wiltshire</strong> may not see the area develop <strong>and</strong> could cause<br />
a lack of investment <strong>and</strong> issues with affordable housing delivery.<br />
The Spatial Strategy document does not recognise that the New Forest National<br />
Park <strong>and</strong> New Forest Planning Authority. Text <strong>and</strong> all maps should be amended<br />
recognise New Forest.<br />
More reference should be made to the role of Bath <strong>and</strong> the influence it has on<br />
north west <strong>Wiltshire</strong>.<br />
The former district of West <strong>Wiltshire</strong> has surfeit of PDL <strong>and</strong> a number of large<br />
towns with a good employment base, therefore this area should receive more<br />
development.<br />
The methodology for arriving at the proposed housing numbers seems to be<br />
developer led <strong>and</strong> very much decided on the premise of l<strong>and</strong> available.<br />
The policies are too rigid <strong>and</strong> it should be left to communities to have more control<br />
over both the size <strong>and</strong> location of new development, particularly housing, in their<br />
own towns <strong>and</strong> villages.<br />
The numbers that come directly from the RSS were objected to on a number of<br />
occasions.<br />
It was also noted that there were a number errors in the document, particularly on<br />
the various tables that displayed the number of houses <strong>and</strong> employment l<strong>and</strong>.<br />
There are a number of disputed totals in the population numbers, particularly for<br />
the smaller settlements.<br />
There needs to be more sites identified over <strong>and</strong> above. Excess sites are needed<br />
to ensure that the allocations deliver the minimum numbers of the RSS. It is<br />
suggested that 10% contingency is the least that should be allocated for<br />
allowance for non-implementation. Housing numbers should be increase to<br />
ensure that there is a flexible supply.<br />
There needs to be more flexibility in terms of the amount of development at each<br />
settlement to ensure that development is reactive in the future. If the numbers<br />
remain there will no flexibility in the system.<br />
The viability of a number of current allocated sites was questioned <strong>and</strong> the<br />
predicted housing delivery rates are seen as over optimistic. There was also the<br />
question of residential C2 permissions should contribute to RSS figures (Royal<br />
Arthur site was highlighted).<br />
A number of comments sited the delivery of housing <strong>and</strong> affordable housing as a<br />
key requirement of PPS3. The non-allocation of a percentage of the housing was<br />
seen as contrary to national policy.<br />
There were a number of comments that thought there to be too little development<br />
being proposed for policy C settlements. However, there was also an equal<br />
number that thought there was too much proposed at policy C level. National <strong>and</strong><br />
RSS policy directs development toward larger settlements balance is not correct<br />
to ensure that ‘critical mass is maintained.<br />
Too unspecific at policy C level, larger settlements such as Purton should have<br />
more defined development numbers. However, again a number of respondents<br />
felt that there is a need to be more flexible policy at policy C level.<br />
Support for decisions at the lower level to be made on a case by case basis, but<br />
widespread support for the retention of policy boundaries.<br />
3
<strong>Consultation</strong> methodology <strong>and</strong> output report <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy August 2010<br />
Data Appendices<br />
2.2 Proposed overall spatial strategy: respondents<br />
Organisations<br />
Alder King Planning Consultants<br />
Ashton Park, Trowbridge Ltd<br />
Barters Farm Nurseries Ltd<br />
Berkeley Strategic<br />
Bloor Homes<br />
Bradford on Avon & District Community<br />
Development Trust<br />
C G Fry & Son Limited<br />
Campaign for Better Transport<br />
Cholderton <strong>and</strong> District Water Company<br />
Colerne Industrial Estate<br />
Corsham Civic Society<br />
CPRE North Dorset<br />
CPRE <strong>Wiltshire</strong><br />
Dauntsey Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Dilton Marsh Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
E H Bradley <strong>and</strong> Son<br />
Edington Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Eton College<br />
Forest National Park Authority<br />
Galliford Try Strategic L<strong>and</strong><br />
Gleeson Strategic L<strong>and</strong><br />
Hannick Homes<br />
Highways Agency<br />
Industrial Property Investment Fund<br />
Kington St Michael Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Lioncourt Homes<br />
Luckington Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
M J Gleeson Group plc<br />
Malmesbury & St Paul’s Without<br />
Residents’ Assoc.<br />
Malmesbury River Valleys Trust<br />
Mark Chard <strong>and</strong> Associates<br />
Martin Robeson Planning Practice<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Minety Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Ashtenne Industrial Fund Limited<br />
Barrett Strategic Ltd<br />
Bath <strong>and</strong> North east Somerset <strong>Council</strong><br />
Biddestone <strong>and</strong> Slaughterford Parish<br />
Box Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Bradford on Avon Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
Calne Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
Chamber of Commerce<br />
Christopher Wickham Associates<br />
Cooper Estates<br />
Corsham Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
CPRE West <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Group<br />
Cricklade Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
Defence Estates<br />
Director <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Rural Housing<br />
Association<br />
East Melksham Consortium<br />
English Heritage<br />
Fiona Jury Planning<br />
G L Hearn Planning<br />
Gleeson Developments Ltd<br />
Government Office for the South West<br />
Hartham Park<br />
Hills UK Ltd<br />
Katie Fielding <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Associations of<br />
Local <strong>Council</strong>s<br />
Knight Frank Agent Badminton Estate<br />
LPC (Trull) Ltd<br />
Lydiard Millicent Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Malaby Ltd<br />
Malmesbury Civic Trust<br />
Malmesbury Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
Martin Malaby Ltd<br />
Melksham Community Area Partnership<br />
Mid <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Economic Partnership<br />
NHS Swindon<br />
4
<strong>Consultation</strong> methodology <strong>and</strong> output report <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy August 2010<br />
Data Appendices<br />
North Chippenham Consortium -<br />
(Barratt Strategic, Heron L<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
Persimmon Homes)<br />
Partnership Manager North <strong>Wiltshire</strong><br />
Economic Partnership<br />
Pewsey Community Area Partnership<br />
Potterne Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Prospect L<strong>and</strong> Ltd<br />
Sarsen Housing Association<br />
Semington Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Sherston Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
South West <strong>Council</strong>s<br />
Sutton Veny Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
The Bowerman Family<br />
The Doric Group<br />
The Trust for Devizes<br />
Trowbridge Community Area Future<br />
W B Real Development GmbH<br />
Warminster Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
White Lion L<strong>and</strong> LLP<br />
WM Morrisons Plc<br />
Parrotgate Ltd<br />
Persimmon Homes<br />
Pewsey Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Primegate Properties (Hooksouth) Ltd<br />
Ps <strong>and</strong> Qs<br />
Selwood Housing Society Limited<br />
SF Planning Link Ltd<br />
Slater Reynolds<br />
Spring Park Corsham Ltd<br />
Taylor Wimpey UK Ltd<br />
The Crown Estate<br />
The Hills Group<br />
Trevor Carbin <strong>Council</strong>lor <strong>Wiltshire</strong><br />
<strong>Council</strong><br />
Urchfont PC<br />
Wainhomes (South West) Holdings Ltd<br />
Westbury Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Historic Buildings Trust Ltd<br />
Zog Brownfield Ventures Ltd<br />
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<strong>Consultation</strong> methodology <strong>and</strong> output report <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy August 2010<br />
Data Appendices<br />
Individuals<br />
Baydon P. <strong>Council</strong> Brian Teeder C.G. Phillips<br />
Cllr A N Prior Cllr Mark Connolly Cllr Mark Connolly<br />
Cllr Peter Deck <strong>Council</strong>lor Ernie David Feather<br />
Clark<br />
Dawn Tiley Dr. Christopher Kent Dr. Geoff Poole<br />
Francis Moorl<strong>and</strong> Geoff Yates George McDonic MBE<br />
H A Edmunds Ian Rose J & P Hussey & Mrs S<br />
Cooper<br />
J.A.S MacDonald Louis Beardsworth M Coleman<br />
MF Freeman Alison Mr A E Turner Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Claridge<br />
Bucknell<br />
Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Ferguson Mr Andrew Goves Mr Christopher<br />
Gorringe<br />
Mr D Lees-Millais Mr Eric Jones Mr Geoff Martin<br />
Mr Ian Thompson Mr John Harmer Mr John Palmer<br />
Mr William Blake Mrs C Spickernell Mrs Jane R. Smith<br />
Mrs Valerie King Mrs vibeke ormerod Philip Clark<br />
Robert Lytton Sabel McCord Stuart Crook<br />
The Rt Hon. James Tom McCaw<br />
Trevor Cherrett<br />
Gray MP<br />
V.P. Francis<br />
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<strong>Consultation</strong> methodology <strong>and</strong> output report <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy August 2010<br />
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3 The story across the whole of <strong>Wiltshire</strong> – by topic<br />
The topics discussed in the report relate to the comments received on the proposed<br />
Strategic Objectives. These were:<br />
1. Climate change<br />
2. Long-term economic growth<br />
3. Meeting <strong>Wiltshire</strong>’s housing needs<br />
4. Securing appropriate infrastructure <strong>and</strong> services<br />
5. Enhancing vitality <strong>and</strong> viability of town centres<br />
6. Encouraging safe <strong>and</strong> accessible places<br />
7. Promoting sustainable forms of transport<br />
8. Protecting <strong>and</strong> enhancing the natural environment<br />
9. Safeguarding <strong>and</strong> promoting a high quality built environment<br />
10. Minimising the risk of flooding<br />
3.1 Topics: the individual papers<br />
3.2 Strategic Objective 1 (Box 2) climate change: comments<br />
<br />
<br />
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To address climate change is broadly supported.<br />
Agree that climate change is the greatest long-term challenge <strong>and</strong> the key to<br />
outcomes.<br />
We broadly support the council’s objectives for tackling climate change<br />
particularly in relation to promoting a more sustainable pattern of development<br />
<strong>and</strong> reducing the need to travel. We also support the council’s promotion of<br />
measures targeted at achieving high energy efficiency; the use of renewable<br />
sources of energy <strong>and</strong> power; promotion of sustainable design <strong>and</strong> building<br />
techniques; <strong>and</strong> use of sustainable waste management methods. However, it is<br />
important that future planning policy is flexible…. policy should not seek to impose<br />
onerous targets on new development (say in relation to renewable energy use),<br />
rather it should encourage developers to investigate <strong>and</strong> implement the most<br />
effective method for reducing the impact of the scheme on climate change. For<br />
instance, the use of energy efficiency methods (such as CHP) is often a far more<br />
effective method for reducing carbon emissions when compared to renewable<br />
energy techniques.<br />
Climate Friendly Bradford on Avon welcomes <strong>and</strong> applauds <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong> for<br />
adopting Strategic Objective 1: To address climate change. This is a significant<br />
step forward in strategic local authority thinking on climate change policy in<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong>. However, we suggest that this approach should be further developed.<br />
We recognise that the general strategic objective of addressing climate change<br />
has to appeal to a broad range of opinion in <strong>Wiltshire</strong>. …..it would better match<br />
commitments in carbon emission reduction in the Climate Change Act 2008 of<br />
34% of 1990 level emissions by 2020 <strong>and</strong> of 80% by 2050….<br />
We are happy to support the strategic objective of addressing climate change,<br />
<strong>and</strong> look forward to clarity over the national <strong>and</strong> regions targets the council will be<br />
working towards ….. Clarity would be welcomed on the intention of bullet point 2,<br />
which appears to place as a key outcome the need for any new developments to<br />
make a contribution, financially or practically, to allow for improvement to the<br />
wider areas current environmental performance. Whilst the principle of this <strong>and</strong><br />
the other key outcomes are supported, the strategy does not deal with the<br />
financial implications <strong>and</strong> consequences of these aims on other strategies.<br />
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We accept the reduction of CO 2 through the self containment of settlements <strong>and</strong><br />
reducing the need to travel.<br />
Supported: The Parish Plan supported recycling <strong>and</strong> a large majority wanted<br />
increased involvement with environmentally friendly activities. Only 5% were<br />
against a community renewable energy scheme.<br />
The supply of energy from renewable sources? Where are the measures to<br />
reduce energy need? How many homes will have integrated solar panels/voltaic<br />
cells/grey water saving/wind turbines? Where will the local food come from? The<br />
supermarket? <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong> should be telling developers that they expect the<br />
highest st<strong>and</strong>ards - higher than government or regional targets. Let’s be ahead of<br />
the game for once.<br />
While we support the outcome the sourcing <strong>and</strong> use of local food we are unclear<br />
what policy mechanism there are to deliver this (other than allotment provision).<br />
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3.3 Strategic Objective 1 (Box 2) climate change: respondents<br />
Organisations<br />
Area Planner, London <strong>and</strong> South British<br />
Waterways<br />
Ashton Park, Trowbridge Ltd<br />
Barrett Strategic Ltd<br />
Campaign for Better Transport<br />
Chairman Malmesbury Civic Trust<br />
Corsham Civic Society<br />
<strong>Council</strong>lor <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />
CPRE West <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Group<br />
Defence Estates<br />
East Melksham Consortium<br />
Galliford Try Strategic L<strong>and</strong><br />
Martin Malaby Ltd<br />
National Farmers Union<br />
Persimmon Homes<br />
Planning Advisor BWEA<br />
Planning Liaison Technical Specialist<br />
Environment Agency (Wessex Area)<br />
Prospect L<strong>and</strong> Ltd<br />
Sustrans<br />
The Trust for Devizes<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Fire & Rescue Service<br />
Woodl<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
Ashtenne Industrial Fund Limited<br />
Assistant Network Manager Highways<br />
Agency<br />
Business Development Manager Sarsen<br />
Housing Association<br />
Chairman Climate Friendly Bradford on<br />
Avon<br />
Clerk Kington St Michael Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Corsham Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
CPRE North Dorset<br />
Cranborne Chase & West <strong>Wiltshire</strong><br />
Downs AONB<br />
Director <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Rural Housing<br />
Association<br />
G L Hearn Planning<br />
Gleeson Developments Ltd<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
North Wessex Downs AONB<br />
Planning Adviser South West RDA<br />
Planning <strong>and</strong> Local Government Natural<br />
Engl<strong>and</strong><br />
Planning Policy Officer New Forest<br />
National Park Authority<br />
Senior planning manager Government<br />
Office for the South West<br />
The Hills Group<br />
Treasurer Transition Community<br />
Corsham<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Wildlife Trust<br />
Zog Brownfield Ventures Ltd<br />
Individuals<br />
Alison Bucknell David Trethewey Diana Thombs<br />
Diane Teare Duncan Hames Mr E Palmer<br />
Mr Eric Jones Mr John Harmer Mr Peter Barnett<br />
Mr Peter Holl<strong>and</strong> Mr William Blake Mrs C Spickernell<br />
Mrs Philippa Morgan N P Parker Peter Newell<br />
Robert Lytton<br />
Tim Robertson<br />
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3.4 Strategic Objective 2 (Box 3) long term economic growth: comments<br />
Support for promoting distribution of housing that supports existing employment<br />
uses <strong>and</strong> reduces out-commuting.<br />
Strategic objective 2 is consistent with the RSS. The need for <strong>Wiltshire</strong> to plan for<br />
a buoyant economy <strong>and</strong> the expected population growth <strong>and</strong> change cannot be<br />
over stated.<br />
The meaning of intensification should be made clear.<br />
Further reference on how the <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Workspace <strong>and</strong> Employment L<strong>and</strong><br />
Strategy relates to the <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>2026</strong> document would be useful.<br />
Some of the outcomes in objective 2 are simplistic. There should be outcomes<br />
The outcomes seem to go beyond the plan period. Realism is needed.<br />
The words “economic success” are more appropriate than “economic growth” as<br />
growth is not the only component of a successful economy.<br />
Investment needs to be made in development which will result in <strong>and</strong> encourage a<br />
buoyant <strong>and</strong> resilient local economy over the long term. This can be achieved<br />
through an accurate assessment of the existing employment stock <strong>and</strong> floor<br />
space requirements as many of the existing stock are not appropriate for modern<br />
business requirements. There should be an accurate assessment of the floor<br />
space within <strong>Wiltshire</strong> in order to ensure that the quality <strong>and</strong> type of employment<br />
floor space coming forward is appropriate for the modern <strong>and</strong> future market <strong>and</strong><br />
redundant sites such as the older parts of Langley Park are redeveloped for more<br />
appropriate uses to match their location.<br />
Is economic growth desirable within the context of climate change?<br />
Continued economic growth <strong>and</strong> consumption is incompatible with living<br />
sustainably. Once everyday needs are met ever-increasing material st<strong>and</strong>ards of<br />
living are associated with decreasing well-being. The recent recession has<br />
highlighted the importance of economic stability over the pursuit of high average<br />
net growth. <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Wildlife Trust suggests the following alternative: “To ensure<br />
a resilient economy that meets the needs of all of <strong>Wiltshire</strong>’s residents <strong>and</strong><br />
ensures their economic security <strong>and</strong> economic well being”.<br />
The core strategy is essential to provide business with greater certainty for<br />
investment decisions. The spatial strategy should include measures to support<br />
economic recovery in the short-term as well as longer-term outcomes around the<br />
role <strong>and</strong> function of each settlement.<br />
The reasons underpinning the relatively good performance of one settlement or<br />
the weaknesses of another do not yet seem to be fully understood or explained.<br />
The objective should specifically recognise the settlement hierarchy. L<strong>and</strong> for<br />
employment should be focused at the SSCTs (4 comments).<br />
The bulk of economic development should fall within the main settlements as<br />
most resources are already located there, for example, fire services.<br />
Too much employment is allocated to the SSCTs. Why do west <strong>Wiltshire</strong> towns<br />
need so much greenfield employment l<strong>and</strong> when the aim is to regenerate town<br />
centres? Loss of manufacturing industries will means more brownfield l<strong>and</strong> will<br />
come forward.<br />
There needs to be more information on the type of employment that is planned.<br />
Does it mean business park, warehousing, small workshops or other? Many of<br />
the outcomes are too vague to be meaningful.<br />
Employment should cover new <strong>and</strong> current skills.<br />
Renewable <strong>and</strong> energy generation <strong>and</strong> social enterprises should be encouraged.<br />
The role of the construction sector as an employer should be acknowledged (2<br />
comments).<br />
ICT <strong>and</strong> media should be added to <strong>Wiltshire</strong>’s strengths.<br />
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West <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Workspace Analysis shows the area to have relatively few<br />
professional jobs. Bringing professional people into town centres by providing<br />
offices <strong>and</strong> a quality built environment will stimulate the economy. Cafes <strong>and</strong><br />
shops etc.. benefit from the presence of business. The core strategy should push<br />
for town centres to be the places to do business.<br />
Food incubator units should be provided. These could be combined with other<br />
types of incubator units.<br />
Cycling should be encouraged <strong>and</strong> cycling shops could offer employment<br />
opportunities.<br />
There is a need to identify additional retail l<strong>and</strong>.<br />
More reference should be made to tourism (4 comments).<br />
The importance of historic buildings should be reflected. The objective should<br />
state that there will be adequate accommodation to take advantage of tourism<br />
opportunities locally.<br />
Major funding is needed to develop tourism in <strong>Wiltshire</strong> but there is no evidence<br />
that such funding is available.<br />
There is a lack of ‘joined up’ thinking. If tourism is to be encouraged tourist<br />
attractions must be both preserved <strong>and</strong> enhanced.<br />
Is tourism local or global? It would be good if we spent more time on local visits.<br />
Comments on out-commuting:<br />
Support aim to reduce out-commuting.<br />
An increase in jobs will lead in an increase in in-commuters.<br />
The wording for the outcome related to out-commuting should also refer to incommuting<br />
<strong>and</strong> the necessary balance of homes <strong>and</strong> jobs to reduce commuting.<br />
There should be reference to directing employment related development to the<br />
most accessible locations with clear links to local housing.<br />
Significant change to outward commuting may not be realistic. There should be<br />
some recognition that the need to commute should not be seen as a barrier to<br />
live, shop <strong>and</strong> trade.<br />
Too much emphasis is placed on the theory that people will work next to where<br />
they live. There are many factors that influence this.<br />
Support for rural diversification.<br />
More priority should be attached to supporting essential rural businesses such as<br />
village shops, retail outlets, post offices <strong>and</strong> pubs. A comprehensive procurement<br />
strategy should be implemented where financially viable.<br />
Local schemes should be set up to support rural enterprises such as ‘Store is the<br />
Core’ <strong>and</strong> ‘Enterprise for Inclusion’. Cost effective skills initiatives for l<strong>and</strong> based<br />
<strong>and</strong> environmental businesses should also be set up.<br />
There is a lack of reference to the rural economy.<br />
Support for providing smaller business premises in areas of need. There are<br />
such opportunities in redundant or underused buildings in rural areas in<br />
Chippenham <strong>and</strong> Malmesbury community areas. Small settlements that are<br />
identified as not suitable for development should have their definition altered to<br />
reflect these economic opportunities. For example, Sopworth, Alderton, Nettleton<br />
<strong>and</strong> Littleton Drew.<br />
A wide range of economic activity should be supported in rural areas. It is vital<br />
that ICT infrastructure is improved in rural areas as high speed broadb<strong>and</strong><br />
connection could impact on the potential growth of the rural economy.<br />
Opposition to more tourism <strong>and</strong> development in rural areas. Tourism encourages<br />
travel, <strong>and</strong> destroys peace <strong>and</strong> tranquillity.<br />
Basic infrastructure should be in place prior to any development occurring.<br />
Transport infrastructure should be improved to enable the efficient movement of<br />
people <strong>and</strong> goods.<br />
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There has been a traditional emphasis on the A350 <strong>and</strong> building new housing <strong>and</strong><br />
employment side by side whilst improving the A350. The two recently built A350<br />
bypasses are now at capacity. A by-product has been that the town centres of<br />
Trowbridge, Melksham <strong>and</strong> Westbury are less visited. The idea of A350<br />
bypasses seems to be alluded to in a number of sections. Major road schemes<br />
need to be made explicit.<br />
More clarity is needed on how economic development will have moved towards a<br />
low carbon economy. The current bullet point is too general (2 comments).<br />
Measurable outcomes are preferable.<br />
Adopting measures to cut carbon emissions by 40% by 2020 will influence the<br />
outcomes of the objective.<br />
The railway has been neglected <strong>and</strong> should be used to encourage economic<br />
development in Trowbridge <strong>and</strong> Westbury.<br />
A key outcome should be added that links the conservation of the natural <strong>and</strong> built<br />
environment to sustainable economic activity.<br />
Consideration should be given to the contribution that the Kennet <strong>and</strong> Avon canal<br />
makes to the economy. Waterways can act as a focus for urban renaissance <strong>and</strong><br />
regeneration. The waterway is a non-footloose asset <strong>and</strong> flexibility is necessary<br />
to allow rural development.<br />
The natural environment has a role in delivering economic development. The<br />
green infrastructure in west <strong>Wiltshire</strong> will attract high value inward investment <strong>and</strong><br />
employment. Green infrastructure should be used to drive long-term economic<br />
growth.<br />
The outcome on <strong>Wiltshire</strong>’s cultural assets should also refer to conserving those<br />
assets.<br />
Future iterations of the core strategy <strong>and</strong> the LDF should incorporate mechanisms<br />
(including phasing) that promote suitable conditions for the delivery of viable<br />
employment spaces whilst ensuring there is a sufficient quantity, range <strong>and</strong><br />
choice of sustainable premises.<br />
It is important to ensure an adequate supply of employment / retail l<strong>and</strong> - without<br />
delay.<br />
Emphasis should be placed on regenerating established employment sites before<br />
new development takes place.<br />
All existing employment sites should not be automatically protected (3<br />
comments). There are a number of sites that have been redundant for some time<br />
<strong>and</strong> where any prospect of it being used for economic use is slim. This includes<br />
redundant MoD l<strong>and</strong>. There are also relatively new employment sites such as<br />
Castledown Business Park, which have been slow to take off <strong>and</strong> where there is<br />
scope for growth. A managed approach to the retention <strong>and</strong> release of existing<br />
employment l<strong>and</strong> should be used. This should protect those sites that are viable<br />
<strong>and</strong> in use, focus new development at sites with capacity for further growth <strong>and</strong><br />
release sites that are vacant/redundant with no prospect for re-use.<br />
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Defence Estates supports that reference is made to making use of redundant<br />
MoD l<strong>and</strong>. They call for further clarification on the role that regeneration <strong>and</strong><br />
reuse of previously developed l<strong>and</strong> will play in providing for major development<br />
options.<br />
There is no measurement of the type <strong>and</strong> size of redundant MoD l<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Major previously developed sites can play a key role in reducing out-commuting<br />
by providing new employment <strong>and</strong> housing opportunities to generate a new<br />
market in the locality.<br />
Best use should be made of previously developed l<strong>and</strong> from the MoD, farmers<br />
<strong>and</strong> industry.<br />
Allocating MoD l<strong>and</strong> in unsustainable locations will not meet strategic objective 2.<br />
Need more innovative ways of managing new employment sites.<br />
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A joined up approach to research <strong>and</strong> the utilisation of sites can lead to a synergy<br />
in terms of economic growth.<br />
In the past west <strong>Wiltshire</strong> has been a dumping ground for warehousing <strong>and</strong><br />
sprawling industrial estates. The areas on the periphery covey an impression of<br />
‘laissez-faire’ town planning <strong>and</strong> disregard for l<strong>and</strong>scape <strong>and</strong> character.<br />
MoD l<strong>and</strong> in Corsham could be put to more appropriate use.<br />
Tourist centre should be developed at top of Caen Hill Locks with links to wharf<br />
<strong>and</strong> town centre. Closure of public toilets at Wharf has reduced the number of<br />
coach trips to Devizes.<br />
There is potential for joined up thinking in Chippenham. In Abbeyfield School<br />
there is a business culture with young entrepreneurs <strong>and</strong> <strong>Wiltshire</strong> College has<br />
lots of young people looking for apprenticeships. These opportunities should be<br />
taken.<br />
It can be difficult to find small premises, for example, the starter units on Bumpers<br />
Farm are poor quality <strong>and</strong> high rental.<br />
Strategic importance of railway station in Trowbridge should be recognised. Area<br />
near Trowbridge train station should be a priority for regeneration. Town should<br />
be sold on its excellent services to Bath, Bristol <strong>and</strong> London. Potential services to<br />
Melksham, Chippenham <strong>and</strong> Swindon. Increase potential for Trowbridge train<br />
station to become transport hub.<br />
Westbury train station should be a strategic feature.<br />
AIFLP would welcome clarification on the site boundary of Langley Park site as<br />
maps only refer to the part of the site occupied by WRSL. Doesn’t include part<br />
allocated under H2 of the existing adopted North <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Local Plan. Doesn’t<br />
include all l<strong>and</strong> within our clients ownership. The DTZ report <strong>and</strong> conclusions<br />
appear contradictory in relation to Langley Park’s role in delivering employment<br />
l<strong>and</strong> in Chippenham. On the basis of the l<strong>and</strong> supply evidence it appears that the<br />
optimum redevelopment solution for Langley Park continues to be mixed use<br />
development comprising of housing, employment, retail <strong>and</strong> leisure uses.<br />
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3.5 Strategic Objective 2 (Box 3) long term economic growth: respondents<br />
Organisations<br />
Area Planner, London <strong>and</strong> South British<br />
Waterways<br />
Ashton Park, Trowbridge Ltd<br />
Bath <strong>and</strong> North east Somerset <strong>Council</strong><br />
Business Development Manager Sarsen<br />
Housing Association<br />
Chairman Climate Friendly Bradford on<br />
Avon<br />
Clerk Kington St Michael Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Corsham Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
East Melksham Consortium<br />
Gleeson Developments Ltd<br />
Government Office for the South West<br />
Ind. Property Investment Fund<br />
Lick the Spoon Ltd<br />
Martin Malaby Ltd<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
National Farmers Union<br />
North Chippenham Consortium (Barratt<br />
Strategic, Heron L<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> Persimmon<br />
Homes)<br />
Planning Adviser South West RDA<br />
Prospect L<strong>and</strong> Ltd<br />
Salisbury <strong>and</strong> South <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Museum<br />
The Hills Group<br />
Treasurer Transition Community<br />
Corsham<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Archaeological <strong>and</strong> Natural<br />
History Society<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Historic Buildings Trust Ltd<br />
Zog Brownfield Ventures Ltd<br />
Ashton Park, Trowbridge Ltd<br />
Assistant Network Manager Highways<br />
Agency<br />
Bourne Leisure<br />
Campaign for Better Transport<br />
Chief Executive Community First<br />
Corsham Civic Society<br />
Director <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Rural Housing<br />
Association<br />
G L Hearn<br />
Gleeson Strategic<br />
GVA Grimley<br />
Knight Frank Agent Badminton Estate<br />
Malmesbury Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
Martin Robeson Planning Practice<br />
Mid <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Economic Partnership<br />
NHS Swindon<br />
Persimmon Homes<br />
Planning <strong>and</strong> Local Government Natural<br />
Engl<strong>and</strong><br />
Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd<br />
Savernake Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Treasurer Transition Community<br />
Corsham<br />
Trust for Devizes<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Fire & Rescue Service<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Wildlife Trust<br />
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Individuals<br />
David <strong>and</strong> Rosalind Howard Butcher<br />
Mr E Palmer<br />
Huggins<br />
Mr Eric Jones Mr John Harmer Mr Peter Barnett<br />
Mrs C Spickernell Mrs Philippa Morgan N P Parker<br />
Patrick Hunt Peter Newell Robert Lytton<br />
Tim Robertson<br />
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Strategic Objective 3 (Box 4) meeting <strong>Wiltshire</strong>’s housing needs: comments<br />
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The targets for new homes reflect the RSS. The county has not met its targets for<br />
44,400 homes a year since then, nor its targets for 3000 homes since then. The<br />
targets should be rebalanced to reflect that shortfall in delivery over that time.<br />
Depending on the impact, the shortfall in strategic sites identified may increase<br />
significantly.<br />
No mention is made of neighbourhoods <strong>and</strong> the importance of community<br />
development, neighbourhood regeneration <strong>and</strong> place shaping activities that can<br />
make where you live more than just a collection of buildings well placed for work<br />
<strong>and</strong> travel. This aim could be added to this objective or Objective 4 or 6.<br />
We are pleased that delivery of affordable housing is supported as one of the key<br />
objectives, but would suggest that aim is clarified by adding a statement about the<br />
sustainability of such development both in terms of the communities in which it is<br />
provided <strong>and</strong> the dem<strong>and</strong> for the homes.<br />
Add some definitions <strong>and</strong> timescales to the aim of the all developments being low<br />
or zero carbon, perhaps acknowledging that definitions are not yet nationally or<br />
locally agreed.<br />
The strategy does not deal with financial constraints or implications of its aims<br />
<strong>and</strong> objectives. The strategy should not be built around traditional subsidy<br />
assumptions provided through models that are currently broken. For example it<br />
should not be assumed that the subsidy provided through section 106<br />
agreements <strong>and</strong> the ability of shared ownership products to reduce grant<br />
requirement on affordable schemes will return to the market quickly. Strategies<br />
that emerge from this document should cement the level of affordable housing<br />
each site should deliver, irrespective of the level of subsidy a developer can<br />
provide. This will secure l<strong>and</strong> whilst allowing other models such as gap funding,<br />
equity based grants <strong>and</strong> capital grant regimes to be targeted to ensure the level of<br />
affordable housing is not constricted during these times.<br />
Whilst the urban focus at the SSCTs is supported, this should not be at the<br />
expense of the lower order settlements – Policy B market towns <strong>and</strong> those parts<br />
of the County without a SSCT. There are opportunities for continued sustainable<br />
development at Melksham, Warminster <strong>and</strong> Westbury.<br />
The need for 3,000 affordable homes per year exceeds the overall housing<br />
requirement. RSS Policy H1 states provision should be made for 35% of all<br />
housing developments annually. This would equate to 15,540 affordable housing<br />
i.e. 777 affordable dwellings per year. Therefore it is difficult to see how the need<br />
for 3,000 dwellings per year would be achieved <strong>and</strong> clearly this is not practical.<br />
The number will also depend on the economic viability of each site. PPS3 advises<br />
LPAs that policies should deliver the levels of housing growth set out in the RSS.<br />
Provision should be made on this basis <strong>and</strong> monitored accordingly.<br />
Agree subject to the following provisos:<br />
- Major new housing development is placed at Trowbridge, Chippenham <strong>and</strong><br />
Salisbury.<br />
- Existing rural buffers should be protected.<br />
- Affordable housing development should take precedence over larger private<br />
housing schemes.<br />
Infrastructure needs to be in place before any new development takes place.<br />
It is vital that future policy seeks to encourage rather than restrain new residential<br />
development. Accordingly, in determining the future level of affordable housing to<br />
be provided within new development, it is important that regard is had to individual<br />
development site circumstances, including development viability <strong>and</strong> other<br />
scheme costs.<br />
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The stated objective that all development will be low carbon or zero carbon is<br />
onerous particularly when the draft core strategy provides no definition for zero<br />
carbon or guidance on how this will be achieved. Rather policy should refer to the<br />
need for new development to mitigate against climate change as per the<br />
measures/objectives outlined in strategic objective 1.<br />
We support the focus of new housing at SCCTs <strong>and</strong> the identification of 14<br />
community areas, but would prefer to see this objective specifically refer to the<br />
main settlement within each community area, such as Pewsey, as the primary<br />
focus for housing allocations. If this were the case more sustainable patterns of<br />
growth would be promoted.<br />
North <strong>Wiltshire</strong> (primarily Chippenham) has been allocated the highest quantum<br />
of additional housing within <strong>Wiltshire</strong>. Brownfield sites within central accessible<br />
locations should be the principle location for new development. Langley Park is an<br />
ideal site to accommodate some of this growth in a sustainable <strong>and</strong> efficient<br />
manner. The proposals for the site that have been submitted present a scheme<br />
which makes efficient use of l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> incorporates an element of affordable<br />
housing, range of type <strong>and</strong> sizes of housing <strong>and</strong> a range of benefits for the local<br />
community including infrastructure, education <strong>and</strong> investment in public open<br />
space. However it is important to note that the scale <strong>and</strong> quantum of planning<br />
obligations should not be too restrictive to the viability of development but should<br />
be considered on a site by site basis.<br />
In the absence of an adopted Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) the use of the<br />
strategic housing requirement from the proposed changes is a prudent <strong>and</strong> sound<br />
response. The housing figures are founded on robust <strong>and</strong> credible evidence<br />
derived from detailed household projections. The figures have been<br />
independently tested by a panel of experts <strong>and</strong> are supported by the Government<br />
Office for the South West.<br />
The vision <strong>and</strong> strategic objectives background paper identifies that <strong>Wiltshire</strong><br />
lacks sufficient levels of affordable open market <strong>and</strong> rented housing <strong>and</strong> therefore<br />
an objective within the core strategy which seeks to address this is entirely<br />
appropriate. The important challenge now lies ahead in producing policies which<br />
support <strong>and</strong> encourage delivery of the outcomes, whilst ensuring sustainable<br />
development <strong>and</strong> protecting environmental assets.<br />
Despite the economic 'slow down' the factors that underpin the need for additional<br />
housing in <strong>Wiltshire</strong> will continue, particularly in terms of the demographic factors,<br />
such as the ageing population <strong>and</strong> the continuing reduction in household size.<br />
We welcome Strategic Objective 3 which seeks to meet the housing allocation as<br />
identified within the emerging South West Regional Spatial Strategy. However,<br />
the strategic vision should acknowledge the important role settlements other than<br />
Trowbridge, Chippenham <strong>and</strong> Salisbury will play in delivering <strong>Wiltshire</strong>’s housing<br />
requirement for the period to <strong>2026</strong>.<br />
We welcome the reference to providing adequate supply of affordable housing.<br />
However given that the projected need for affordable housing in <strong>Wiltshire</strong> up to<br />
<strong>2026</strong> is 60,000 <strong>and</strong> the total overall housing supply is 44,000, it will not be<br />
possible to provide an adequate supply of affordable housing. Amend bullet point<br />
five to state that the council will work towards maximising the provision of<br />
affordable housing. This is a more realistic objective <strong>and</strong> also suggests that the<br />
council will look at imaginative ways of providing affordable housing where<br />
appropriate.<br />
Strategic objective 3 needs to specify how new zero or low carbon buildings will<br />
contribute to <strong>Wiltshire</strong>’s housing needs <strong>and</strong> how far energy retro-fitting of existing<br />
housing stock to ensure greater energy efficiency <strong>and</strong> micro-generation will be<br />
promoted in order to achieve legally binding carbon emission reduction targets.<br />
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Objective 3 also needs to address the issue of affordability of a housing stock that<br />
has been built to much higher energy st<strong>and</strong>ards.<br />
The benefits for developments to the local communities should be thoroughly<br />
researched <strong>and</strong> planning for the infrastructure should be considered before<br />
planning consent is given.<br />
To meet <strong>Wiltshire</strong>’s housing needs is appropriate, but the numbers quoted are not<br />
related to local needs, they are externally imposed targets. Such targets<br />
contradict other objectives such as sustainability <strong>and</strong> community resilience.<br />
Housing need is growing despite recession due to demographic factors. However,<br />
we doubt whether the affordable housing target levels can be realised - not least<br />
due to financial constraints. Suggest that affordability is considered on a site by<br />
site basis with this in mind.<br />
The statement ‘all developments will have been low carbon or zero carbon’ begs<br />
a question: When does this policy start? It certainly isn’t the current planning<br />
policy, but the paper implies that all developments from now on will be low or zero<br />
carbon. New housing developments should also include other sustainability<br />
elements, such as community gardens/allotments, local shopping to reduce car<br />
trips, <strong>and</strong> local renewable micro-generation.<br />
To ensure that the core trategy acknowledges the important role of the market<br />
towns within <strong>Wiltshire</strong> in accommodating levels of growth which will assist in<br />
increasing their self containment., further reference should be included within the<br />
objective to recognise that the market towns (including Corsham), which usually<br />
play an important sub-regional service centre role, will accommodate a significant<br />
proportion of growth planned for <strong>Wiltshire</strong>. With regards to the issue of military<br />
personnel accommodation, Defence Estates will work closely with the council to<br />
assist in ensuring that changes in accommodation result in better integration with<br />
the wider community. However, in order to meet this objective, Defence Estates<br />
requires a degree of flexibility on behalf of the council. Further text could therefore<br />
be added to the outcome to allow for an element of flexibility in assessing such<br />
proposals.<br />
Despite the economic slow down, the factors that underpin the need for additional<br />
housing will continue in <strong>Wiltshire</strong>, particularly in terms of the demographic factors<br />
such as the ageing population <strong>and</strong> the reduction in household size. Whilst the<br />
urban focus is supported, this is not at the expense of the lower order settlements,<br />
<strong>and</strong> those parts of the county without a SSCT. There are opportunities for<br />
additional development at Melksham.<br />
Recent housing targets have not been met <strong>and</strong> we would suggest that the<br />
shortfall is included in the new targets. Link this document with the HCA’s single<br />
conversation <strong>and</strong> that investment is not just isolated to the strategically significant<br />
towns but across <strong>Wiltshire</strong>, in rural areas <strong>and</strong> for specialist housing. It is also<br />
important to note that traditional models for delivering affordable housing will not<br />
continue in the future <strong>and</strong> this needs to be addressed as part of the single<br />
conversation <strong>and</strong> reflected in the financial requirements placed on the<br />
development of affordable homes.<br />
Concentration on Trowbridge SSCT should not negate development at Westbury.<br />
If the RSS is abolished, the housing figures should be re-examined. ‘Efficient use<br />
of l<strong>and</strong>’ should not lead to excessively high densities but does need to provide<br />
adequate car parking on new developments.<br />
Fundamentally disagree with the housing targets. The figures do not stack up <strong>and</strong><br />
the way these have been distributed amongst the principle towns may well allow<br />
for additional infrastructure but will not necessarily create desirable locations,<br />
which is important.<br />
There is no clear evidence as to how an increase of 44,000 dwellings was<br />
reached. Further evidence is required to support this amount of housing<br />
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development for <strong>Wiltshire</strong>, especially when you consider the 39,000 dwellings<br />
earmarked for Swindon.<br />
The 4th bullet point refers to ‘maintaining an appropriate rural buffer..’ This should<br />
be removed. The Planning Inspectorate has removed references to rural buffers<br />
<strong>and</strong> strategic gaps from core strategies because they duplicate national policy<br />
<strong>and</strong> are unnecessary. The Secretary of State has endorsed this by not agreeing<br />
to save Policy ENV13 of the Swindon Local Plan. Therefore retaining the Swindon<br />
Rural Buffer with no greater rationale than geopolitical boundary west of Swindon<br />
introduces an inappropriate inconsistency <strong>and</strong> retains an unnecessary level of<br />
protection to settlements west of Swindon that may hinder the development of<br />
urban extensions.<br />
Replace ‘in a sustainable fashion’ with ‘with all housing developments having to<br />
be 50% affordable’.<br />
Box 4 – Add ‘This will be subject to possible changes in the RSS target.’ Delete<br />
‘Salisbury’ because 6000 houses cannot be provided without harming the special<br />
environment, the AONB <strong>and</strong> floodplain that surrounds Salisbury. Fourth bullet<br />
point – Replace ‘appropriate’ with ‘effective’.<br />
In principle we support homes being achieved in the most sustainable way, but by<br />
reason of the key outcomes it seeks to achieve is too prescriptive. The most<br />
sustainable way may not always be feasible / viable (due to costs of remediation)<br />
or achievable (should there be l<strong>and</strong> assembly issues). Proposed amendments to<br />
three outcomes are:<br />
- Amend ‘The delivery of an appropriate number of new homes will have been<br />
achieved in the most sustainable way’ to read ‘The delivery of the regional<br />
target for additional new homes by <strong>2026</strong> will have been met if not exceeded<br />
<strong>and</strong> will have been achieved in the most sustainable way taking into account<br />
feasibility (viability) etc.<br />
- Amend ‘Development will have avoided encroachment on the <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Green<br />
Belt to read ‘Development will have avoided encroachment on the <strong>Wiltshire</strong><br />
Green Belt except in exceptional circumstances’.<br />
- Amend ‘All developments will have been low-carbon or zero carbon’ to read<br />
‘All development will have demonstrated that it has minimised on-site carbon<br />
dioxide (CO2) emissions by using less energy, supplying energy efficiently<br />
<strong>and</strong> using on-site renewable energy generation with any reduction target<br />
achieved unless it can be demonstrated that such provision is not feasible’.<br />
It is unrealistic to assume that the rural market can meet all affordable housing<br />
needs. The LDD should clearly define targets <strong>and</strong> delivery mechanisms for<br />
intermediate affordable housing <strong>and</strong> market rented housing rather than the<br />
current blanket emphasis on a percentage delivery of social rented, usually<br />
through a partner RSL. The policy should make clear that in rural communities<br />
delivering affordable housing tends to be more limited <strong>and</strong> the aim should be to<br />
deliver high quality housing which contributed to the creation <strong>and</strong> maintenance of<br />
sustainable rural communities.<br />
Current Local Plan policies such as the Kennet Local Plan <strong>and</strong> North <strong>Wiltshire</strong><br />
Local Plan currently require an equivalent provision of general market <strong>and</strong><br />
affordable homes on all housing sites. Experience shows this is applied<br />
indiscriminately or at best, based purely on a financial statement without regard to<br />
design quality or community sustainability. This is contrary to PPS3 advice.<br />
Where current local needs surveys have been robustly undertaken <strong>and</strong> audited<br />
regularly then an appropriate percentage of mixed tenure low cost affordable<br />
development would be justified. Over- reliance of RSLs mono tenure development<br />
do not create resilient rural communities <strong>and</strong> there is strong evidence that<br />
community development trusts are more innovative <strong>and</strong> better placed to secure<br />
<strong>and</strong> manage affordable homes when given appropriate leadership support by the<br />
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local authority. It is recommended that new affordable housing policies as applied<br />
to villages should: define a lower percentage delivery in small villages <strong>and</strong> which<br />
must be properly justified with a defined <strong>and</strong> robust local needs survey. Clarify<br />
that the council will acknowledge that creation of design quality <strong>and</strong> maintaining<br />
community sustainability is paramount; <strong>and</strong> take leadership responsibility to<br />
ensure that intermediate <strong>and</strong> market rented housing are encouraged in<br />
preference to social housing.<br />
With reference to the 3000 houses west of Swindon, it is vital that we preserve the<br />
identities of outlying communities e.g. Purton.<br />
There is a predicted shortfall of affordable homes in the whole of <strong>Wiltshire</strong>. We<br />
need to think more out of the box to provide affordable homes is a different<br />
manner e.g. using self-build homes to create truly affordable housing units.<br />
Objective 3 gives a statement without the detailed explanation. 3,000 seem too<br />
low <strong>and</strong> 44,400 seem too high.<br />
The objective fails to address a well known <strong>and</strong> established challenge which<br />
relates as to how the LDF will meet the needs of the elderly in housing <strong>and</strong> health<br />
care. Their needs are recognised in PPS3, paragraph 21 <strong>and</strong> Paragraph 6.1.1 of<br />
the draft RSS.<br />
The use of productive agricultural l<strong>and</strong> for housing development should be<br />
avoided <strong>and</strong> the use of existing brownfield sites within city centres <strong>and</strong> in rural<br />
locations should be explored before turning to large scale greenfield development.<br />
Encroachment on the Green Belt is mentioned. Specific reference to unsuitable<br />
housing development within the AONBs should also be referred to.<br />
Confirm affordable housing thresholds <strong>and</strong> consider specific allocations, just for<br />
affordable homes in some of the larger villages. These could then be sold to<br />
affordable housing providers rather than relying on exception sites which hardly<br />
ever deliver.<br />
According to the wording, the primary focus of new development is at Trowbridge,<br />
Chippenham <strong>and</strong> Salisbury. Yet, according to the table, those settlements only<br />
account for 17,500 of the 44,400 new homes. Most new homes will not be in<br />
Trowbridge, Chippenham or Salisbury <strong>and</strong> instead they will spread across a very<br />
large area. This will present significant challenges for many public service<br />
providers, including the fire <strong>and</strong> rescue service. The LDF should enable the<br />
provision of the necessary additional infrastructure through which these public<br />
services are provided. The housing provision should address the needs of homes<br />
for vulnerable members of our community. <strong>Wiltshire</strong> FRS does not have access<br />
via existing funding sources to capital with which to set up new infrastructure<br />
necessitated by growth. Consequently, it is essential that appropriate policy<br />
support for developer contributions towards FRS infrastructure is made in the<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>2026</strong> LDF. Without developer contributions, the requisite FRS<br />
infrastructure will not be forthcoming. This would put new development <strong>and</strong> the<br />
public at risk <strong>and</strong> militate against the delivery of sustainable development.<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> FRS therefore strongly requests that appropriate additions are made to<br />
this <strong>and</strong> further emerging LDF Documents in order to provide this policy support.<br />
There is no specific mention of the contribution that can be made to sustainable<br />
objectives by bringing redundant buildings back into use. This is particularly<br />
important where such re-use can then fulfil a local need for housing or small scale<br />
local employment opportunities.<br />
Proposed olicy for rural housing allocations – To set the affordable housing<br />
requirement for rural areas <strong>and</strong> provide the strategic context for the allocation of<br />
specific sites in rural locations to meet identified housing needs. Secondly, to<br />
support the provision of new services <strong>and</strong> facilities <strong>and</strong> the diversification of<br />
existing facilities within rural areas.<br />
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The notion that larger towns <strong>and</strong> villages will always be more sustainable than<br />
smaller communities will make scores of villages in <strong>Wiltshire</strong> less sustainable.<br />
This approach will make it more difficult to meet local housing needs.<br />
Living afloat contributes to increasing the range of choice in housing types <strong>and</strong><br />
lifestyle. Residential house boats are recognised by the Government as a specific<br />
housing group to be considered in housing needs assessments. Where the supply<br />
of suitable residential moorings is seen as an issue, it is important that associated<br />
l<strong>and</strong> use implications are addressed in the Development Plan process.<br />
Affordable housing is key to sustainable rural communities <strong>and</strong> <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />
should support a framework for affordable housing that takes account of the<br />
needs of rural communities identified through housing needs assessment<br />
undertaken by parish councils. Make the roles <strong>and</strong> responsibilities of parish<br />
councils clearer <strong>and</strong> more robust in the planning process with a clear<br />
responsibility to support <strong>and</strong> promote affordable housing provision.<br />
The current housing numbers planned will affect the New Forest, with such a<br />
large amount of development concentrated to the north of the National Park.<br />
Cross boundary perspective is lacking e.g. West of Engl<strong>and</strong> Housing Market<br />
Area.<br />
We have serious concerns about the speed of delivery on the larger strategic<br />
sites identified at Chippenham <strong>and</strong> West of Swindon.<br />
There should be a reference within the objective towards siting future housing at<br />
accessible locations where there are sustainable links in place to access jobs <strong>and</strong><br />
services <strong>and</strong> to promote the overall objective of self-containment.<br />
The issue of new pitches/sites for gypsies <strong>and</strong> travellers <strong>and</strong> travelling show<br />
people does not seem to have been addressed in Objective 3. To be conformable<br />
with Circular 1/2006, the Core Strategy must set out criteria for the location of<br />
sites to guide the allocation <strong>and</strong> meet unexpected dem<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Although there is a specific strategic objective around flooding, it is surprising that<br />
the subject is not mentioned in strategic objective 3.<br />
How will the council ensure supply of l<strong>and</strong> for affordable housing in the future if<br />
we have another time (like now) where it is being frustrated by l<strong>and</strong> being in the<br />
h<strong>and</strong>s of private developers who have no real interest in affordable rented<br />
housing?<br />
We support the primary focus of new housing to be at the major towns <strong>and</strong> would<br />
expect an appropriate level of local healthcare services to be provided as part of<br />
the proposed sustainable growth for these towns/cities.<br />
The core strategy objective to achieve low carbon development must be aligned<br />
with the Government’s approach to escalating the BREAM <strong>and</strong> code for<br />
sustainable homes rating requirements.<br />
Strategic objective 3 is not sufficiently detailed enough to provide the necessary<br />
cross reference to other parts of the core strategy which support development<br />
outside of the main centres of Salisbury, Trowbridge <strong>and</strong> Chippenham. Add a new<br />
bullet point to read ‘Away from the above locations, development will be directed<br />
to specified small towns <strong>and</strong> large villages which have been identified as<br />
sustainable locations for development.’<br />
Allocating MoD l<strong>and</strong> for development is unsustainable locations in places where<br />
people do not want to live <strong>and</strong> which are not in the Swindon Housing Market Area<br />
<strong>and</strong> will not achieve the aims set out in Objectives 2, 3 <strong>and</strong> 4.<br />
The current exception site policy leads to ghetto developments. Exceptions sites<br />
should provide an appropriate mix of market housing <strong>and</strong> affordable housing<br />
units. These mixed-developments must retain the character of the village <strong>and</strong> this<br />
is often not a dense housing estate. There should be strict controls to ensure that<br />
affordable housing developments distributed throughout<br />
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Strategic Objective 3 (Box 4) meeting <strong>Wiltshire</strong>’s housing needs: respondents<br />
Organisations<br />
Alder King Planning Consultants<br />
Ashton Park, Trowbridge Ltd<br />
Barrett Strategic Ltd<br />
Barters Farm Nurseries Ltd<br />
Calne Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
Chairman Climate Friendly Bradford on<br />
Avon<br />
Community First<br />
Selwood Housing Society Limited<br />
Environment Agency (Wessex Area)<br />
Friends, Families <strong>and</strong> Traveller <strong>and</strong><br />
Traveller Law Reform Project<br />
Galliford Try Strategic L<strong>and</strong><br />
Gleeson Strategic L<strong>and</strong><br />
Hills UK Ltd (Barratt Strategic, Heron<br />
L<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> Persimmon Homes)<br />
London <strong>and</strong> South British Waterways<br />
Malmesbury Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
Ashtenne Industrial Fund Ltd.<br />
ighways Agency<br />
Barters Farm Nurseries Ltd<br />
C/o Tetlow King South West RSL<br />
Consortium<br />
Campaign for Better Transport<br />
Chairman Malmesbury Civic Trust<br />
Defence Estates<br />
East Melksham Consortium<br />
Eton College<br />
G L Hearn Planning<br />
Gleeson Developments Ltd<br />
Godshill Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Knight Frank Agent Badminton Estate<br />
M J Gleeson Group plc<br />
Martin Malaby Ltd<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> North Chippenham Consortium –<br />
North Wessex Downs AONB<br />
Parrotgate Ltd<br />
New Forest National Park Authority Primegate Properties (Hooksouth) Ltd<br />
Prospect L<strong>and</strong> Ltd<br />
Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd<br />
Swindon Borough <strong>Council</strong><br />
The Hills Group<br />
The Trust for Devizes<br />
Treasurer Transition Community Corsham<br />
W B Real Development GmbH<br />
Welbeck L<strong>and</strong> Limited<br />
Wilts. Fire & Rescue Service<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Wildlife Trust<br />
Zog Brownfield Ventures Ltd<br />
Individuals<br />
Alison Bucknell <strong>Council</strong>lor Ernie Clark Diana Thombs<br />
Diane Teare Dr John Loran Duncan Hames<br />
Emma Woodhouse Howard Butcher Ian Rose<br />
Jane Launchbury MF Freeman Mr Christopher Gorringe<br />
Mr Eric Jones Mr James Woodhouse Mr Peter Barnett<br />
Mrs C SpickernellTrevor N P Parker<br />
Robert Lytton<br />
Cherrett<br />
The Bowerman Family<br />
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3.7 Strategic Objective 4 (Box 5) infrastructure <strong>and</strong> services: comments<br />
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General support for the provision of water, education, health, rural facilities,<br />
recreation <strong>and</strong> sport, <strong>and</strong> culture <strong>and</strong> the arts to achieve self-containment <strong>and</strong> the<br />
spatial vision.<br />
General support the recognition of water infrastructure as a key issue.<br />
General support for the recognition that it is important to secure <strong>and</strong> implement<br />
the necessary infrastructure for new development, essential for housing delivery<br />
<strong>and</strong> economic growth.<br />
Support <strong>and</strong> acknowledge of the need to provide cultural facilities.<br />
Support provision of enhanced social infrastructure in rural areas because this<br />
would aid the growth of sustainable communities <strong>and</strong> reduce the need to travel.<br />
Some agreement that developers can play some part in providing the funding for<br />
securing such infrastructure but caution against leaving development unviable by<br />
requiring onerous obligations. Developer contributions should be considered on a<br />
site-by-site basis after assessment of the site <strong>and</strong> any associated development<br />
costs.<br />
Support maintaining <strong>and</strong>, where appropriate, enhancing community infrastructure<br />
(e.g. schools, local shops, village halls, sports fields, pub, private members club,<br />
almshouses <strong>and</strong> churches) in villages.<br />
NHS <strong>Wiltshire</strong> supports the specific reference to adequate provision made for<br />
healthcare.<br />
Reword bullet point 3 to say “Excellent provision should be made for health care,<br />
including a Minor Injury Unit for every population centre in excess of 10,000<br />
population”.<br />
Questionable whether the objective can be obtained, given that it will require the<br />
strategic planning authority to take a totally different approach from that of the last<br />
decade.<br />
Reference to “recreation” does not do justice to the importance of accessible<br />
green space <strong>and</strong> woodl<strong>and</strong> in delivering sustainable communities <strong>and</strong> placemaking.<br />
Thus, amend bullet point 5 to read “Appropriate provision will have been<br />
made for recreation <strong>and</strong> sport, amenity <strong>and</strong> green space as well as culture <strong>and</strong><br />
the arts”. (see Woodl<strong>and</strong> Access St<strong>and</strong>ard (WASt) <strong>and</strong> Space for People for<br />
st<strong>and</strong>ards <strong>and</strong> targets for green infrastructure provision).<br />
When referring to transport infrastructure, refer more clearly to Regional Spatial<br />
Strategy (RSS) policies RTS1 <strong>and</strong> RTS2, which prioritise public transport <strong>and</strong><br />
reducing car travel.<br />
The regional significant corridor is the A36, not the A350, as in the RSS<br />
Explain what is actually meant by the words transport infrastructure – type (e.g.<br />
bus, rail, <strong>and</strong> road) <strong>and</strong> function (bus lane, cycle path, distributor road, major<br />
bypass, etc.).<br />
Amend the second sentence by deleting “appropriately” <strong>and</strong> adding “at the same<br />
time as the development” to the end.<br />
Object to the omission of the provision of fire <strong>and</strong> rescue service, or indeed any<br />
other emergency service, infrastructure under this objective (included in a list of<br />
essential infrastructure in Strategic Objective 7 of the South <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core<br />
Strategy).<br />
Have you spoken to the water companies <strong>and</strong> have they said whether they are<br />
able to provide for your needs?<br />
How can you say if adequate provision has been made for health care – you<br />
might be able to support planning applications made by NHS <strong>Wiltshire</strong>.<br />
Why include enhancement of rural facilities – you have never done this before?<br />
We should be striving for better than “adequate” in terms of health care.<br />
23
<strong>Consultation</strong> methodology <strong>and</strong> output report <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy August 2010<br />
Data Appendices<br />
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While the need to provide planning obligations in line with the tests in Circular<br />
05/05 is understood, especially in relation to recreation <strong>and</strong> sport, it will not be<br />
possible, in all circumstances, to make such provision on-site <strong>and</strong> the obligation<br />
may be better suited to off-site provision through the upgrading of an existing<br />
facility.<br />
Oppose seeking contributions for culture <strong>and</strong> arts – highly questionable whether<br />
any such contribution is relevant to planning <strong>and</strong> this should be deleted<br />
The need to secure appropriate infrastructure <strong>and</strong> services for settlements <strong>and</strong><br />
community areas is more likely to be achieved by focusing growth at the main<br />
settlement in each area – this growth needs to be of a reasonable scale to<br />
achieve the critical mass necessary to deliver local infrastructure <strong>and</strong> services.<br />
Have you spoken to the schools <strong>and</strong> GP surgeries to see if they can cope with the<br />
extra growth? At this rate, we will be back to portacabins.<br />
What about provision for retail services?<br />
With reference to rural facilities, why do we need the phrase “as far as possible”?<br />
Allocating MoD l<strong>and</strong> for development in unsustainable locations where people do<br />
not want to live <strong>and</strong> which are not within the Swindon Housing Market area will<br />
not achieve the aims under this objective.<br />
Statement recognising <strong>Wiltshire</strong> follows the national trend with an ageing<br />
population.<br />
Include the following as a key outcome under this strategic objective:<br />
“Provision of an integrated transport infrastructure package which ensures that<br />
deliverability of strategic infrastructure over the plan period”.<br />
Include a reference to green infrastructure, within the last bullet point, under this<br />
strategic objective.<br />
Proviso that infrastructure <strong>and</strong> service requirements are implemented prior to any<br />
development taking place.<br />
The timing of new development should be coordinated with the provision of the<br />
necessary wastewater infrastructure.<br />
The planning system needs to support the construction of essential infrastructure<br />
so that additional capacity can be provided in a timely manner <strong>and</strong> strict<br />
environmental st<strong>and</strong>ards in the treatment of waste water can be met.<br />
Any planning decision should only proceed once the key outcomes in this<br />
objective have been met.<br />
Should also consider provision of adequate <strong>and</strong> accessible retail services before<br />
approving housing.<br />
Lack of free <strong>and</strong> adequate car parking has been very damaging to many market<br />
towns, such as Malmesbury, <strong>and</strong> has led to people driving further away to places,<br />
such as Chippenham, Tetbury <strong>and</strong> Cirencester, where there is free parking<br />
(against the objective of reducing the need to travel!).<br />
Address how infrastructure can be planned to achieve healthier lifestyles as well<br />
as promoting effective health services, promote sustainable water usage <strong>and</strong><br />
reduce waste, <strong>and</strong> ensure sport <strong>and</strong> recreational services are provided in<br />
sustainable <strong>and</strong> efficient ways.<br />
Include a statement to say that this objective is key to achieving the other<br />
objectives in a balance, sustainable <strong>and</strong> socially acceptable manner.<br />
The Core Strategy should support the growth <strong>and</strong> expansion of rural services <strong>and</strong><br />
facilities in all locations, not only where there is planned growth, explicitly<br />
recognised the advantages to improved facilities in sustainability, reducing the<br />
need to travel <strong>and</strong> improving the quality of life, well-being <strong>and</strong> equality of those<br />
without access to cars.<br />
Recognise within the core strategy the objectives <strong>and</strong> desires of local<br />
communities to secure new services <strong>and</strong> facilities, as expressed through village<br />
24
<strong>Consultation</strong> methodology <strong>and</strong> output report <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy August 2010<br />
Data Appendices<br />
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<strong>and</strong> community plans, such as the Chapmanslade Village Plan (which identified<br />
the need for additional local retail provision) <strong>and</strong> the Warminster <strong>and</strong> Villages<br />
Community Plan (2005-2015).<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> has below average access to small woodl<strong>and</strong>s – opportunity to improve<br />
accessibility to woodl<strong>and</strong> through new tree planting.<br />
How will the coordination of essential water infrastructure with new development<br />
be monitored?<br />
Should say that if the amount of growth is reduced/ shown to be unnecessary<br />
then the dem<strong>and</strong> for infrastructure decreases.<br />
Should be clear policies to support regional advice with regard to transport<br />
infrastructure in the <strong>Wiltshire</strong> SSCTs <strong>and</strong> their larger related settlements.<br />
Need to mention provision of ITC infrastructure, such as fibre-optic cabling for<br />
internet/ broadb<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Need to have regard to achieving low or zero carbon homes.<br />
The delivery of affordable housing itself is vital contribution to the community.<br />
Financial contributions for social infrastructure should reflect the financial realities<br />
of the cost of delivering affordable homes, as well as the benefit the provision of<br />
affordable homes provides to community sustainability.<br />
Must be a telecommunications policy within the LDF (no mention in objective)<br />
(see PPG8 <strong>and</strong> the code of best practice produced by the ODPM <strong>and</strong> suggest<br />
policy <strong>and</strong> SPD attached (comment 583).<br />
Management of water resources to provide benefit to the local community as a<br />
whole – looking at efficient waste management <strong>and</strong> production for residential <strong>and</strong><br />
commercial use, <strong>and</strong> link to energy production.<br />
Promote cycling <strong>and</strong> the provision of cycle pathways as an attractive means of<br />
transport.<br />
Developer should contribute towards maintaining <strong>and</strong> improving community<br />
facilities, such as town <strong>and</strong> village halls, <strong>and</strong> leisure centres.<br />
Severe lack of storage space for archaeological archives (including finds, paper<br />
records, plans <strong>and</strong> an increasing digital archive) makes future development<br />
unsustainable.<br />
Museums have limited capacity for exp<strong>and</strong>ing to accommodate additional storage<br />
<strong>and</strong> have to consider off-site storage as a medium term solution. Development of<br />
a shared storage facility is an attractive option given the current financial situation<br />
(see similar proposal in Stonehenge World Heritage Site Management Plan) <strong>and</strong><br />
Devizes <strong>and</strong> Salisbury museums keen to explore this option with the council in<br />
light of CIL <strong>and</strong> strategic property review.<br />
Museums should also be considered as part of community infrastructure,<br />
important not only because they are ‘cultural capital’ but they also have a role in<br />
economic development through tourism <strong>and</strong> regeneration.<br />
Amend fourth bullet point to “Rural facilities will, as far as possible, have been<br />
implemented, maintained <strong>and</strong> enhanced” <strong>and</strong> then cross reference to strategic<br />
objective 2, which supports the provision of smaller business premises/<br />
enterprises in areas of need or where opportunities arise.<br />
Include reference to waste water <strong>and</strong> sewerage.<br />
Need more about provision for the elderly.<br />
Need clearer definition of term ‘rural facilities’ – should include enhancement of<br />
public access to woods/ parks/ lakes/ river meadows/ rights of way.<br />
Not enough detail about providing appropriate green infrastructure.<br />
Careful consideration of how critical infrastructure items will be delivered, when<br />
<strong>and</strong> by whom.<br />
25
<strong>Consultation</strong> methodology <strong>and</strong> output report <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy August 2010<br />
Data Appendices<br />
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Further work to define infrastructure requirements more precisely; where you<br />
hope deficiencies can be addressed <strong>and</strong> how, who is expected to fund <strong>and</strong><br />
provide infrastructure.<br />
More detail about infrastructure items that are identified as critical to support<br />
future development, especially that which will occur near the beginning of the plan<br />
period.<br />
Need a partnership of providers responsible for committing the necessary<br />
resources <strong>and</strong> for overseeing the detailed design <strong>and</strong> delivery process (see<br />
PPS12).<br />
Evidence supporting the core strategy should be capable of demonstrating that<br />
the strategy is feasible <strong>and</strong> viable, taking account of other factors such as levels<br />
of affordable housing the local planning authority might be seeking as a part of<br />
housing developments.<br />
Kennet & Avon Canal should be recognised in the core strategy for its transport,<br />
green infrastructure <strong>and</strong> recreational importance <strong>and</strong> not be excluded from any<br />
future CIL or infrastructure strategy.<br />
Core strategy should recognise that future development may put additional<br />
pressure on existing infrastructure.<br />
This objective should also include infrastructure relating to flood risk <strong>and</strong> waste<br />
management.<br />
Make clear that water infrastructure, in the first key outcome, relates to water<br />
supply, wastewater disposal <strong>and</strong> surface water drainage infrastructure.<br />
Amend first key outcome to “essential water, flood risk <strong>and</strong> waste management<br />
infrastructure will have been coordinated with all new development”.<br />
Also include high quality, multifunctional, green infrastructure as an outcome.<br />
Infrastructure should be provided at the same time, or in advance of, new<br />
development, not after development has been completed.<br />
Care must be taken not to put too much strain on existing facilities.<br />
More attention, particularly in the current economic climate, should be given to<br />
where appropriate funding will come from – budgets for development?<br />
Add a bullet point “schools will not be expected to grow so large that they have a<br />
negative impact on their community. New schools will be provided where they<br />
cannot be reasonably accommodated on existing sites or where modernisation is<br />
preferable”.<br />
Recommend that the use of planning obligations/ CIL would be made for AONB<br />
<strong>and</strong> management plan objectives for development in or closely associated with<br />
the AONB.<br />
Add bullet: “Development within the AONBs will be expected to contribute to<br />
Planning Obligations/ Community Infrastructure Levy for AONB Management Plan<br />
purposes”.<br />
Suggested policy wording for policies on water <strong>and</strong> sewerage infrastructure:<br />
“Water <strong>and</strong> sewerage infrastructure capacity.<br />
The council will…take account of the capacity of existing off-site water <strong>and</strong><br />
sewerage infrastructure <strong>and</strong> the impact of development proposals on them.<br />
Where necessary, the council will seek improvements to utility infrastructure<br />
related <strong>and</strong> appropriate to the development so that the improvements are<br />
completed prior to occupation of the development. The development or expansion<br />
of water supply or sewage facilities will normally be permitted, either where<br />
needed to serve existing or proposed new development, or in the interests of long<br />
term water supply <strong>and</strong> waste water management, provided that the need for such<br />
facilities outweighs any adverse l<strong>and</strong> use or environmental impact that any such<br />
adverse impact is minimised.<br />
Text along following lines added to Core Strategy to support above proposed<br />
policy:<br />
26
<strong>Consultation</strong> methodology <strong>and</strong> output report <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy August 2010<br />
Data Appendices<br />
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<br />
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The council will seek to ensure that there is adequate water supply, surface water,<br />
foul drainage <strong>and</strong> sewerage treatment capacity to serve all new developments.<br />
Developers will be required to demonstrate that there is adequate capacity both<br />
on <strong>and</strong> off the site to serve the development <strong>and</strong> that it would not lead to<br />
problems for existing users. In some circumstances this may make it necessary<br />
for developers to carry out appropriate studies to ascertain whether the proposed<br />
development will lead to overloading of existing infrastructure. Where there is a<br />
capacity problem <strong>and</strong> no improvements are programmed by the water company,<br />
the council will require the developer to fund appropriate improvements which<br />
must be completed prior to occupation of the development.”<br />
Lack of primary school places in Malmesbury - no to exp<strong>and</strong> on current site.<br />
Strategic sites significantly affected by GPSS pipelines (no development may take<br />
place within a way leave of 10 feet either side of a pipe, without consent from the<br />
Secretary of State). Current policy is that the pipelines way leave must be kept as<br />
a green strip. Only crossing points for roads <strong>and</strong> service ducts generally allowed<br />
within way leave. Pipelines, which carry high pressure refined hydrocarbons, have<br />
the potential to be hazardous in the future <strong>and</strong>, therefore, may affect development<br />
in close proximity.<br />
Concern that level of housing / employment growth too low to achieve this<br />
objective.<br />
Any proposals should be considered in light of notifiable installations <strong>and</strong><br />
pipelines in the area covered by the plan; would be helpful to potential developers<br />
if the constraints likely to be imposed by these were indicated in a policy<br />
statement in the plan. Proposals maps should be marked to show the locations of<br />
the notifiable installations.<br />
NHS Swindon would expect the opportunity to exp<strong>and</strong> healthcare provision within<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>and</strong> would seek to be a key stakeholder in infrastructure planning in the<br />
county – minimum to improve existing sustainable transport links to the growth<br />
locations <strong>and</strong> retention of Trust’s <strong>Wiltshire</strong> based sites in order to meet this<br />
objective.<br />
27
<strong>Consultation</strong> methodology <strong>and</strong> output report <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy August 2010<br />
Data Appendices<br />
3.8 Strategic Objective 4 (Box 5) infrastructure <strong>and</strong> services: respondents<br />
Organisations<br />
Area Planner, London <strong>and</strong> South British<br />
Waterways<br />
Barrett Strategic Ltd<br />
Campaign for Better Transport<br />
Clerk Kington St Michael Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Corsham Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
Development Director Selwood Housing<br />
Society Limited<br />
Director <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Rural Housing<br />
Association<br />
Fisher German LLP<br />
Galliford Try Strategic L<strong>and</strong><br />
Health <strong>and</strong> Safety Executive<br />
M J Gleeson Group plc<br />
Malmesbury Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
Martin Robeson Planning Practice<br />
Mobile Operators Association (MOA)<br />
Persimmon Homes<br />
Planning <strong>and</strong> Local Government Natural<br />
Engl<strong>and</strong><br />
Planning Policy Officer The Theatres<br />
Trust<br />
Salisbury <strong>and</strong> South <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Museum<br />
Senior planning manager Government<br />
Office for the South West<br />
Southern Water<br />
The Trust for Devizes<br />
Woodl<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
Ashton Park, Trowbridge Ltd<br />
Barters Farm Nurseries Ltd<br />
Chairman Climate Friendly Bradford on<br />
Avon<br />
Corsham Civic Society<br />
Cranborne Chase & West <strong>Wiltshire</strong><br />
Downs AONB<br />
Director <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Archaeological <strong>and</strong><br />
Natural History Society<br />
East Melksham Consortium<br />
G L Hearn Planning<br />
Gleeson Developments Ltd<br />
Knight Frank Agent Badminton Estate<br />
Malmesbury River Valleys Trust<br />
Martin Malaby Ltd<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
NHS Swindon<br />
Planning Administrator Thames Water<br />
Property Services<br />
Planning Liaison Technical Specialist<br />
Environment Agency (Wessex Area)<br />
Prospect L<strong>and</strong> Ltd<br />
Savernake Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Senior planning manager Government<br />
Office for the South West<br />
The Hills Group<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Fire & Rescue Service<br />
Individuals<br />
Diane Teare Geoff Yates Howard Butcher<br />
Mr E Palmer Mr John Mr Eric Jones<br />
Mr John Harmer<br />
Harmer<br />
Mr Peter Barnett Mrs C Spickernell N P Parker<br />
Robert Lytton<br />
Tim Robertson<br />
28
<strong>Consultation</strong> methodology <strong>and</strong> output report <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy August 2010<br />
Data Appendices<br />
3.9 Strategic Objective 5 (Box 6) vitality <strong>and</strong> viability of town centres: comments<br />
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Support this SO <strong>and</strong> the concentration of retail into town centres.<br />
We believe there are significant opportunities for <strong>Wiltshire</strong>’s town centres to be<br />
improved <strong>and</strong> support this objective.<br />
Proper facilities <strong>and</strong> infrastructure are an essential part of any town that is truly<br />
functional in a meaningful sense.<br />
‘Supported’ or ‘Supporting’ were common single–word comments from developers<br />
<strong>and</strong> consultants.<br />
Residents should have easy access to facilities <strong>and</strong> a range of retail choice via<br />
low-cost public transport facilities such as buses <strong>and</strong> cycleways so that they are<br />
encouraged not to use the car for basic small shopping needs.<br />
I was disappointed to see no reference to making <strong>Wiltshire</strong> a bicycle friendly<br />
county.<br />
Policy is too rigid – developing main towns should not be at expense of smaller<br />
settlements. This could damage rural vitality <strong>and</strong> viability.<br />
Care should be taken to encourage a balance of retail opportunities in every town,<br />
so that one type of shop e.g. takeaway does not dominate the town.<br />
If there is true belief in sustainable development <strong>and</strong> recognition of people’s<br />
habits then the better policy would be to encourage more residential development<br />
within town centres i.e. converting retail space to living space.<br />
No need for any more retail (one respondent).<br />
Evidence base flawed. New retail study needed.<br />
Actually delivering the key outcomes will require the strategic planning authority to<br />
take a totally different approach from that of the last decade. It is therefore<br />
questionable whether the objective can be attained.<br />
We should recognise that car travel is what people really want <strong>and</strong> plan<br />
accordingly.<br />
We believe there should also be a clause included in the Strategy which states<br />
categorically a presumption against any supermarket extensions or extension of<br />
their range of goods <strong>and</strong> services. If town centres are to become the focal point of<br />
the local community more so than currently, then residents needs some<br />
encouragement.<br />
The cost of car parking locally needs to be on the same level with supermarkets,<br />
either both free of charge or the same charge per hour.<br />
Add a bullet point: ‘<strong>Wiltshire</strong> towns will have attractive <strong>and</strong> high quality town<br />
centres’.<br />
More residential development needed in town centres.<br />
Should we have something in here about town centre viability to do with<br />
encouraging mixed use properties including residential in town centres? Currently<br />
some town centres close down when the shops <strong>and</strong> offices close, <strong>and</strong> then switch<br />
to drinking establishments in the evening. Need to have a better mix.<br />
Protecting heritage <strong>and</strong> character must be an important part of regeneration<br />
High rents are a problem for small retail outlets.<br />
The council should identify actual town centre sites for regeneration as the next<br />
step.<br />
29
<strong>Consultation</strong> methodology <strong>and</strong> output report <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy August 2010<br />
Data Appendices<br />
3.10 Strategic Objective 5 (Box 6) vitality <strong>and</strong> viability of town centres: respondents<br />
Organisations<br />
Ashtenne Industrial Fund Limited<br />
Barrett Strategic Ltd<br />
Corsham Civic Society<br />
Director <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Rural Housing<br />
Association<br />
G L Hearn Planning<br />
M J Gleeson Group plc<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Planning Policy Officer The Theatres<br />
Trust<br />
Senior planning manager Government<br />
Office for the South West<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Historic Buildings Trust Ltd<br />
Ashton Park, Trowbridge Ltd<br />
Business Development Manager Sarsen<br />
Housing Association<br />
Corsham Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
East Melksham Consortium<br />
Group Chairman, North Wilts <strong>and</strong><br />
Swindon Group Campaign to Protect<br />
Rural Engl<strong>and</strong> (CPRE)<br />
Martin Malaby Ltd<br />
Persimmon Homes<br />
Prospect L<strong>and</strong> Ltd<br />
Sustrans<br />
Individuals<br />
Howard Butcher Mr Peter Barnett Diane Teare<br />
Tim Robertson Robert Lytton N P Parker<br />
Mrs C Spickernell<br />
Mr John Harmer<br />
30
<strong>Consultation</strong> methodology <strong>and</strong> output report <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy August 2010<br />
Data Appendices<br />
3.11 Strategic Objective 6 (Box 7) safe <strong>and</strong> accessible places: comments<br />
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Include, in the first bullet point, reference to the need for growth to provide<br />
balanced communities/ address social exclusion in existing communities.<br />
Add: “projects to support community cohesion will be supported, e.g. green<br />
communities”.<br />
General agreement from North <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Economic Partnership with the outcomes<br />
specific in strategic objective 6.<br />
This objective should not just be about the built environment; many of the<br />
outcomes could be met by encouraging use of the natural environment. Fear of<br />
crime is also seen as a barrier to enjoyment of the countryside. Add an additional<br />
bullet point:<br />
“Access for walkers <strong>and</strong> cyclists between settlements <strong>and</strong> the surrounding areas<br />
will have been maintained <strong>and</strong> improved, with good paths <strong>and</strong> informal open<br />
spaces encouraging a sense of security <strong>and</strong> freedom to explore the countryside”<br />
Such an objective, <strong>and</strong> associated policies, will ensure that access links are an<br />
active <strong>and</strong> positive part of planning new development, allowing s106 <strong>and</strong> other<br />
developer contributions to be sought for improving rights of way <strong>and</strong> other access<br />
provisions outside of the immediate development area.<br />
The core strategy must encourage travel by means other than the car <strong>and</strong><br />
improve bus <strong>and</strong> rail services. Transport plays a role in increasing isolation <strong>and</strong><br />
social exclusion in rural areas. Households in rural areas are increasingly reliant<br />
on the use of a car to access shops <strong>and</strong> services, employment <strong>and</strong> training,<br />
schools <strong>and</strong> healthcare. While 10% of rural households do not own a car, the<br />
financial burden in those that do may further contribute towards levels of<br />
deprivation.<br />
The increased volume of traffic on rural roads has led to an increase in both the<br />
real <strong>and</strong> perceived risks of travelling by foot or bike on rural roads. Walking <strong>and</strong><br />
cycling links need to be improved <strong>and</strong> developed if rural households are to have a<br />
genuine choice of transport methods.Therefore, add an additional bullet point:<br />
“The support <strong>and</strong> development of a range of transport choices in all rural<br />
communities”.<br />
A very complex issue has been expressed in a simplistic <strong>and</strong> wholly inadequate<br />
manner. Safety is a product of police actions <strong>and</strong> social attitudes/ pressures. Fear<br />
of crime relates to a range of concerns from violence to anti-social behaviour.<br />
Police budgets <strong>and</strong> government policies limit the effectiveness of policing <strong>and</strong><br />
erode the effects of social pressures.<br />
Attaining objective 5 (access to facilities) would help achieve the safety aspects of<br />
this objective. Access to facilities is a major problem for poorer people in rural<br />
communities but there is no evidence of any policies to deliver improved<br />
availability <strong>and</strong> accessibility of key local services.<br />
While the location of housing to allow easy access to a range of local services<br />
<strong>and</strong> facilities <strong>and</strong> improved accessibility for key local facilities is support, there<br />
should be reference towards public transport, cycling <strong>and</strong> pedestrian links being a<br />
priority over cars in terms of access.<br />
While there is a need to ensure good security, this should not be at the expense<br />
of other design-related considerations. Improvements to the accessibility <strong>and</strong><br />
availability of key facilities can only be achieved by way of new development,<br />
which could relocate/ upgrade facilities as necessary.<br />
This objective, while fully supported, needs to be exp<strong>and</strong>ed to show exactly how<br />
safe, accessible places will be achieved. Housing – location is important. Early<br />
consultation with stakeholders, especially the Police Force Architectural Liaison<br />
Officer, is vital. Design – embed principles of designing out crime <strong>and</strong> secured by<br />
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design in new developments. Accessibility – too much in the wrong places may<br />
increase the fear of crime.<br />
Early consultation with the Police Force Architectural Liaison Officer. Competing<br />
needs for secure by design considerations <strong>and</strong> other st<strong>and</strong>ards must compliment<br />
each other <strong>and</strong> conflicts should be resolved to reflect local priorities.<br />
There should be a local facility within every town for residents to make a formal<br />
statement relating to a crime.<br />
New development should seek to deliver safe <strong>and</strong> accessible places, focusing on<br />
housing <strong>and</strong> retail facilities in suitable locations, accessible by a range of<br />
transport, <strong>and</strong> within close proximity to local services <strong>and</strong> facilities.<br />
British Waterways should be involved in the early stages of any waterside<br />
development scheme/ planning brief to ensure the canal is seen as a safe, wellconnected<br />
<strong>and</strong> integral part of development.<br />
Not just about safe places but instilling a sense of community pride are important<br />
too <strong>and</strong> can be self-monitoring <strong>and</strong> self-policing. Providing activities for young<br />
people may be just as, if not more, important than design in reducing anti-social<br />
behaviour.<br />
Matching housing to employment is important; increased levels of out-commuting<br />
leads to a lack of identity <strong>and</strong> pride in the local area, giving rise to a dormitory <strong>and</strong><br />
soulless places, not a community.<br />
The core strategy will have a major bearing on public health <strong>and</strong>, as such, there<br />
should be an explicit reference by rephrasing the objective to read:“To provide<br />
safe, healthy, accessible places”.<br />
There should be two additional outcomes under this objective, which are:<br />
“Buildings <strong>and</strong> spaces will be designed to improve physical activity <strong>and</strong> mental<br />
health” <strong>and</strong> “All residents will have access to natural green space (st<strong>and</strong>ards to be<br />
agreed)”.<br />
The sequential test in relation to large stores is flawed. One reason is that, while<br />
planning officers tend to object to large out-of-town supermarkets, residents tend<br />
to support them because there is no loss of car parking, often a local gain of free<br />
parking. The reverse is true if the proposed store is to be located within the town<br />
centre.<br />
Risk that small villages will die if they are starved of all development. The villages<br />
have much stronger communities than large new developments <strong>and</strong> good<br />
communities are rarely breeding places for crime. Market towns have always<br />
been accessible to villages in the past by means other than the car <strong>and</strong> should<br />
continue to be so now. Add “<strong>and</strong> small developments in the villages” after<br />
“spaces” in the second bullet point.<br />
Promote safe environments for those who are too ill or too old to live<br />
independently.<br />
Bicycle friendly policies could encourage safe, accessible places by keeping cars<br />
out of town centres <strong>and</strong> creating safe cycle paths between settlements, schools<br />
<strong>and</strong> other facilities.<br />
This objective should also include explicit redevelopment of problem areas.<br />
Improvements in accessibility <strong>and</strong> opportunities to reduce social exclusion should<br />
be driven through the core strategy. The remoteness of many parts of rural<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> increases the potential for people to be excluded or have limited access<br />
to local services <strong>and</strong> facilities. This presents a challenge to service providers,<br />
such as the fire <strong>and</strong> rescue service, in protecting the most vulnerable in the<br />
community.<br />
In promoting safety, consideration needs to be given to the difficulties inherent in<br />
having a widely dispersed population <strong>and</strong>, also, to road safety, given the increase<br />
in population <strong>and</strong> commercial traffic.<br />
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Broader health <strong>and</strong> safety issues in terms of building design should be addressed,<br />
including the need for houses to be built to best practice st<strong>and</strong>ards, such as the<br />
Lifetime Homes St<strong>and</strong>ard. Change the second bullet point to read: “The design of<br />
buildings <strong>and</strong> spaces will have actively promoted safety <strong>and</strong> supported well being<br />
<strong>and</strong> will have reduced both crime <strong>and</strong> the fear of crime”.<br />
Add an additional bullet point: “residential areas will be designed so as to include<br />
safe <strong>and</strong> adequate car parking provision”.<br />
The <strong>Wiltshire</strong> police budget will need to increase to meet this objective – potential<br />
impact of current budget deficits on outcomes.<br />
Improve accessibility <strong>and</strong> safety of existing homes <strong>and</strong> services, rather than the<br />
very low number of new homes to be developed.<br />
Include mention of safety in town centres <strong>and</strong> in using public transport<br />
Locate houses closer to town centres <strong>and</strong> the necessary infrastructure to<br />
discourage car use <strong>and</strong> improve accessibility.<br />
Better delivery of community <strong>and</strong> social services will reduce social exclusion<br />
Piecemeal development in small towns <strong>and</strong> villages will not achieve the objective,<br />
nor will insufficient development in more established settlements, such as Calne<br />
Efficient transport links are important for ambulances to provide safe <strong>and</strong><br />
convenient access for patients <strong>and</strong> increasing the range, availability <strong>and</strong><br />
affordability of sustainable transport methods will help to improve better access to<br />
healthcare for all.<br />
Allocating more l<strong>and</strong> for civilian housing in a garrison town will not improve social<br />
inclusion; instead it may create more social division.<br />
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<strong>Consultation</strong> methodology <strong>and</strong> output report <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy August 2010<br />
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3.12 Strategic Objective 6 (Box 7) safe <strong>and</strong> accessible places: respondents<br />
Organisations<br />
Ashtenne Industrial Fund Limited<br />
Barrett Strategic Ltd<br />
Campaign for Better Transport<br />
Galliford Try Strategic L<strong>and</strong><br />
G L Hearn Planning<br />
Hills Group<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
NHS Swindon<br />
Persimmon Homes<br />
Sarsen Housing Association<br />
Sustrans<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Fire & Rescue Service<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Rural Housing Association<br />
Ashton Park, Trowbridge Ltd<br />
British Waterways<br />
East Melksham Consortium<br />
Gleeson Developments Ltd<br />
Highways Agency<br />
Martin Malaby Ltd<br />
Natural Engl<strong>and</strong><br />
North <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Economic Partnership<br />
Prospect L<strong>and</strong> Ltd<br />
Selwood Housing Society Limited<br />
Trust for Devizes<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Police (Architectural Liaison<br />
Officer)<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Wildlife Trust<br />
Individuals<br />
Barnett, Peter Butcher, Howard Carbin, Trevor (Cllr)<br />
Eaton, Rod (Cllr) Harmer, John Lytton, Robert<br />
Parker, N.P. Robertson, Tim Spickernell, Mrs. C.<br />
Teare, Diane<br />
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3.13 Strategic Objective 7 (Box 8) sustainable forms of transport: comments<br />
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Need to have a reference to the amount of walking <strong>and</strong> cycling we do, on route to a<br />
lower carbon lifestyle. Road <strong>and</strong> development infrastructures will always give a<br />
consideration to establishing cycle <strong>and</strong> walking routes.<br />
An additional outcome should be added allowing for the provision of a network of<br />
charging points for plug-in electric vehicles.<br />
The provision of sustainable (public) transport requires not only the infrastructure on<br />
which that transform is to run, but also the vehicles to provide that service. The<br />
local transport documents used to back up this strategy score a town "10" if it has a<br />
railway station which is then used as a major factor in scoring the relative provision.<br />
However, the provision of a station is not enough to allow people to use public<br />
transport - services must also be provided on the line, <strong>and</strong> appropriate ways to<br />
complete the journey within the town. We support the strategic objective to promote<br />
sustainable transport, but fear that the measures you have used give an indication<br />
that you are well along the way to providing it when in some places you are not. We<br />
ask you to base your assessment on journey opportunities offered <strong>and</strong> not<br />
(significantly) of the mere present of a station, especially where that station (such<br />
as Melksham) has no trains at all during daylight hours in winter. The Greater<br />
Western Route Unitisation Strategy calls for an hourly "TransWilts" service,<br />
connecting the main towns of Chippenham, Trowbridge, Salisbury ... also Swindon<br />
<strong>and</strong> Melksham, together the five largest towns in "<strong>Wiltshire</strong>". <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong> has<br />
also evaluated the appropriate service level <strong>and</strong> reached the same conclusion. The<br />
current strategic planning should be re-slanted so that it measures true end to end<br />
journey service <strong>and</strong> not the mere presence of a mostly-unused station.<br />
This objective is good, but serious commitment is needed. There is a great deal of<br />
railway infrastructure in the county, but much of it is used to carry freight <strong>and</strong><br />
passengers through the county, without serving the local economy. A small amount<br />
of local infrastructure improvements could substantially improve the local services<br />
<strong>and</strong> enable people to switch more of their journeys from road to rail, reducing<br />
congestion at peak times, <strong>and</strong> carbon emissions. Financial contributions should be<br />
sought from developers towards: a holding bay at Chippenham station a re-opened<br />
station at Corsham, a proper station in Melksham for TransWilts trains between<br />
Westbury <strong>and</strong> Swindon, northbound disabled access at Bradford on Avon Station,<br />
<strong>and</strong> train halts for Staverton <strong>and</strong> Trowbridge's White Horse Business Park. <strong>Wiltshire</strong><br />
planning policy should ensure that developer contributions towards transport<br />
infrastructure are not just about building new roads. Connecting villages with their<br />
nearest towns using footpaths <strong>and</strong> cycle paths would also help reduce car-based<br />
journeys <strong>and</strong> improve community resilience.<br />
We support the proposed Strategic objective. However we are concerned that the<br />
bullet points do not carry through into development proposals which seem to be<br />
largely car based, <strong>and</strong> lacking provision for walking, cycling, <strong>and</strong> bus use while<br />
providing new bypasses in the guise of outer service roads. Once again the lack of<br />
policies makes it hard to determine how <strong>and</strong> if the objective leads to outcomes;<br />
there is a suspicion that the sustainable transport objectives overlay a business as<br />
usual transport approach of improving journey times, building new <strong>and</strong> improved<br />
roads, <strong>and</strong> generally providing other encouragements for continued increases in<br />
cars <strong>and</strong> lorries use. Indeed the planned improvements to "transport infrastructure"<br />
appear on closer examination to consist almost entirely of the construction of new<br />
large distributor roads to knit together the existing <strong>and</strong> planned car-borne housing<br />
estates with their employment areas, <strong>and</strong> a series of A350 bypasses or dualling of<br />
existing bypasses. The lack of mention of the A36 (which really is a recognised<br />
Strategic road) adds to the impression that the council, having failed to convince the<br />
Secretary of State that the A350 should be a strategic route, wants to find ways to<br />
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develop it as one anyway. If that is its intended meaning we object to that part of<br />
the proposals as being incompatible with the general objective of promoting<br />
sustainable forms of transport. Increasing levels of car <strong>and</strong> lorry transport is not<br />
sustainable.<br />
We would not disagree with the key outcomes but would draw attention to the<br />
unique environmental advantages of railways in this context. Rail is capable of<br />
moving large volumes of people <strong>and</strong> goods at high speeds <strong>and</strong> with minimal impact<br />
on the environment. If rail services can be exp<strong>and</strong>ed to provide an attractive<br />
alternative to road transport, there is every likelihood of improving air quality <strong>and</strong><br />
reducing fuel consumption. The Governments recent decision to electrify the main<br />
lines from London to Bristol will create great opportunities to develop the rail<br />
network within <strong>Wiltshire</strong>. Whilst the immediate benefits will be felt in Chippenham<br />
<strong>and</strong> Swindon, which will served by electric trains, other First Great Western routes<br />
in the county are likely to see a cascade of relatively modern diesel rolling stock<br />
currently used on suburban services, which are to be electrified as part of the same<br />
scheme.<br />
It may be feasible to introduce some semi-fast electric multiple units calling at<br />
reopened stations at Corsham <strong>and</strong> Wootton Bassett. Three close railway<br />
formations in <strong>Wiltshire</strong> have potential to reopen as railways in the longer term. The<br />
disused track beds which are substantially intact <strong>and</strong> pass through significant<br />
centres of population, business <strong>and</strong> tourism are Chippenham-Calne; Holt-Devizes-<br />
Patney; <strong>and</strong> Savernake-Marlborough.<br />
We support strategic objective 7.The need to improve sustainable transport choices<br />
is evident from a number of converging themes within the Vision <strong>and</strong> Strategic<br />
objectives paper. However, we note the absence of explicit reference to walking<br />
<strong>and</strong> cycling within this strategic objective <strong>and</strong> its key outcomes. Traditionally these<br />
are modes of transport that have experienced relative under investment in <strong>Wiltshire</strong><br />
in comparison to other counties. No <strong>Wiltshire</strong> town has a comprehensive cycling<br />
network <strong>and</strong> many villages still suffer from the absence of safe footways. While<br />
investment in bus <strong>and</strong> rail services remain important it is cycling <strong>and</strong> walking that<br />
will remain the most accessible modes of transport for the entire population. The<br />
enabling of increased levels of cycling <strong>and</strong> walking will be the most effective means<br />
by which transport policy can meet the overarching aims of the core strategy. We<br />
recommend the addition of the following key outcome ‘The enabling <strong>and</strong> promotion<br />
of walking <strong>and</strong> cycling, including development of comprehensive routes both within<br />
<strong>and</strong> between towns’.<br />
Strategic Objective 7 needs to better address issues of carbon reduction <strong>and</strong><br />
sustainability so that transport can adapt to early adoption of low carbon vehicles<br />
for both private <strong>and</strong> public transport increase the availability <strong>and</strong> affordability of<br />
sustainable travel choices ensure that people have priority over vehicles in town<br />
<strong>and</strong> village centres to improve access to local employment <strong>and</strong> services safeguard<br />
strategic transport routes while reducing overall need to travel.<br />
Support sustainable transport objectives, but recognition of realities concerning<br />
need to use the car / motor vehicle for some developments should be incorporated,<br />
especially those that can only take place in remote locations <strong>and</strong> where impacts are<br />
modest.<br />
We would like to see recognition of the importance of transport partners <strong>and</strong> crossborder<br />
considerations particularly public transport considerations in the <strong>Wiltshire</strong><br />
Core Strategy <strong>and</strong> <strong>Wiltshire</strong>’s LTP3. The proposals map cannot simply end at<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong>’s borders.<br />
The vision speaks of self-containment as though it were possible to tell people to<br />
work in the same town in which they live even in towns of 25,000 - 45,000<br />
population. This is a great idea but we really don’t think it’s realistic.<br />
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We are much in support of reducing the need to travel. However, given the small<br />
size of the SSCTs, this is hard to achieve, <strong>and</strong> is better summed up by the idea of<br />
reducing the need to travel by car. People will need to travel in the next decade<br />
because local shopping <strong>and</strong> community services have been further centralised;<br />
even if more local shops do eventually open, health-care, education, <strong>and</strong> other<br />
services of all sorts will not be close by. As an example, Trowbridge relies on<br />
hospitals out of the area; major shops are in Bath <strong>and</strong> Bristol; there are no<br />
universities in Western <strong>Wiltshire</strong>. Bath has the cinemas, theatres <strong>and</strong> many clubs<br />
that people from the Trowbridge area enjoy going to.<br />
We would like policies in the Core Strategy which play up the importance of the<br />
Regional Transport Policies RTS1 <strong>and</strong> RTS2.<br />
Strengthen linkages <strong>and</strong> collaboration between transport providers <strong>and</strong> developers.<br />
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<strong>Consultation</strong> methodology <strong>and</strong> output report <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy August 2010<br />
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3.14 Strategic Objective 7 (Box 8) sustainable transport: respondents<br />
Organisations<br />
Area Planner, London <strong>and</strong> South British<br />
Waterways<br />
Ashton Park, Trowbridge Ltd<br />
Barrett Strategic Ltd<br />
Campaign for Better Transport<br />
Clerk Godshill Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Corsham Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
<strong>Council</strong>lor <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />
Defence Estates<br />
East Melksham Consortium<br />
Gleeson Developments Ltd<br />
Martin Malaby Ltd<br />
Mid <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Economic Partnership<br />
Prospect L<strong>and</strong> Ltd<br />
The Trust for Devizes<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Fire & Rescue Service<br />
Ashtenne Industrial Fund Limited<br />
Assistant Network Manager Highways<br />
Agency<br />
Bourne Leisure Ltd<br />
Chairman Climate Friendly Bradford on<br />
Avon<br />
Corsham Civic Society<br />
<strong>Council</strong>lor Richard Gamble<br />
CPRE North Dorset<br />
Director <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Rural Housing<br />
Association<br />
G L Hearn Planning<br />
Malmesbury River Valleys Trust<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Persimmon Homes<br />
SF Planning Link Ltd<br />
Treasurer Transition Community<br />
Corsham<br />
Individuals<br />
David Feather Diane Teare Dr John Loran<br />
Duncan Hames Howard Butcher Ian Rose<br />
Mr Christopher Gorringe Mr E Palmer Mr John Harmer<br />
Mr Peter Barnett Mrs C Spickernell N P Parker<br />
Patrick Hunt<br />
Robert Lytton<br />
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<strong>Consultation</strong> methodology <strong>and</strong> output report <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy August 2010<br />
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3.15 Strategic Objective 8 (Box 9) natural environment: comments<br />
Mention should be made of canals <strong>and</strong> their potential for acting as green<br />
infrastructure.<br />
The Kennet <strong>and</strong> Avon Canal currently passes to the south of Melksham,<br />
separating it from Trowbridge. It then passes north of Trowbridge through<br />
Hilperton, forming a natural boundary of development, before continuing into<br />
Bradford on Avon. The Trust therefore suggests that the canal has considerable<br />
potential as a green belt or green corridor.<br />
We would like to see the council giving encouragement to the provision of more<br />
allotments. By definition these are sustainable, beneficial to health <strong>and</strong> retain biodiversity.<br />
We have seen allotments lost to housing <strong>and</strong> parish councils are finding<br />
it difficult to source suitable alternative l<strong>and</strong> because of the priority given to<br />
housing.<br />
Biomass should be supported as an energy source - has habitat positive<br />
implications.<br />
No reference to habitats <strong>and</strong> species changing due to long-term climate change.<br />
Resources should not be committed without limit in maintaining a species which<br />
has moved out of a previous natural range, but instead invested in helping<br />
species adapt <strong>and</strong> move to accomMoDate climate change. This should be<br />
acknowledged in the objective.<br />
Suggest amendment: a requirement to deliver significant housing <strong>and</strong><br />
employment growth principally, but not exclusively, by the re-use of previously<br />
developed l<strong>and</strong>.<br />
The council should use CIL revenue to help create green infrastructure.<br />
The Parish Plan process highlighted that respondees were more or less<br />
unanimous in their support of the maintenance of existing green open spaces <strong>and</strong><br />
vistas.<br />
We support recognising the value of green corridors <strong>and</strong> networks to support<br />
biodiversity.<br />
In terms of green infrastructure, would support an approach which would adapt to<br />
climate change, increase connectivity <strong>and</strong> allow for wildlife corridors <strong>and</strong><br />
networks.<br />
Why can’t the attractions of much of <strong>Wiltshire</strong> as a tourist destination be<br />
supported <strong>and</strong> appropriately managed without needing to bring more industry <strong>and</strong><br />
commerce into the vicinity? Will the County really die if that is the policy? Local<br />
people do not appear to want the development expansion, judging by comments<br />
made to consultations, so why is it being forced upon them? Big Brother knows<br />
best apparently.<br />
Any housing will be detrimental to the environment, the loss of green space!<br />
This outcome should be more strongly worded without qualification <strong>and</strong><br />
specifically linked to the UK Biodiversity Action Plan targets / AONB Plans<br />
Lack of targets. E.g. will habitat <strong>and</strong> species be enhanced by 5%, 10%, 20%?<br />
This SO should be based on <strong>and</strong> specifically linked to Nature Map (as per RSS).<br />
The planning processed is already biased too far in favour of nature conservation.<br />
A balanced approach is needed to weigh this SO against others such as housing.<br />
It is not reasonable to expect development to pay for enhancing the natural<br />
environment.<br />
The environment in <strong>Wiltshire</strong> is already degraded. Can the core strategy improve<br />
this?<br />
Some very laudable aims but outside the scope of the council to influence or<br />
measure.<br />
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L<strong>and</strong>scape issues are mentioned, but nothing about woodl<strong>and</strong> – this is one of the<br />
most precious resources <strong>Wiltshire</strong> has, especially ancient woodl<strong>and</strong>, <strong>and</strong> is<br />
becoming scarce.<br />
Mention of water but no mention of trees, these must be at the centre of any<br />
environmental strategy because of their multi faceted contribution - absorb CO2 in<br />
growth, possible fuel, provide safe habitat <strong>and</strong> of course a leisure opportunity<br />
This objective should be widened to include the protection <strong>and</strong> improvement of<br />
the water environment, as required by the Water Framework Directive.<br />
Alternatively a separate strategic objective could be included to cover the water<br />
environment. In particular the <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy should include key<br />
outcomes to protect <strong>and</strong> improve the quality <strong>and</strong> quantity of water within streams,<br />
rivers, wetl<strong>and</strong>s, as well as groundwater.<br />
Mention should be made of nitrates as well as phosphates – these are a bigger<br />
problem.<br />
It is not necessary for all green infrastructure to be provided for within new<br />
development. In many cases green infrastructure resources may be best provided<br />
for in locations that are adjacent to new development, or in some cases remote<br />
from new development itself.<br />
Policy is unclear – especially Bullet 4 - soil quality (defined by l<strong>and</strong><br />
classification?).<br />
Please use plain English!<br />
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<strong>Consultation</strong> methodology <strong>and</strong> output report <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy August 2010<br />
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3.16 Strategic Objective 8 (Box 9) natural environment: respondents<br />
Organisations<br />
Area Planner, London <strong>and</strong> South British<br />
Waterways<br />
Barrett Strategic Ltd<br />
Business Development Manager Sarsen<br />
Housing Association<br />
Canal Partnership Project Manager<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />
Clerk Godshill Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Corsham Civic Society<br />
Development Director Selwood Housing<br />
Society Limited<br />
Director <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Rural Housing<br />
Association<br />
Eton College<br />
Galliford Try Strategic L<strong>and</strong><br />
Gleeson Developments Ltd<br />
Malmesbury Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
Martin Malaby Ltd<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Persimmon Homes<br />
Planning Liaison Technical Specialist<br />
Environment Agency (Wessex Area)<br />
Sustrans<br />
The Trust for Devizes<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Wildlife Trust<br />
Ashton Park, Trowbridge Ltd<br />
Bourne Leisure Ltd<br />
Campaign for Better Transport<br />
Chairman Climate Friendly Bradford on<br />
Avon<br />
Clerk Kington St Michael Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Cranborne Chase & West <strong>Wiltshire</strong><br />
Downs AONB<br />
Director <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Archaeological <strong>and</strong><br />
Natural History Society<br />
East Melksham Consortium<br />
G L Hearn Planning<br />
General Manager The Kennet <strong>and</strong> Avon<br />
Canal Trust<br />
Knight Frank Agent Badminton Estate<br />
Managing Director Cholderton <strong>and</strong><br />
District Water Company<br />
Martin Robeson Planning Practice<br />
North Wessex Downs AONB<br />
Planning Advisor BWEA<br />
Prospect L<strong>and</strong> Ltd<br />
The Hills Group<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Fire & Rescue Service<br />
Individuals<br />
Howard Butcher Mr Christopher Gorringe Mr E Palmer<br />
Mr John Harmer Mr Peter Barnett Mr Peter Barnett<br />
Mrs C Spickernell N P Parker Robert Lytton<br />
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3.17 Strategic Objective 9 (Box 10) high quality built environment: comments<br />
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This is consistent with PPS1.<br />
Should not just relate to new development but also the public realm <strong>and</strong><br />
extensions to existing buildings.<br />
New development should not be expected to resolve existing poor design.<br />
Wording - where appropriate enhanced <strong>Wiltshire</strong>'s distinctive built heritage will<br />
have been seen as an influence on the scale <strong>and</strong> form of new development.<br />
New development will have been designed to respect local character, foster<br />
community cohesion, <strong>and</strong> promote <strong>Wiltshire</strong> as a desirable place in which to live,<br />
work <strong>and</strong> visit.<br />
The sensitive <strong>and</strong> creative re-use of historic buildings will have taken place where<br />
appropriate.<br />
Suggested wording ‘built heritage will have been seen as an influence on the<br />
scale <strong>and</strong> form of new development’.<br />
Suggested wording ‘positive action will have been taken to seek the repair of<br />
neglected <strong>and</strong> disused historic buildings at risk’.<br />
Suggested wording ‘high st<strong>and</strong>ards of building maintenance of <strong>Wiltshire</strong> owned<br />
buildings’.<br />
Unrealistic to seek exceptional quality design without further definition’.<br />
Need to be careful with policy wording ‘i.e. reflects local character’ this may<br />
suggest pastiche.<br />
Might be useful to replace areas/buildings which are of little historical value.<br />
Historic buildings should only be reused where it can be demonstrated that the<br />
cost of such works would not make a scheme unviable as this onerous<br />
requirement will often result in some new development becoming unviable.<br />
Welcome the role of historic buildings in tourism.<br />
Mention should be made of ‘alteration’ as well as adaptation as this is sometime<br />
necessary.<br />
No objection to the stated objective.<br />
This section needs to be framed so that it is robustly incorporated into the<br />
planning framework so that it cannot be ignored by developers.<br />
Support ‘exceptional quality design which reflects local character’.<br />
In developing a high quality built environment the protection of green spaces is<br />
paramount.<br />
Brownfield sites should be considered as a priority.<br />
Further objective should be added prioritising Brownfield l<strong>and</strong> ahead of<br />
Greenfield.<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> historic environment is central to <strong>Wiltshire</strong>’s cultural heritage <strong>and</strong> sense<br />
of identity, <strong>and</strong> hence a resource that should be sustained for the benefit of the<br />
present <strong>and</strong> future generations.<br />
Acknowledge the appreciation of <strong>Wiltshire</strong>’s significant cultural heritage in the<br />
emerging core strategy.<br />
Following changes should be considered to improve the clarity <strong>and</strong> enhance the<br />
effectiveness of objective 9 – include the consideration of the historic l<strong>and</strong>scape<br />
within the objective.<br />
Need to engage conservation <strong>and</strong> l<strong>and</strong>scape conservation colleagues to ensure<br />
language used is consistent with national policy guidance.<br />
Perhaps a topic paper could be created for each individual community area which<br />
references measures required to respond to the likely impact of the spatial<br />
options.<br />
This topic paper could potentially form the basis for a <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Heritage Strategy<br />
SPD.<br />
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Number of sensitive historic centres Marlborough, Malmesbury <strong>and</strong> Devizes.<br />
A variety of characterisation studies are currently absent – the South Wilts CS<br />
options assessment used specific l<strong>and</strong>scape <strong>and</strong> historic environment studies.<br />
Other strategies refer to a variety of generated evidence such as characterisation<br />
studies, all currently absent from the plan.<br />
Policy ENV5 of the draft SWRSS outlines the requirement for evidence to inform<br />
managed change.<br />
Conservation area apraisals are not adequate to inform environmental capacity<br />
<strong>and</strong> the ability of places to accommodate urban extensions.<br />
Important to recognise that the historic environment includes all designated <strong>and</strong><br />
non-designated areas. It also includes their settings; the wider urban <strong>and</strong> rural<br />
l<strong>and</strong>scape <strong>and</strong> the potential for unrecorded archaeology.<br />
Important to underst<strong>and</strong> the relationship of strategic sites to the relative historic<br />
l<strong>and</strong>scape character.<br />
Trowbridge <strong>and</strong> Wotton Bassett sections make no reference to the consideration<br />
of the historic environment.<br />
The SA indicators included within the historic environment topic paper allow a<br />
focussed response <strong>and</strong> evaluation. These could provide the basis for a Core<br />
Strategy policy <strong>and</strong> SPD.<br />
The effect on the historic environment appears currently to be unknown? This<br />
tends to suggest an inadequate evidence base.<br />
We recommend that heritage staff is more actively engaged to ensure a robust<br />
<strong>and</strong> sound SA <strong>and</strong> that this is more explicitly refereed to within the core strategy.<br />
Supported.<br />
Exceptional design is a subjective point.<br />
We support the promotion of a high quality built environment. The low allocation<br />
of l<strong>and</strong> within Marlborough supports the aim of protecting its built environment.<br />
The requirement for exceptional design quality is a contradiction in terms. If you<br />
want good design to be a general rule in the area then it cannot be an exception.<br />
The word exceptional should be reconsidered <strong>and</strong> or clarified.<br />
High quality development cannot solely be captured through new development.<br />
Improvements can also be achieved through over means.<br />
Code for sustainable homes level 4, 5 <strong>and</strong> 6 should be an objective over the plan<br />
period.<br />
The following is proposed within the key outcomes – New development should<br />
promote the principles of the Code for Sustainable Homes <strong>and</strong> seek to achieve<br />
highly sustainable development which can enhance communities.<br />
All housing should be built to level 5 Code for sustainable homes.<br />
Should not seek exceptional design – this is over <strong>and</strong> beyond national policy.<br />
Reference should also be made to the promotion of locally sourced materials to<br />
both reduce carbon footprint of new developments <strong>and</strong> to promote use of<br />
vernacular materials.<br />
Suggested wording addition: Archaeological sites <strong>and</strong> features will have been<br />
adequately assessed <strong>and</strong> protected where appropriate.<br />
A flexible approach for the adaption of buildings to meet 21st century needs for<br />
employment <strong>and</strong> residential use should be taken.<br />
In reference to the historic built environment only the built environment is<br />
mentioned.<br />
The wider context of historic buildings is not considered within the objective.<br />
A Historic Environment Action Plan for the AONB is being created which should<br />
be used to inform emerging policies.<br />
Should be rephrased to read ‘to safeguard <strong>and</strong> promote a high quality historic<br />
environment’.<br />
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Introduction should highlight that new development will respect <strong>Wiltshire</strong>’s rich<br />
archaeological <strong>and</strong> built environment.<br />
New development will need to respect <strong>and</strong> enhance <strong>Wiltshire</strong>’s distinct<br />
characteristics.<br />
Rewording of sixth bullet point to state that ‘The Stonehenge <strong>and</strong> Avebury World<br />
Heritage Site will have been protected from inappropriate development, because<br />
of its Outst<strong>and</strong>ing Universal Value’. CLG circular 07/2009.<br />
British Waterways wishes to promote the benefits that a waterside location can<br />
bring <strong>and</strong> ensure that features <strong>and</strong> areas of high historic, amenity <strong>and</strong> cultural<br />
value are protected <strong>and</strong> enhanced.<br />
The wider context of the built environment is not referenced despite the crucial<br />
role that the historic pattern of fields, woodl<strong>and</strong>s, downloads etc. play in defining<br />
the local distinctiveness <strong>and</strong> character of an area.<br />
Redevelopment of the Devizes Wharf should take full account of the traditional<br />
use of this area <strong>and</strong> of those canals related buildings still in extent.<br />
Buildings related with the past history of the canal should, where possible, be<br />
retained.<br />
This is a very important aspect of the value <strong>and</strong> diversity of the county.<br />
This objective should have a section on the design of urban extensions, <strong>and</strong> also<br />
new employment areas in fringe-of-town settings.<br />
All new development should be well designed <strong>and</strong> historic features protected.<br />
Policies relating to the protection of the built <strong>and</strong> natural environment should<br />
make reference to the positive contribution that renewable energy can play in<br />
reducing CO2 emissions <strong>and</strong> in mitigating against the environmentally damaging<br />
effects climate change.<br />
L<strong>and</strong>scape <strong>and</strong> nature conservation designations should not be used themselves<br />
to refuse permission for renewable energy developments.<br />
Polices should conform to PPS22 <strong>and</strong> not preclude the supply of renewable<br />
energy.<br />
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<strong>Consultation</strong> methodology <strong>and</strong> output report <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy August 2010<br />
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3.18 Strategic Objective 9 (Box 10) high quality built environment: respondents<br />
Organisations<br />
London <strong>and</strong> S. British Waterways<br />
Barrett Strategic Ltd<br />
Campaign for Better Transport<br />
Cotswolds Conservation Board<br />
Director <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Archaeological <strong>and</strong><br />
Natural History Society<br />
East Melksham Consortium<br />
G L Hearn Planning<br />
Kennet <strong>and</strong> Avon Canal Trust<br />
GVA Grimley<br />
Martin Malaby Ltd<br />
North Chippenham Consortium - (Barratt<br />
Strategic, Heron L<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> Persimmon<br />
Homes)<br />
Organisations<br />
Persimmon Homes<br />
Salisbury South <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Museum<br />
The Trust for Devizes<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Historic Buildings Trust<br />
Ashton Park, Trowbridge Ltd<br />
Bourne Leisure Ltd<br />
Clerk Kington St Michael Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Defence Estates<br />
Director <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Rural Housing<br />
Association<br />
English Heritage<br />
Galliford Try Strategic L<strong>and</strong><br />
Gleeson Developments Ltd<br />
Knight Frank - Badminton Estate<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
North Wessex Downs AONB<br />
Parrotgate Ltd<br />
Prospect L<strong>and</strong> Ltd<br />
The Hills Group<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Fire & Rescue Service<br />
Individuals<br />
Howard Butcher Mr C. Gorringe Mr John Harmer<br />
Mrs C Spickernell N P Parker Peter Newell<br />
Robert Lytton<br />
3.19 Strategic Objective 10, minimising risk of flooding: comments<br />
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‘This objective should include the consideration of the sequential approach to the<br />
location of developments, i.e. by placing developments in Flood Zone 1 first.<br />
Bearing in mind the flood risk hierarchy given in Planning Policy Statement 25, the<br />
requirement for new development to use the sequential approach to flood risk<br />
should be the first consideration. We suggest bullet point 3 is amended to read<br />
'The risk of flooding will have been minimised in the case of new development by<br />
avoiding inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding. Where new<br />
development is, exceptionally, necessary in flood risk areas it shall make<br />
provision for providing or updating flood defence infrastructure which will make<br />
the development <strong>and</strong> an access route to l<strong>and</strong> outside the floodplain safe<br />
throughout its design life, without increasing flood risk elsewhere <strong>and</strong> where<br />
possible reduce flood risk overall'. (Environment Agency)<br />
‘We object to Strategic Objective 10 as written but not to its intent, which is to<br />
minimise flooding of properties. The first key outcome ‘natural function of<br />
floodplains will have been maintained <strong>and</strong> enhanced’ actually involves increasing<br />
flooding in the undeveloped floodplain where it will not threaten property! We<br />
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suggest a rewording along the lines of minimise the risk of flood damage to<br />
properties’.(<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Wildlife Trust)<br />
No new development should be allowed where there is any risk of flooding.<br />
Flood risk from new development should be eliminated, not just ‘minimised’.<br />
Infrastructure (sewerage, drainage <strong>and</strong> water) should be in place before<br />
development commences in order to h<strong>and</strong>le <strong>and</strong> manage flood events.<br />
Any policy in the LDF should …include reference to sewer flooding <strong>and</strong> an<br />
acceptance that flooding could occur away from the flood plain as a result of<br />
development where off site infrastructure is not in place ahead of development<br />
(Thames Water).<br />
In <strong>Wiltshire</strong>, excluding flood plains, there are frequent instances of flooding on<br />
country roads because they have not been brought up to modern st<strong>and</strong>ards for<br />
many decades, possibly even for the best part of a century.<br />
Some strategic sites seem to be in flood risk areas.<br />
There is a clear need for a strategy that allocates overall responsibility.<br />
‘I fully support this objective. I trust that it will prevent any repetition of the decision<br />
to allow the building of large numbers of houses on inappropriate floodplains’.<br />
Consistent with PPS25 <strong>and</strong> emerging RSS10.<br />
‘<strong>Wiltshire</strong> FRS supports this objective. As recognised in the Pitt Review into<br />
flooding, the fire <strong>and</strong> rescue services are seen as the primary response agency to<br />
flooding <strong>and</strong> as such, we are pleased to see this included here’.<br />
Mention of mitigation as a possible technical solution to enable development<br />
should be made. A flexible approach is required.<br />
The ability of new development to improve overall flood risk should be<br />
acknowledged.<br />
‘BW is promoting the introduction of a consistent approach to the evaluation of<br />
flood risk from canals throughout the U.K. Flood risk assessments need to<br />
consider the likelihood <strong>and</strong> consequences of flooding to <strong>and</strong> from the canal<br />
network’.<br />
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3.20 Strategic Objective 10, minimising risk of flooding: respondents<br />
Organisations<br />
Area Planner, London <strong>and</strong> South British<br />
Waterways<br />
Ashton Park, Trowbridge Ltd<br />
Barrett Strategic Ltd<br />
Campaign for Better Transport<br />
Clerk Kington St Michael Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Director <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Rural Housing<br />
Association<br />
Easterton Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
G L Hearn Planning<br />
Group Chairman, North Wilts <strong>and</strong><br />
Swindon Group Campaign to Protect<br />
Rural Engl<strong>and</strong> (CPRE)<br />
Persimmon Homes<br />
The Hills Group<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Fire & Rescue Service<br />
Ashtenne Industrial Fund Limited<br />
Assistant Network Manager Highways<br />
Agency<br />
Bourne Leisure Ltd<br />
Chairman Malmesbury Civic Trust<br />
Cricklade Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
East Melksham Consortium<br />
Eton College<br />
Gleeson Developments Ltd<br />
Martin Malaby Ltd<br />
Prospect L<strong>and</strong> Ltd<br />
The Trust for Devizes<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Wildlife Trust<br />
Individuals<br />
Diane Teare Dr John Loran Mr Eric Jones<br />
N P Parker<br />
Robert Lytton<br />
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4 The story by community area<br />
For every community area, the consultation document posed the same questions to<br />
which answers were proposed. The consultation was therefore about both the<br />
question itself <strong>and</strong> the council’s proposed answers. The questions were:<br />
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What are the key issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities for the community area?<br />
How do we expect the area to change by <strong>2026</strong> <strong>and</strong> what should the core strategy<br />
deliver?<br />
Are the proposed strategic site allocations the right ones?<br />
Is the settlement hierarchy (as relating to this area) correct?<br />
Is the proposed housing distribution (as it affects this area) correct?<br />
Every community area section begins with some ‘headline statistics’ recording the<br />
number of comments for each heading that were supportive, supportive with<br />
conditions, objecting or simply general comments.<br />
Details of exhibitions <strong>and</strong> events are also recorded – these are verbatim summaries<br />
of post-it notes left on posters.<br />
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4.1 Chippenham community area<br />
4.2 Headline statistics<br />
Key issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities<br />
Supporting 1<br />
Supporting with conditions 6<br />
Objecting 9<br />
General comments 8<br />
How much we expect the community area to change by <strong>2026</strong><br />
Supporting 3<br />
Supporting with conditions 7<br />
Objecting 8<br />
General comments 4<br />
Strategic site allocations<br />
Supporting 0<br />
Supporting with conditions 6<br />
Objecting 86<br />
General comments 12<br />
Other comments relating to this community area<br />
Supporting 0<br />
Supporting with conditions 1<br />
Objecting 6<br />
General comments 3<br />
Total No. comments re. Chippenham: 150 (plus petition 2,009 signatures)<br />
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4.3 Issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities: comments<br />
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The level of housing proposed for Chippenham ignores essential environmental<br />
constraints. There is not enough emphasis on the development of brown field<br />
sites or the improvement of poor quality areas in the town.<br />
Chippenham over the past 30 years has been developed in the Pewsham area<br />
<strong>and</strong> on the Western side. So much expansion in such a short space of time<br />
makes the cohesion of the social fabric of the town very poor. There is very little<br />
evidence that adequate infrastructure has been put into place since the previous<br />
developments. This needs to be addressed before new developments on the<br />
scale of <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>2026</strong> are proposed.<br />
Chippenham is now a big town <strong>and</strong> does not need anymore houses. The town is<br />
losing its market town status. 5000 new houses will change the nature of the<br />
town. The services are at full stretch. It is a logical inconsistency that the problem<br />
can be fixed by increasing the population of the town <strong>and</strong> developers funding<br />
services.<br />
North <strong>Wiltshire</strong> District <strong>Council</strong> proposed substantially fewer new homes in <strong>and</strong><br />
around Chippenham than in this plan. <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong> should reflect on the level<br />
of housing necessary to meet local housing need as identified by the predecessor<br />
district council <strong>and</strong> defend from intervention.<br />
The allocation of 5500 new homes is not enough to accommodate all the growth<br />
over the plan period.<br />
The objective of strategic planning for Chippenham should be to enhance the selfcontainment<br />
of the town as a whole, rather than its constituent sites.<br />
Some of the comments on the Issues <strong>and</strong> Opportunities cross-refer to the Vision<br />
<strong>and</strong> Strategic Objectives for <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>and</strong> in doing so have identified differences.<br />
Issues considered important <strong>and</strong> which should be added to the list include<br />
flooding; the existence of a Groundwater Source Protection Zone <strong>and</strong> congestion.<br />
Suggestions for opportunities include improvements to the transport network <strong>and</strong><br />
river corridor enhancement.<br />
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The comments can be summarised as:<br />
The Vision for <strong>Wiltshire</strong> proposes a low-carbon future based on sustainable<br />
transport <strong>and</strong> self-containment, so there is little need to provide large distributor or<br />
link roads for the private car.<br />
Dualling the A350 is counter to the aims of sustainable development <strong>and</strong> will<br />
anyway be unnecessary in the context of the Vision of <strong>Wiltshire</strong> in the future as<br />
road transport is discouraged.<br />
Dualling the A350 is counter to Policies RTS1 <strong>and</strong> RTS2 of the emerging SW<br />
Regional Spatial Strategy. The A350 is not a regionally strategic corridor <strong>and</strong> the<br />
Highways Agency is trying to manage down the dem<strong>and</strong> for the A4 <strong>and</strong> will not<br />
want to see additional commuter traffic coming onto the motorway.<br />
A bus station with full facilities is needed for Chippenham <strong>and</strong> low floor buses to<br />
serve the town. The Coach Station at Bath Road needs upgrading. The proposals<br />
map needs to show major bus routes across boundaries.<br />
Flooding in <strong>and</strong> around Chippenham should be mentioned as an issue.<br />
There needs to be a clear <strong>and</strong> consistent position on whether Chippenham<br />
excellent accessibility is an opportunity or does the good road <strong>and</strong> rail connectivity<br />
<strong>and</strong> proximity create the issue of a high level of out-commuting. While both<br />
statements can be true, which is the priority to address?<br />
Does the population really want to make Chippenham more like Swindon or Bath?<br />
Chippenham lacks a theatre or concert venue, but other towns are not recognised<br />
as having a theatre or performance space. The Core Strategy should include<br />
specific guidance on protecting <strong>and</strong> encouraging existing arts <strong>and</strong> cultural<br />
provision.<br />
There are no jobs in Chippenham. All new residents will have to travel, meaning<br />
there will be no reduction in travel.<br />
How will building more homes tackle climate change?<br />
How will important biological <strong>and</strong> built environment issues be safeguarded by<br />
building in a floodplain?<br />
A large part of Chippenham falls within a groundwater Source Protection Zone<br />
(SPZ 2), which should be included as an issue. This is important because some<br />
types of development many not be suitable in SPZ2, or they might need specific<br />
assessment/mitigation to prevent impact on groundwater.<br />
River corridor enhancement should be added as an opportunity, possibly<br />
including hydropower potential at Chippenham.<br />
There is a need to get businesses to relocate to Chippenham using incentives.<br />
The argument that extra houses will lead to business is wrong. Unless there is an<br />
attractive business environment, no businesses are going to locate to<br />
Chippenham.<br />
What evidence is there that employers are not attracted to Chippenham now due<br />
to the lack of housing, services retail <strong>and</strong> community facilities?<br />
The issue of congestion needs addressing to prevent the situation from<br />
worsening.<br />
Improvements to the road network to ensure the town centre is easily accessible<br />
by alternative modes of transport are not mentioned.<br />
The high level of out-commuting, in part due to the good road <strong>and</strong> rail links is true<br />
<strong>and</strong> is the reason most people choose to live here. There would have been more<br />
local employment if the council had not discouraged past employers from<br />
exp<strong>and</strong>ing.<br />
Chippenham is already overpopulated for its size. It needs more employment. The<br />
list of businesses leaving Chippenham vastly outstrips those coming to the town.<br />
The exhibition gave no ideas as to how to attract businesses to the town.<br />
Chippenham is already a dormitory town with more people working outside of<br />
Chippenham than inside.<br />
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Given that the lack of development opportunities available on previously<br />
developed l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> the fact that the overwhelming majority of Chippenham’s<br />
development requirements will need to be met on greenfield sites, it is perhaps<br />
misleading to say that some greenfield l<strong>and</strong> will be required.<br />
We will need our farms to grow food. Oil is fast running out <strong>and</strong> fuel price rises will<br />
make imported food increasingly expensive.<br />
L<strong>and</strong> to the South West of Chippenham is within Corsham Parish <strong>and</strong> Corsham<br />
community area. It is unclear how this allocation impacts on the needs of<br />
Corsham <strong>and</strong> it may have a detrimental impact on how Corsham is planned.<br />
Chippenham is of strategic importance to the County. There are a lot of great<br />
facilities such as the railway station <strong>and</strong> the new heritage centre. The town centre<br />
does need exp<strong>and</strong>ing to ensure that the shops are attracted to Chippenham. It is<br />
easier to get to Bath, which has shops people want to use.<br />
The issue of traffic congestion is a significant problem for Chippenham. There is<br />
the opportunity to deliver safe cycle access from Calne, Melksham <strong>and</strong> Corsham<br />
to mitigate the impact of commuter traffic on the A350. The routes are either<br />
existing <strong>and</strong> in need of improvement/promotion or are close to completion.<br />
Estimate the impact of internet communications on the future of the service <strong>and</strong><br />
retail industries.<br />
Chippenham should only be regarded as strategically significant if employment<br />
opportunities are enhanced <strong>and</strong> if this is so it must be a priority for regeneration.<br />
4.4 Change <strong>and</strong> delivery: comments<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
There is also a need for footpaths <strong>and</strong> cycle routes to link new housing<br />
development with the town <strong>and</strong> places of work <strong>and</strong> to provide links between<br />
neighbouring settlements.<br />
The eastern distributor road is essential; otherwise there will be unacceptable<br />
congestion at Stanley Lane, Maud’s Heath Causeway <strong>and</strong> at the top of Station<br />
Hill.<br />
Good aims, but unless there is an attractive environment for business, no amount<br />
of houses are going to promote sustainability.<br />
The dualling of the A350 is welcomed as it will assist with the employment<br />
objective as well as improving accessibility generally. It will also allow areas to be<br />
south to benefit from ‘excellent accessibility’.<br />
The proposals seem likely to result in an increased car use. The eastern<br />
distributor road appears to be a bypass. The policy framework needs to clearly<br />
demonstrate the outcome will be a more sustainable transport system (Strategic<br />
Objective 7) <strong>and</strong> not increased road traffic.<br />
The transport proposals lack any evidence based modelling.<br />
The strategy will be reliant on significant amounts of greenfield l<strong>and</strong>, but disagree<br />
that it should all be contained north <strong>and</strong> north east of the town, which is overdependent<br />
on provision of an expensive link road.<br />
The chosen site is completely isolated from the town due to the Avon Valley being<br />
between it <strong>and</strong> the town centre. What alternative modes of transport will be<br />
provided? What are the planned community facilities? What is the cost of<br />
providing a distributor road?<br />
There are some glaring missing areas in the Sustainability appraisal, especially<br />
the impact on the l<strong>and</strong>scape for the preferred option, with the l<strong>and</strong>scape impact<br />
on the Avon Valley <strong>and</strong> the destruction of the Marden River Valley <strong>and</strong> the impact<br />
on Tytherton Lucas.<br />
With the addition of new flats in Monkton Park, of which not all have people<br />
residing there, it seems clear that the need for houses in Chippenham is not a<br />
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forefront issue. With derelict sites like Hygrade <strong>and</strong> Westinghouse, the decimation<br />
of the natural habitat would be prevented.<br />
Provision should made for at least 5,500 dwellings rather than up to 5,500<br />
dwellings. (RSS Policy HMA2) to ensure Chippenham fulfils its role as a<br />
strategically significant town <strong>and</strong> to help realise other strategic benefits. Planning<br />
for only the minimum quantum will perpetuate problems of undersupply.<br />
Chippenham shouldn’t be compared with Bath or Swindon. People who live in<br />
Chippenham do so because it is not as busy or built up as Swindon or Bath.<br />
Do not build on farml<strong>and</strong>.<br />
The opening comment ‘significant growth’ makes the closing remark ‘the<br />
character of the town will remain unchanged’ difficult to believe.<br />
Chippenham would benefit from having a large <strong>and</strong> prominent clock on the High<br />
Street.<br />
The Highways Agency is yet to see any evidence based modelling.<br />
4.5 Strategic site options: comments<br />
North/north east Chippenham urban extension<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The sites are greenfield sites, are also farming areas <strong>and</strong> are well used <strong>and</strong><br />
popular with residents.<br />
Birds Marsh Wood is only mentioned in terms of ‘minimising’ the impacts on it,<br />
rather than seeking opportunities to enhance it.<br />
The special visual, amenity <strong>and</strong> ecological value of the surrounding meadows<br />
should not be underestimated. They are an essential buffer zone for Birds Marsh<br />
Wood, which is already subject to some intrusion <strong>and</strong> damage from motorcycles<br />
<strong>and</strong> v<strong>and</strong>alism. Birds Marsh Wood is an amenity of great importance to the<br />
community, but cannot survive as an isl<strong>and</strong> within a significant development.<br />
There are two County Wildlife Sites adjacent to the preferred option the North of<br />
the town <strong>and</strong> 1 county wildlife site adjacent to the North East of the town. There is<br />
a high likelihood of significant adverse ecological impacts. Further investigation is<br />
required to see if ecological constraints can be overcome <strong>and</strong> if so how can it be<br />
achieved. A policy framework is required to ensure the long-term survival <strong>and</strong><br />
even improvement of the sites.<br />
This area regarded as a rural buffer with a relatively narrow divide between<br />
Chippenham <strong>and</strong> the villages of Kington Langley, Kington St Michael <strong>and</strong> Langley<br />
Burrell.<br />
Risk of flooding would increase from the surface water run-off from agricultural<br />
fields. Run-off from agricultural fields becomes significant during heavy<br />
downpours <strong>and</strong> would be made much worse if the area was to be built upon.<br />
North Chippenham can act as a st<strong>and</strong>alone site <strong>and</strong> doesn’t have to rely on the<br />
provision of an eastern distributor road.<br />
East Chippenham acts as a ‘sponge’ slowing the release of rainwater into the<br />
floodplain below. Flooding at Kellaways has been a big problem in recent years.<br />
The rapid increase of surface water run-off will increase the level of the River<br />
Avon between Chippenham <strong>and</strong> Kellaway Weirs, <strong>and</strong> water flow will back up<br />
towards the River Marden (Calne) <strong>and</strong> Cada Burna (Foxham).<br />
The proposed urban extension is not coherent with the remainder of Chippenham.<br />
It is isolated to the East of Chippenham Town Centre by the Avon Valley <strong>and</strong><br />
would only have a link road as the access to other parts of the town.<br />
East Chippenham is the remaining area of natural beauty. The L<strong>and</strong>scape<br />
Character of the countryside must be taken into account as stated in Policy NE15<br />
Policy NE15 of the North <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Local Plan 2011 <strong>and</strong> the L<strong>and</strong>scape Character<br />
Assessment.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The development will be clearly visible <strong>and</strong> audible <strong>and</strong> will have an impact upon<br />
the countryside <strong>and</strong> nearby villages including Tytherton Lucas, Stanley <strong>and</strong><br />
Kellaways.<br />
Lack of information about how development will be supported by environmental<br />
infrastructure – e.g. Green Infrastructure; Place Making; Adapting to Climate<br />
Change.<br />
Open spaces shouldn’t have been mapped without supporting evidence. The area<br />
identified is a significant overprovision <strong>and</strong> would seriously undermine the delivery<br />
of the scheme by risking viability.<br />
Locate fewer houses on other sites.<br />
Town centre mixed use regeneration preferred option<br />
:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Map appears to show development encroaching into the floodplain; using the<br />
Sequential approach, development should avoid flooding zone 2 <strong>and</strong> 3 where<br />
possible.<br />
The shaded area includes Hardenhuish <strong>and</strong> Sheldon School playing fields,<br />
leading to the presumption that these areas will be redeveloped.<br />
Westinghouse sports ground should not be redeveloped for housing.<br />
Support the designation of the town centre as a strategic site, but the title of<br />
‘mixed use regeneration option’ is misleading.<br />
Potential future employment sites<br />
The l<strong>and</strong> at Showell Farm has already been turned down by an inspector, on the<br />
basis of non-compatibility with PPG13. Its inclusion again is developer-driven<br />
rather than policy driven.<br />
Showell Farm should be opposed as it has already been opposed by local<br />
residents. .Much of the l<strong>and</strong> is high quality agricultural l<strong>and</strong>. Development would<br />
be damaging to the countryside <strong>and</strong> the setting of Chippenham.<br />
Have the advancements in technology meaning there is a trend to work from<br />
home <strong>and</strong> reducing commuting <strong>and</strong> requirements for office space been<br />
considered?<br />
Pleased to see areas designated for employment purposes, but concerned about<br />
the large areas of mixed use housing <strong>and</strong> employment, because the former has<br />
overrun the latter. I would like to see more employment for Chippenham to stop<br />
the commuting to Bristol <strong>and</strong> Swindon.<br />
Transport<br />
The road will be very expensive.<br />
If the planned road is necessary then there are other areas of Chippenham <strong>and</strong><br />
many fields that can be used instead of the destruction of one of Chippenham’s<br />
most beautiful areas.<br />
There is a fear that the road would damage Rawlings Farm <strong>and</strong> Hardens Farm.<br />
The Northern Urban Extension will contribute to increasing motor vehicle traffic<br />
<strong>and</strong> will be very attractive to out-commuters.<br />
The road would make Chippenham a community penned behind a ring-fence of<br />
tarmac.<br />
Suggest the road be routed to the north of Barrow Farm <strong>and</strong> parallel to Birds<br />
Marsh Wood with at least a 100m buffer. Frequent crossing routes would be<br />
needed.<br />
Dualling of A350 should be given priority <strong>and</strong> any development should make use<br />
of that exp<strong>and</strong>ed capacity.<br />
54
<strong>Consultation</strong> methodology <strong>and</strong> output report <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy August 2010<br />
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:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Nothing has been said about the A4/Ivy Lane gyratory.<br />
Having a dual carriageway from Lackham to the A4 at Pewsham, will complete<br />
the ring road <strong>and</strong> remove through traffic from the town.<br />
North Chippenham Road seems unnecessary as traffic could use the B4122 to<br />
access the motorway.<br />
The development area should be designed with spine roads <strong>and</strong> boulevards<br />
connecting the new development to the town centre, to encourage use of the<br />
town. Any new large roads serving the area should be designed with bus lanes,<br />
cycle lanes, pavements <strong>and</strong> trees, <strong>and</strong> as part of the built environment, with<br />
shops, schools orientated along them.<br />
Alternative options<br />
Whilst the strategic approach to Chippenham is correct, it is too soon to narrow<br />
down to a preferred option. More resilient <strong>and</strong> detailed viability studies should be<br />
undertaken on each of the main options to draw out the barriers to successful<br />
development <strong>and</strong> integration with the existing town <strong>and</strong> to consider in more detail<br />
how these may be addressed.<br />
Southern options appear to be equivalent in suitability to the proposed North<br />
development, yet present a much greater sustainability option. Problems of<br />
providing the link road are no more significant than crossing the river <strong>and</strong> main<br />
railway line. Also excellent sustainable links into the town centre including<br />
walking/cycling route.<br />
Housing development in the Pewsham area would provide an economic<br />
opportunity to assist in the restoration of the canal.<br />
L<strong>and</strong> at Chippenham Business Park, adjacent to Saltersford Lane, is available for<br />
residential use.<br />
L<strong>and</strong> to the North of Barrow Farm should be within the preferred option.<br />
Hunters Moon is available for residential development <strong>and</strong> not for employment<br />
use. Hunters Moon could be brought forward quickly such that houses could start<br />
to be delivered in 2-3 years time. This could be in addition to the Preferred Option<br />
with Showell Farm being developed in full for employment purposes.<br />
Rowden Park has similar impacts to the Preferred Option, but overall it minimises<br />
the loss of Greenfield l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> will give rise to a smaller infrastructure cost, more<br />
sensitive phased growth <strong>and</strong> will provide a unique opportunity to secure parkl<strong>and</strong><br />
facility close to the town centre.<br />
The proposed development of major employment sites in Corsham better lends<br />
itself to residential development in the South as there is a more logical link to the<br />
A350 <strong>and</strong> the A4 from here than from the Eastern Option.<br />
The councils approach is fundamentally flawed in terms of selecting sites in the<br />
absence of the necessary evidence base. None of the issues which the LPA<br />
indicate constrain development to the south represent showstoppers.<br />
55
<strong>Consultation</strong> methodology <strong>and</strong> output report <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy August 2010<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Had improvements to the A350 been assumed in the traffic modelling, the traffic<br />
implications of a southern expansion to the town would be far more favourable.<br />
There are many merits including Identified preferred location for strategic<br />
employment development; juxtaposition of strategic employment, residential <strong>and</strong><br />
other uses to provide a sustainable urban extension with good local links to the<br />
town centre.<br />
Site proposed for extra care housing (C2 Use Class) at Chippenham Golf Club,<br />
West of Chippenham to provide a care development for the elderly <strong>and</strong> to provide<br />
improved leisure facilities at the golf club.<br />
Designate Sainsburys Supermarket Site <strong>and</strong> the adjoining l<strong>and</strong> occupied by<br />
McDonalds <strong>and</strong> a nursery as a District centre.<br />
Development to the West should be considered because it’s not any worse than<br />
East of Chippenham <strong>and</strong> has the advantage of the A350 <strong>and</strong> being away from the<br />
River Avon.<br />
Consider Lyneham as an alternative.<br />
4.6 Settlement hierarchy: comments<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The settlement strategy is supported in principle, especially as it includes<br />
Chippenham at the top of the hierarchy as one of <strong>Wiltshire</strong> (<strong>and</strong> the South West<br />
regions) strategically significant towns, which is to accommodate the greatest<br />
level of economic <strong>and</strong> population growth, including enhanced provision of higherorder<br />
facilities <strong>and</strong> services.<br />
Although a number of smaller settlements have a limited range of services, such<br />
rural communities often share the resources of a number of nearby villages – e.g.<br />
Littleton Drew <strong>and</strong> Nettleton. It is unrealistic to allow for only modest levels of<br />
growth in a relatively few number of <strong>Wiltshire</strong> villages.<br />
There isn’t any reference to the windfall sites outside Chippenham <strong>and</strong> the named<br />
settlements <strong>and</strong> the recognised contribution they can make to the local<br />
community <strong>and</strong> economy.<br />
It is not explained fully why only 4 villages in the Chippenham Community Area<br />
are identified as only having capacity to accommodate modest levels of<br />
development to deliver local housing need to support rural services which will<br />
increase those villages self containment. There is no analysis <strong>and</strong> therefore no<br />
justification for limiting development to just these 4 villages <strong>and</strong> imposing restraint<br />
elsewhere, apart from the comment which says they lack the employment<br />
opportunities <strong>and</strong> services which would make development sustainable.<br />
Opportunities for employment <strong>and</strong> home working should be welcomed to<br />
encourage increased sustainability for those, <strong>and</strong> other, settlements.<br />
Sutton Benger should be listed in this group. Further analysis should be provided<br />
of the services existing in each settlement as, for example, Sutton Benger has the<br />
same facilities as Christian Malford plus the local primary school. It could <strong>and</strong><br />
should be proposed for housing growth to meet local needs. Without a small<br />
allocation of housing, new affordable housing would not be delivered <strong>and</strong> there<br />
would no support for local needs in the village <strong>and</strong> surrounding area.<br />
There isn’t a definition of local housing need.<br />
The numbers for population <strong>and</strong> houses in Kington St Michael does not agree<br />
with those on the electoral register although that covers the parish. Some<br />
properties have incorrect street names e.g. 94 Kington St Michael is not located in<br />
Stubbs Lane <strong>and</strong> Manor Farm is not located at Honeyknob Hill.<br />
The impact of the designation of villages is not clear. There seems to be limited<br />
capacity for further development in Kington St Michael, as it is important to keep<br />
the separation between the village <strong>and</strong> Chippenham. On the other h<strong>and</strong>, if the<br />
village is classified as a smaller village does this signal the start of a decline?<br />
56
<strong>Consultation</strong> methodology <strong>and</strong> output report <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy August 2010<br />
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4.7 Housing distribution: comments<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The level of housing proposed for Chippenham ignores essential environmental<br />
constraints. There is not enough emphasis on the development of brown field<br />
sites or the improvement of poor quality areas in the town.<br />
Chippenham over the past 30 years has been developed in the Pewsham area<br />
<strong>and</strong> on the Western side. So much expansion in such a short space of time<br />
makes the cohesion of the social fabric of the town very poor. There is very little<br />
evidence that adequate infrastructure has been put into place since the previous<br />
developments. This needs to be addressed before new developments on the<br />
scale of <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>2026</strong> are proposed.<br />
Chippenham is now a big town <strong>and</strong> does not need anymore houses. The town is<br />
losing its market town status. 5000 new houses will change the nature of the<br />
town. The services are at full stretch. It is a logical inconsistency that the problem<br />
can be fixed by increasing the population of the town <strong>and</strong> developers funding<br />
services.<br />
North <strong>Wiltshire</strong> District <strong>Council</strong> proposed substantially fewer new homes in <strong>and</strong><br />
around Chippenham than in this plan. <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong> should reflect on the level<br />
of housing necessary to meet local housing need as identified by the predecessor<br />
district council <strong>and</strong> defend from intervention.<br />
The allocation of 5500 new homes is not enough to accommodate all the growth<br />
over the plan period.<br />
The objective of strategic planning for Chippenham should be to enhance the selfcontainment<br />
of the town as a whole, rather than its constituent sites.<br />
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<strong>Consultation</strong> methodology <strong>and</strong> output report <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy August 2010<br />
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4.8 Chippenham respondents<br />
Organisations<br />
Ashtenne Industrial Fund Limited<br />
Barrett Strategic Ltd<br />
Berryfield <strong>and</strong> Semington Road Action<br />
Group<br />
Bloor Homes<br />
Bowerhill Residents' Association<br />
Bradford on Avon & District Community<br />
Development Trust<br />
Braemon Holdings<br />
C G Fry & Son Limited<br />
Campaign for Better Transport<br />
Carter Jonas<br />
Chamber of Commerce<br />
Chippenham Civic Society<br />
Climate Friendly Bradford on Avon<br />
Committee Administrator Melksham<br />
Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
Corsham Civic Society<br />
CPRE North Dorset<br />
CPRE <strong>Wiltshire</strong><br />
Cricklade Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
Devizes Development Partnership<br />
Dilton Marsh Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
East Melksham Consortium<br />
Environment Agency (Wessex Area)<br />
Fiona Jury Planning<br />
Friends of Hilperton Gap<br />
Galliford Try Strategic L<strong>and</strong><br />
Gleeson Developments Ltd<br />
Hannick Homes<br />
Haydon Wick Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Highways Agency<br />
Hilperton Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
INscience Limited<br />
Keevil Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Knight Frank Agent Badminton Estate<br />
Ashton Park, Trowbridge Ltd<br />
Berkeley Strategic<br />
Bishops Canning Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
BOA Property Ltd.<br />
Box Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Bradford on Avon Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
Bremhill Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Calne Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
Canal Partnership Project Manager<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />
Chairman Bradford on Avon Preservation<br />
Trust<br />
Charlton Park Estate<br />
Chippenham Vision<br />
Colerne Industrial Estate<br />
Cooper Estates<br />
Corsham Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
CPRE West <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Group<br />
Crest Strategic Projects Limited<br />
Defence Estates<br />
Devizes Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
Director LPC (Trull) Ltd<br />
English Heritage<br />
Eton College<br />
Fisher German LLP<br />
G L Hearn Planning<br />
Georgia Developments (Wessex) Limited<br />
Gleeson Strategic L<strong>and</strong><br />
Hartham Park<br />
Hellam L<strong>and</strong> Management <strong>and</strong> Bloor<br />
Homes<br />
Hills UK Ltd<br />
Industrial Property Investment Fund<br />
IP Wireless<br />
Kington St Michael Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
L<strong>and</strong> & Development Stakeholder <strong>and</strong><br />
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<strong>Consultation</strong> methodology <strong>and</strong> output report <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy August 2010<br />
Data Appendices<br />
Langdale Western Ltd<br />
Lioncourt Homes<br />
Luckington Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Malmesbury & St Paul’s Without<br />
Residents’ Association<br />
Malmesbury River Valleys Trust<br />
Melksham Community Area Partnership<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
National Grid<br />
North Bradley Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
North Wessex Downs AONB<br />
Northern Community Area Partnership<br />
Persimmon Homes<br />
Planning Potential Ltd<br />
Primegate Properties (Hooksouth) Ltd<br />
Ps <strong>and</strong> Qs<br />
Ramblers North East <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Group<br />
Redcliffe Homes<br />
Robert Hitchens Ltd<br />
Sarsen Housing Association<br />
Seend Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
SF Planning Link Ltd<br />
Society of Merchant Venturers<br />
Spring Park Corsham Ltd<br />
Swindon <strong>and</strong> Cricklade Railway<br />
Taylor Wimpey UK Ltd<br />
The Crown Estate<br />
The Hills Group<br />
The Theatres Trust<br />
Trowbridge Community Area Future<br />
(TCAF)<br />
W B Real Development GmbH<br />
Warminster Civic Trust<br />
Welbeck L<strong>and</strong> Limited<br />
Westbury Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> College<br />
Policy Manager National Grid<br />
Larkrise Community Farm<br />
London <strong>and</strong> South British Waterways<br />
Lydiard Millicent Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Malmesbury Civic Trust<br />
Malmesbury Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
Melksham Railway Development Group<br />
MoD<br />
NHS Swindon<br />
North Chippenham Consortium - (Barratt<br />
Strategic, Heron L<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> Persimmon<br />
Homes)<br />
North Wilts <strong>and</strong> Swindon Group<br />
Campaign to Protect Rural Engl<strong>and</strong><br />
(CPRE)<br />
Paxcroft Mead Community Forum<br />
Planning <strong>and</strong> Local Government Natural<br />
Engl<strong>and</strong><br />
Potterne Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Prospect L<strong>and</strong> Ltd<br />
Purton Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Realworld Holdings Ltd<br />
Redrow Home Ltd<br />
Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd<br />
Savernake Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Semington Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Sherston Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Southern Water<br />
Steeple Ashton Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Swindon Borough <strong>Council</strong><br />
Thames Water Property Services<br />
The Doric Group<br />
The Kennet <strong>and</strong> Avon Canal Trust<br />
The Trust for Devizes<br />
Trowbridge Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
Wainhomes (South West) Holdings Ltd<br />
Warminster Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
West Ashton Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
White Lion L<strong>and</strong> LLP<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Fire & Rescue Service<br />
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<strong>Consultation</strong> methodology <strong>and</strong> output report <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy August 2010<br />
Data Appendices<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Wildlife Trust<br />
Wootton Bassett Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
Woolley & Walis<br />
Zog Brownfield Ventures Ltd<br />
Individuals<br />
A Hackett A P SawyerA Purcell Adrian, Lucy <strong>and</strong> Sheena<br />
Lewis<br />
Alan Chilton-Bates Alastair King Alex Mair<br />
Alison Bucknell Alison Hicks Alison Smith<br />
Am Basil Howell Andy Jelly Andy Stainer<br />
Ann & Geraint Owen Ann Bass Ann Hawkins<br />
Ann Orr-Ewing Anna Kavanagh Anne Buxton<br />
Anwar Hussein Arthur <strong>and</strong> Marjorie Darby Ben Smith<br />
Beverley Brimble <strong>and</strong> Bob Philpott<br />
Brian Baden<br />
Wilkes Bob Kendrick<br />
Brian Jennings C <strong>Council</strong>lor Ernie Clark C.A Thomas<br />
Captain <strong>and</strong> Mrs Richard Carole Meling<br />
CGJ Hart<br />
<strong>and</strong> Brenda Nicholson<br />
Chris Roberts Cllr Mark Connolly Cllr Peter Doyle<br />
Colin Bowden Colin Davison Colin Roseblade<br />
<strong>Council</strong>lor Richard Gamble D J Vince<br />
D Mercer<br />
Mercer<br />
D. J. Raker D.J. Durbridge David <strong>and</strong> Diana Harris<br />
David Feather David Foxon David Frampton<br />
David Hawkins David Parris David Pope<br />
David Rigby David Rowl<strong>and</strong>s David Stephenson<br />
David Trethewey David Wickham David, Pamela, Matthew<br />
<strong>and</strong> Jonathan Rutter<br />
Dawn Tiley Dean Mitchell Denis Jones<br />
Derek Harford Derek Pinnell Diana Thombs<br />
Dr Stephen Hunt Dr. Christopher Kent Dr. Geoff Poole<br />
Duncan Hames E H Bradley <strong>and</strong> Son E J Lister<br />
E Pitts E W Pearce Edward Clark<br />
Edward Raker Eileen Johnson Elizabeth Marsh<br />
Elizabeth Wilson Elsa Parris Emily Clark<br />
Emma Richards G <strong>and</strong> T Evason Geoff Yates<br />
Geoffrey Richards George Axiotis George McDonic MBE<br />
Georgina <strong>and</strong> Martin Gillian Minter<br />
Gordon Rees<br />
Naylor<br />
Graham <strong>and</strong> Freda Greg Lewis<br />
H.N Potts<br />
Franklin<br />
Harvey Paris Hayley Mitchell Hazel Frampton<br />
Henry Crook Henry Johnson Howard <strong>and</strong> Joy Morl<strong>and</strong><br />
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Ian Henderson Isabel McCord Ivan Balmforth<br />
Ivar Baxter<br />
J & P Hussey & Mrs S<br />
Cooper<br />
J Fisher<br />
J Langley Jacqui Clark Jane <strong>and</strong> Chris Nicholson<br />
Janet Cassidy<br />
Janette <strong>and</strong> Gordon<br />
O'Brien<br />
Jean <strong>and</strong> Gordon Stanford<br />
Jenni Rivett Jill Crook Joan Howarth<br />
John <strong>and</strong> Sheila Ralph John <strong>and</strong> Sue Holcombe John Chivers<br />
John Cross John Hawkins John Osborne<br />
John Palmer John Rainbow John Sheate<br />
John Van Leer Jon Eskins JR Broome<br />
Judy Buxton Julia Goodwin Kate Hayes<br />
Keith Frampton Keith Thorman Ken Hughes<br />
Ken Ross<br />
Kenneth <strong>and</strong> Catherine<br />
Warr<br />
Kingston Homes<br />
L.J <strong>and</strong> L.I Brown Linda Westmore Louise Ranson<br />
Lucie Castleman Lucy Hatton Lucy Wilcox<br />
Lynda Trigg M <strong>and</strong> J Beadle M Cottle<br />
M J S Thomas M J Stefanoski M Lanfear<br />
Malcolm <strong>and</strong> Janet Tanner Malcolm Parrack Mark <strong>and</strong> Jill Funnell<br />
Mark Birkitt<br />
Mark Chard <strong>and</strong><br />
Associates<br />
Martin Beale<br />
Martin Malaby Ltd Martyn Parrott Mary <strong>and</strong> Len Humphreys<br />
Mary Anderson<br />
Maurice Baker MF<br />
Freeman<br />
Michael West<br />
Mike Bowring Mike Brown Mike Rennie<br />
Miss A Taylor Miss Lorna Hodgson Miss Maud Lucas<br />
MMAT Mr & Mrs B Trim Mr & Mrs J & J Ellis<br />
Mr & Mrs R Slater Mr & Mrs <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Mr A Edwards<br />
Mr Alan Daly<br />
Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Alan & Eileen<br />
Needham<br />
Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs B.A <strong>and</strong> G.J<br />
Jones<br />
Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Barrett Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Bent Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Brian <strong>and</strong><br />
Roslyn Baden<br />
Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Denis Pocock Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs E & M Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Hamlen<br />
Silvester<br />
Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Mitchell Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs P Dickens Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs P.J <strong>and</strong> S.J<br />
Hurren<br />
Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Page Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Parfitt Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Pocock<br />
Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs PW <strong>and</strong> ME Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Ransom Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Robert Dudley<br />
Ellis<br />
Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs S Alex<strong>and</strong>er Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs W G Conway Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs W Hunt<br />
Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs W Hunt Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Woodcock Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Yamina<br />
Havelock-Allan<br />
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Mr Andrew Hatcher Mr Andrew Perrott Mr B D Mead<br />
Mr C Cornell Mr C Godwin Mr Charles Hanson<br />
Mr Christopher Gorringe Mr Colin Pearson Mr D Lees-Millais<br />
Mr David Dawson Mr David Sweet Mr E.A. Reynolds<br />
Mr Eric Jones Mr F <strong>and</strong> Mr B Tucker Mr Francis Sheppard<br />
Mr Frederic Nicolas Mr H Stubbs Mr Howard Ch<strong>and</strong>ler<br />
Mr Ian Bartlett Mr Ian James Mr Jack Morten<br />
Mr John Harmer Mr John Nutter Mr John Palmer<br />
Mr K J McCall Mr Kevin Peto Bostick Mr Kim Stuckey<br />
Mr LC <strong>and</strong> Mrs A Lee Mr M Clark Mr Mark Scott<br />
Mr Michael Green Mr Michael Sprules Mr Mike Chapman<br />
Mr N Hartnell Mr N Pratt Mr Nick Green<br />
Mr Noakes Mr Peter Barnett Mr Peter Brewster<br />
Mr Peter Gosling Mr Peter Holl<strong>and</strong> Mr R Wootton<br />
Mr Ric Gower Mr Richard Gosnell Mr Richard Revell<br />
Mr Ross Gifford-Pike Mr S Lynch Mr Sam Gompels<br />
Mr Simon Ashworth Mr T Barnsley Mr T Molloy<br />
Mr Tim Hounsome Mrs Ann Piper Mrs C Spickernell<br />
Mrs D Rodham Mrs Durno Mrs Emily Ward<br />
Mrs Hazel Fitchen Mrs Helen Stuckey Mrs Hulbert<br />
Mrs Ivy Scott Mrs J Gosnell Mrs J Kenna<br />
Mrs J Mallais Mrs J Waller Mrs Jane R. Smith<br />
Mrs Karen Temple Mrs Kate Robinson Mrs M King<br />
Mrs Margaret Barrett Mrs Moss Mrs Patricia A Hunn<br />
Mrs Patricia Williams Mrs Philippa Morgan Mrs S.A. Godwin<br />
Mrs Sue Hartnell Mrs Susan Evans Mrs V Jones<br />
Mrs Wendy Harrison Ms Fiona Stradling Ms L Llewelyn<br />
Ms Liz Nash Ms Margaret Almond Ms Sarah Higgins &<br />
Malcolm De La Haye<br />
Ms Tracey Curzons MV Cottle N <strong>and</strong> MJ Phillips<br />
N P Parker Nancy Sawyer Natalie Glaysher<br />
Neil Edwards Neil Etheridge Nicola Walker<br />
Norman <strong>and</strong> Margaret Norman Swanney<br />
O Grimsdale<br />
Rogers<br />
P A Nash P Staddon Paul <strong>and</strong> Nicola Hammond<br />
Paul Ranson Paul Robinson Paul, Sally, Lee <strong>and</strong><br />
Jemma Stratton<br />
Pauline <strong>and</strong> Richard<br />
Hanke<br />
Pauline Baxter<br />
Peter <strong>and</strong> Maxine<br />
Fairbairn<br />
Peter Brewser Peter Collins Peter Hames<br />
Peter Hayes Peter Hutchins Peter Little<br />
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Peter Love Peter Wardle Peter Westlake<br />
R C<strong>and</strong>y R Williams R.C Saunders<br />
Rob Coles Robert Gallagher Robert Lytton<br />
Robert Taylor Roger Wootton Roger, Richard <strong>and</strong> Nicola<br />
Damery<br />
Ron <strong>and</strong> Sheila Sawyer Ron Pybus Rosalind Robinson<br />
Rosemary Walker Ross Kavenagh Ross Wheeler<br />
Rowena <strong>and</strong> Neil Heard Roy <strong>and</strong> Marion Hobbs Ruth Wardle<br />
Ruth Wardle S Clark S Payne<br />
S R<strong>and</strong>all S W Matthews S.A, P, E.A, <strong>and</strong> P Booy<br />
SA & SD Brown Sarah Phillips Sarah Richardson<br />
Scott Uncles Sheila <strong>and</strong> Arthur Lunn Sheila French<br />
Simon Main Slater Reynolds Stanley <strong>and</strong> Pat<br />
Thompson<br />
Stephen Edwards Steve Cundy Steve Davis<br />
Steve Stoker Susan King Thomas Clark<br />
Tim Wilson Tom Cunningham Tony Allen<br />
Trevor Cherrett Trixie Lewis V Crook<br />
V.E. Palmer V.P. Francis V<strong>and</strong>a Tanner & Jonathan<br />
Biddy<br />
Vanessa Heard<br />
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4.9 Chippenham: notes from exhibitions <strong>and</strong> events<br />
Chippenham workshop<br />
Strategic Objectives<br />
The top four objectives identified by participants were:<br />
to enhance the vitality <strong>and</strong> viability of the town centre<br />
to provide for long term economic growth<br />
to secure appropriate infrastructure <strong>and</strong> services<br />
to protect <strong>and</strong> enhance the natural environment.<br />
The groups discussed the objectives <strong>and</strong> some of the general issues raised<br />
included:<br />
Want appropriate <strong>and</strong> balanced growth.<br />
No objective specifically for employment l<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Development will bring about community benefits.<br />
Planned approach better than piecemeal development, but plan needs to be<br />
good/appropriate.<br />
How do we encourage people into the town centre?<br />
Industry has gone from the town centres <strong>and</strong> shops are closing.<br />
Out of town shopping; Impact of parking.<br />
Encourage economic growth by growing!<br />
There is a need for more appropriate employment in <strong>Wiltshire</strong> i.e. Higher Value<br />
Jobs.<br />
There is a housing cost versus salary imbalance.<br />
Some of the issues discussed were specifically about Chippenham <strong>and</strong> the<br />
appropriateness of the Strategic Objectives for the town. The comments included:<br />
<br />
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<br />
Objectives 2 <strong>and</strong> 3 are from the RSS <strong>and</strong> do not reflect Chippenham aims.<br />
Enhance the river corridor.<br />
Need a strategic plan to stop speculative applications.<br />
Transport may encourage out-commuting, particularly if there is an eastern<br />
distributor road.<br />
Lack of entertainment/leisure facilities.<br />
There is no incentive to shop in Chippenham <strong>and</strong> people would rather go to Bath<br />
<strong>and</strong> Swindon etc.<br />
Whole infrastructure is important to attract firms, shops etc.<br />
Future growth of Chippenham<br />
The discussions <strong>and</strong> comments focussed on the improvements that could be made to<br />
the urban realm of Chippenham <strong>and</strong> the need to be more innovative <strong>and</strong> in thinking<br />
about sustainable transport solutions.<br />
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More retail, leisure <strong>and</strong> open space.<br />
Sympathetic river development.<br />
Good urban development.<br />
Better public realm – trees/ plants; the parks are valuable <strong>and</strong> historic areas of<br />
town.<br />
Need parking to accommodate drivers/ car travel, e.g. Parking charges – wrong<br />
mix of charging.<br />
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Need innovative public transport solutions – taxi buses/ shuttle buses; <strong>and</strong> better<br />
facilities for cyclists.<br />
Increased employment may not solve out-commuting problem.<br />
Need to promote Chippenham to technical companies (Hi-Tech park).<br />
Renewable energy on new sites.<br />
Need comprehensive local facilities.<br />
Need to improve shop frontages <strong>and</strong> reveal historic facades.<br />
Need better design codes – redesign the town centre (‘vision’).<br />
Housing should be mixed – not segregated social housing (ghettos!).<br />
Housing growth must bring benefits quickly to promote vitality/ prosperity.<br />
Investment should not be linked to more housing.<br />
Town centre is poor <strong>and</strong> road-based housing has helped to promote its decline.<br />
Need development along A350: hotels/ leisure to encourage people into the town<br />
centre.<br />
The town centre has too many ‘lower-end’ shops.<br />
Creating jobs for the local community – large employers.<br />
Further explanation to local community about how we will encourage business/<br />
employment etc.<br />
Further explanation of how l<strong>and</strong> uses will work together to achieve objectives.<br />
Encouraging young people to live <strong>and</strong> work in the community.<br />
Appropriate training – not just highly academic training/ education.<br />
Could development at Lyneham help sustainable growth of Chippenham.<br />
Bringing the ‘feel good factor’ to the town.<br />
Create a social or cultural draw to the town – market the town.<br />
More leisure facilities, especially for younger people.<br />
Schools – it is difficult to attend north Chippenham schools.<br />
Night-time economy – too many jobs, need for more quality/ diversity.<br />
Social infrastructure – needed to support substantial growth.<br />
If needed infrastructure is too expensive, what then? Development provides<br />
‘critical mass’ to attract services <strong>and</strong> facilities; There is a danger that these<br />
services <strong>and</strong> facilities locate ‘out-of-town’.<br />
A limited amount of developer funding will create need to prioritise infrastructure<br />
<strong>and</strong> raise question; what will be available for affordable housing, social <strong>and</strong> health<br />
facilities?<br />
Don’t want large extensions without necessary infrastructure, services, facilities.<br />
Reduce commuting to Chippenham Railway Station.<br />
Need for additional train services, stations, platforms at Chippenham.<br />
Consider rent reduction to encourage more retail.<br />
The roundtable discussions also resulted in comments being made about the<br />
preferred options for Chippenham, highlighting issues of flooding, impact on Birds<br />
Marsh Wood; lack of amenities <strong>and</strong> the impact of the proposed road on the<br />
countryside.<br />
The comments included:<br />
No building on Birds Marsh – we do not want to be another Swindon.<br />
Birds Marsh as the name says is affected by water, hence should not be built on.<br />
2,600 houses at Birds Marsh will result in flooding in Chippenham High Street<br />
Where is the employment for 12,000 – 15,000 people?<br />
Where will all the cars go?<br />
20-30 more NHS dentists?<br />
No development on Rowden green fields.<br />
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Lack of amenities for 800 houses.<br />
Loss of outdoor activities.<br />
The ring road extends to the furthest point of development impacting the<br />
countryside.<br />
Serious risk of higher water leading to increased flooding east of the<br />
development.<br />
The proposed development has been put forward because the council owns this<br />
l<strong>and</strong>.<br />
If the RSS is not signed, is torn up – what about the calculated figures for<br />
Chippenham?<br />
Housing brought forward now is to satisfy the ‘baby boom’ <strong>and</strong> migrant market.<br />
Post 2020, this will change dramatically.<br />
Split option should be an option.<br />
The southern option is the wrong area. It should be modified.<br />
Concerns regarding development all in one community.<br />
Phasing <strong>and</strong> embed new development into Chippenham.<br />
Sustainability appraisal objectives<br />
The comments received about the Sustainability Objectives focussed on<br />
Chippenham <strong>and</strong> the preferred options <strong>and</strong> how they don’t comply with the SA<br />
objectives.<br />
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Does an ASDA store on the Westinghouse site fit with this?<br />
Link road may not pass through Birds Marsh Wood but passes through the area<br />
of Birds Marsh <strong>and</strong> will spoil the peace of this area.<br />
Under item 5 the proposed development will increase the risk of even worse<br />
flooding east of Chippenham.<br />
More development will increase flood risk as less water will be absorbed by open<br />
fields.<br />
All this development will destroy all the wildlife in this area, will create more<br />
flooding downstream <strong>and</strong> will blight the enjoyment for many people that use the<br />
cyclepath <strong>and</strong> fields <strong>and</strong> riverside for walking <strong>and</strong> enjoying the countryside.<br />
This exhibition doesn’t show how these issues are going to be tackled. This<br />
exhibition only really tackles item 2 on the list. So we still don’t have any joined up<br />
thinking/ complete vision for the area.<br />
No.9 – just how will this protect <strong>and</strong> enhance the l<strong>and</strong>scape.<br />
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How do we think <strong>Wiltshire</strong> will look in <strong>2026</strong>?<br />
The comments were all negative. They either highlighted issues which hadn’t been<br />
included such as climate change or they stated they didn’t agree with the proposed<br />
development for Chippenham.<br />
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The exhibition covers development <strong>and</strong> transport (<strong>and</strong> only partially) but doesn’t<br />
include:<br />
- Tackling climate change<br />
- Tourism<br />
- Protection for natural, built <strong>and</strong> historic environment<br />
- Security <strong>and</strong> sense of community<br />
- Access to local services<br />
- Therefore, you’re not explaining how you’re meeting most of your objectives at<br />
this exhibition<br />
Canal as leisure/ employment opportunity? Not shown anywhere.<br />
Don’t agree. Chippenham is becoming a commuter town, encouraging people to<br />
work further away not locally. Services <strong>and</strong> infrastructure seem to be an<br />
afterthought.<br />
There is no substance to these comments! The number of documents says<br />
nothing about research, consultation or evidence or the quality of your review of<br />
such documents.<br />
Smaller settlements with aging populations should be able to sustain their<br />
communities with suitably small numbers of low cost housing to retain, amongst<br />
other considerations, viable primary schools.<br />
Do not agree with proposed housing in <strong>and</strong> around Chippenham. We do not have<br />
the required work available. People coming to live here will be from outside <strong>and</strong><br />
will not benefit the local economy – they will shop elsewhere.<br />
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How do we deliver the vision for <strong>Wiltshire</strong>?<br />
The comments questioned the need for 44,000 new homes in <strong>Wiltshire</strong><br />
The comments can be summarised as:<br />
I don’t believe that 44,000 new homes are needed in this area. And what is the<br />
status of the spatial strategy?<br />
The case for additional housing on green areas is not made – there are 1 million<br />
unoccupied houses in the country (enough to house 1.8million in need of social<br />
housing). This does not include second homes, single-occupant housing <strong>and</strong><br />
empty office blocks.<br />
How did the spatial authority determine 44,000 houses are needed?<br />
Should? How likely is it that you can be held to account?<br />
Why 44,000 houses? Who says?<br />
The objectives to be sustainable <strong>and</strong> to prevent climate change are fundamentally<br />
contradictory. After half century of the environment movement since the early<br />
1960s, no progress has been made because it has not been possible to decouple<br />
economic growth from environment deterioration (<strong>and</strong> hence human well-being).<br />
Parts of the town centre are already in the flood plain zones. You should be<br />
planning to relieve the problem by building a flood holding reservoir up stream of<br />
the town on the Avon. This has been done successfully elsewhere in the UK. The<br />
Environment Agency <strong>and</strong> <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong> need to act! Before development<br />
prevents such a scheme being constructed.<br />
Other than item 3, none of the objectives are measurable as to success or failure.<br />
Need some figures to measure against.<br />
Great objectives but more manufacturing jobs are needed in this area.<br />
I do not agree that <strong>Wiltshire</strong> ‘needs’ 44,400 extra homes.<br />
The requirement for more housing is only because of our immigration policies <strong>and</strong><br />
the breakdown of society. More <strong>and</strong> more people are unable to live together so<br />
requiring their own patch. The council should resist the Government pressure.<br />
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Where are the new homes being proposed?<br />
The comments either disagreed with the number of new homes proposed for<br />
Chippenham or sought clarification over the amount of new homes proposed for<br />
villages <strong>and</strong> rural areas.<br />
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Difficult to comment as no specific information on rural areas/villages.<br />
What higher order services <strong>and</strong> facilities exist in Chippenham?<br />
Where are the economic assessment figures to support the housing growth? How<br />
will they be in balance?<br />
What confidence can we have in this proposal, when market towns is spelt tows?<br />
Chippenham figures: 670 + 760 + 160 + 3650 = 5240; your total for Chippenham<br />
doesn’t add up. Are you saying houses permitted for ’09 is in addition to the 670<br />
already built for 06-09? What on earth is the 5yr windfall? Whose windfall? Not<br />
mine?<br />
I don’t agree – Chippenham is already too big.<br />
Development in villages sounds good. When will it start to come into being?<br />
What is a windfall supply? Please use English when talking to the public.<br />
What do we already know about Chippenham community area?<br />
The issues highlighted were similar in nature to other comments during the<br />
exhibition.<br />
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If you want people to stop in Chippenham, you need better car parking, reduce<br />
the charges, have more free parking. Devizes has several areas with free parking<br />
of 1 hour at a time.<br />
Key issue – all traffic must pass through bridge roundabout.<br />
Hospital & doctors surgeries, especially maternity, may not cope with extra<br />
dem<strong>and</strong>.<br />
The river isn’t the only underused asset. All public spaces in Chippenham require<br />
better planning <strong>and</strong> maintenance.<br />
Why does Chippenham need more housing? (I agree!) Chippenham needs more<br />
employment <strong>and</strong> leisure facilities before more housing.<br />
We can’t afford to buy here – we live here <strong>and</strong> work in Bristol because it is a<br />
pleasant place to live. More housing means more out-commuting. The people<br />
who will move in are not currently local people.<br />
Over 2000 houses in option 1 would require an extensive drainage system.<br />
Where would all the surface water end up? Birds Marsh is an important wildlife<br />
habitat. “Friends of Birds Marsh”.<br />
What about affordable housing in rural areas? Is there a strategy for this?<br />
I agree with the key issues <strong>and</strong> these need to be addressed through Section 106<br />
agreements to provide leisure, retail <strong>and</strong> other amenities as well as schools <strong>and</strong><br />
infrastructure.<br />
<br />
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How can you encourage employment opportunities <strong>and</strong> therefore reduce outcommuting<br />
when the major employment site (Westing House) is up for shop/<br />
housing development?<br />
“Theatre facilities” – the hire cost of the Town Hall <strong>and</strong> Neeld Hall are prohibitive<br />
<strong>and</strong> therefore they don’t get used as much as they could. Is it not better to lower<br />
the cost <strong>and</strong> have them occupied <strong>and</strong> generate more revenue, than to have them<br />
unused?<br />
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How does <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>2026</strong> expect Chippenham to change?<br />
<br />
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All villages should be allowed to grow. It is not realistic to restrict housing to main<br />
towns <strong>and</strong> some larger villages. You villages to meet “local needs” - what are<br />
local needs?<br />
Is Corsham being considered separately? No expansion plans mentioned here<br />
but major MoD works/ employment currently being developed.<br />
Save Britain’s natural beauty <strong>and</strong> save Birds Marsh. For many years, I’ve enjoyed<br />
these woods <strong>and</strong> the wide mycological advantages this site brings as perfect for<br />
many species. Much will be lost.<br />
Does this imply that the only rural areas being considered for housing are those<br />
listed above?<br />
Why is an eastern distributor road required? A southern link from Pewsham to<br />
A350 would be cheaper <strong>and</strong> relieve traffic at the Bridge Centre.<br />
As a resident of a village situated between Yatton Keynell <strong>and</strong> Houghton, what<br />
impact will this have on our highways?<br />
If Chippenham, were a university town, it would attract a higher calibre of<br />
employment opportunity <strong>and</strong> improve ambition in the young <strong>and</strong> give them a<br />
reason to stay <strong>and</strong> contribute. Too easy to leave for better opportunities.<br />
Preferred option <strong>and</strong> alternative options<br />
The overwhelming majority of the comments objected to the proposed<br />
development near to Birds Marsh Wood because of the impact upon the wildlife<br />
<strong>and</strong> natural beauty of the area. The need for <strong>and</strong> cost of a road <strong>and</strong> flooding were<br />
the concerns of many. There were also comments suggesting that Options 3<br />
(South Chippenham) <strong>and</strong> 4 (North <strong>and</strong> South Chippenham) are better options<br />
because the road links will be cheaper <strong>and</strong> development will avoid floodplains.<br />
Options 1 <strong>and</strong> 2 will increase leakage to Swindon, Bristol etc. as the external links<br />
better than to the town centre.<br />
Why does a town as small as Chippenham need 2 bypasses? Surely you are<br />
planning to increase carbon production.<br />
How will the development to the east start? The first phases must increase<br />
trafficking through the residential streets of Monkton Park <strong>and</strong> the town centre.<br />
Will a relief road ever be built?<br />
Where exactly are the differences between options 1 <strong>and</strong> 2?<br />
What about water run-off on preferred option?<br />
A great deal of this area is low lying. Problems of drainage <strong>and</strong> flooding potential.<br />
To build on Birds Marsh would be awful. Fantastic area for walking, nature etc.<br />
These types of places becoming fewer <strong>and</strong> fewer.<br />
Save Birdsmarsh! There is so much wildlife in the surrounding fields too. Foxes,<br />
deer, badgers <strong>and</strong> buzzards. You will be making a terrible mistake.<br />
No roads, no housing in fields around Birds Marsh.<br />
Plans are very poorly presented.<br />
No building on Birds Marsh. This is the only unspoilt part of Chippenham.<br />
Vincients Wood is now sterile. The town centre should be more like Cirencester,<br />
Marlborough <strong>and</strong> Corsham, not Swindon.<br />
Cannot underst<strong>and</strong> reasoning for creating an employment area at Showells’s<br />
Farm when it is outside the town <strong>and</strong> on the wrong side in relation to the M4.<br />
Agree with the above, we can’t see names of road to see the new/ old boundaries<br />
<strong>and</strong> therefore can’t make an informed decision.<br />
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No to any housing at Birds Marsh. Wildlife will all go – deer, badger, birds – gone<br />
for good!<br />
Shaded areas in east are very close to river. We should keep the river as a<br />
wildlife corridor.<br />
Birds Marsh should be preserved.<br />
This valley is an area of outst<strong>and</strong>ing natural beauty <strong>and</strong> should be kept as such!!<br />
All our green fields are being swallowed up. It’s a disgrace!!<br />
Parking in the town centre? How <strong>and</strong> where is this to be provided?<br />
Options 3 <strong>and</strong> 4 not optimal - l<strong>and</strong> linking them to the A350 is not included South<br />
is best!<br />
Do we need to build on so much Greenfield?<br />
Option 3 <strong>and</strong> 4 better as road link Pewsham. A350 cheaper, offloads traffic at<br />
Bridge centre.<br />
Option 4 seems to avoid floodplains – why given the water ‘run-off’ to the river<br />
Marden/ Avon the ‘preferred options’ does not make sense.<br />
If you build it, will they actually come?<br />
Birds Marsh <strong>and</strong> the surrounding area is a place of outst<strong>and</strong>ing beauty. Wildlife in<br />
abundance. What is more important than that – nothing!<br />
South option seems best – exp<strong>and</strong> the employment options on l<strong>and</strong> between<br />
Methuen Park roundabout <strong>and</strong> Lackham School roundabout. Then build the new<br />
housing to the South, meaning the workers can get to their place of work more<br />
readily. Maybe then construct more bypasses from Lackham to the London Road,<br />
giving a ‘Chippenham Ring Road’.<br />
Road (especially rail crossing) too expensive <strong>and</strong> not needed (dual A350 instead).<br />
You should show the contours on these maps. The preferred option slopes<br />
outwards <strong>and</strong> will be very visible to surrounding villages – ruing the countryside<br />
views.<br />
The preferred option ruins the most beautiful country <strong>and</strong> riverside (Avon <strong>and</strong><br />
Mardon). Many people enjoy walking along the footpaths <strong>and</strong> old railway line.<br />
Why is the proposed link road so close to Tytherton Lucas. The road <strong>and</strong><br />
development boundary should follow the current electric pylons.<br />
Why can’t a green corridor be save from Greenway lane to Birds Marsh?<br />
Employment now. Not an afterthought.<br />
If Chippenham must be a c<strong>and</strong>idate for significant expansion then the preferred<br />
option is the one to go for. Chippenham desperately needs a NE bypass now.<br />
Also, a link between Avenue la Fleche <strong>and</strong> A4 Bath Road to reduce traffic<br />
problems at the Bridge Centre.<br />
No to houses behind Hardens Mead. Green fields are precious <strong>and</strong> should not be<br />
sacrificed to housing.<br />
Farml<strong>and</strong> should be kept for agriculture, wildlife <strong>and</strong> the quality of life of people<br />
who live in this area.<br />
We need our farm when fuel runs out, keep our fields <strong>and</strong> farms.<br />
If development as proposed is implemented then surely the pressure on local<br />
hospital will grow. From maternity provision to old age.<br />
The southern options need to be improved then compared with preferred option.<br />
Birds Marsh – if houses are built in the fields surrounding then the wood becomes<br />
sterile. E.g. Vincient’s Wood. Also, on one of the fields is a colony of rare orchids,<br />
probably the only one in <strong>Wiltshire</strong>.<br />
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4.10 Trowbridge community area<br />
4.11 Headline statistics<br />
Key issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities<br />
Supporting 0<br />
Supporting with conditions 5<br />
Objecting 6<br />
General comments 3<br />
How much we expect the community area to change by <strong>2026</strong><br />
Supporting 3<br />
Supporting with conditions 5<br />
Objecting 3<br />
General comments 3<br />
Strategic site allocations<br />
Supporting 96<br />
Supporting with conditions 30<br />
Objecting 62<br />
General comments 8<br />
Other comments relating to this community area<br />
Supporting 5<br />
Supporting with conditions 2<br />
Objecting 1<br />
General comments 12<br />
Total No. comments relating to Trowbridge: 244<br />
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4.12 Issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities: comments<br />
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The analysis of the Trowbridge community area is supported.<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> is one of the most beautiful shire counties of Engl<strong>and</strong>. It is requested<br />
that this rural nature is preserved.<br />
Investment is needed in the River Biss corridor <strong>and</strong> this presents an opportunity<br />
for regeneration in the town centre.<br />
A face lift of the older buildings in the town centre should be mentioned as a<br />
priority.<br />
The renovation <strong>and</strong> upgrading of small <strong>and</strong> medium sized business industrial<br />
premises in the town is very important <strong>and</strong> needs to be mentioned.<br />
The location of offices in the town centre should be promoted before the<br />
expansion of out-of-centre business parks. This would help to get professional<br />
people into the town centre <strong>and</strong> bring it to life at lunch time <strong>and</strong> after work.<br />
It is suggested that the Transforming Trowbridge initiative has been badly<br />
managed <strong>and</strong> has failed to deliver many of its aspirations which the town badly<br />
needs.<br />
Employment needs are not adequately addressed in the document. We need to<br />
build a good employment base in Trowbridge to reduce out-commuting. The<br />
figures given for out-commuting, at 7.000 a day are underestimates.<br />
New cycle routes linking to new development are needed.<br />
It is suggested that the commuting pattern around Trowbridge is complex <strong>and</strong><br />
should not be over simplified. It is suggested that Trowbridge is a net recipient of<br />
commuters. It is important that a balance is struck in terms of the future role <strong>and</strong><br />
growth of Trowbridge. Flexibility is needed in relation to the future of l<strong>and</strong> use.<br />
Improvements are required to the A350 <strong>and</strong> development to the east of<br />
Trowbridge can help to address this issue.<br />
Recent changes to traffic movements into Bythesea Road from Stallard Street<br />
<strong>and</strong> the Railway Station have aggravated traffic congestion <strong>and</strong> should be<br />
reviewed as a matter of urgency.<br />
Concern is raised about the reliance of developer contributions to deliver road<br />
improvements at Yarnbrook. This may make development prohibitive.<br />
It appears that increasing car use is the intention of the proposal, as the<br />
development is seen to help facilitate delivery of road infrastructure<br />
improvements. A strong policy framework is needed to ensure car use does not<br />
increase. An objection is raised to the proposal until there is a strong policy<br />
framework in place to ensure car use does not increase.<br />
Trowbridge railway station is a key transport interchange. This facility is in urgent<br />
need of modernisation <strong>and</strong> transformation. New bus station facilities are also<br />
needed as these in Trowbridge are also presently very poor.<br />
It is suggested that too much employment l<strong>and</strong> has been proposed associated<br />
with the allocated housing. What is it for? Why so much?<br />
Is its suggested that the strategy appears to promote delivering sustainable<br />
development by improving roads to bring people into the area on faster <strong>and</strong> better<br />
roads.<br />
The fast road network, roundabouts <strong>and</strong> large distributor road network all<br />
encourage a car borne life style <strong>and</strong> encourage both in <strong>and</strong> out-commuting. Outof-town<br />
development is far from sustainable <strong>and</strong> leads to the erosion of town<br />
centres.<br />
We do not agree that there are good transport links for Trowbridge. There are<br />
issues of getting in, out & around Trowbridge.<br />
The benefit of strong accessibility within Trowbridge should be seen as an<br />
opportunity to support <strong>and</strong> promote development in existing urban areas rather<br />
than simply delivering large residential development on the edge of the town.<br />
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Inadequate parking on other sites has led to on street <strong>and</strong> indiscriminate parking.<br />
The development proposal is logical but greater recognition of environmental<br />
needs should be made. A new business park should be low carbon, incorporate<br />
an energy from waste facility <strong>and</strong> be linked to a district heating network.<br />
Opportunities for green corridors should be maximised.<br />
A strategic approach is required to ensure the most is gained from the<br />
development along the Biss corridor in terms of wildlife, visual amenity <strong>and</strong> green<br />
infrastructure. The Biss supports a fragile population of water voles <strong>and</strong> is also<br />
used by otters.<br />
Flood risk should be included as an issue. It should be demonstrated that<br />
development can be accommodated within FZ1 as set out in the SA.<br />
There are many empty Brownfield sites in Trowbridge which should be utilised<br />
before encroaching onto Greenfield sites.<br />
The need to protect wildlife habitat along the River Avon <strong>and</strong> Kennet <strong>and</strong> Avon<br />
Canal is highlighted.<br />
The role of Trowbridge as an SSCT is noted, although the town currently has a<br />
lack of community facilities.<br />
Omit that the library may be accommodated within the planned Waterside<br />
development.<br />
Formal playing pitches for cricket, football <strong>and</strong> rugby are urgently needed.<br />
It is not clear if there is need for an additional secondary school in Trowbridge.<br />
The proposed site for such a school is too small <strong>and</strong> there will be insufficient<br />
provision of playing fields. These will also be liable to flooding.<br />
The failure of the Waterside project to be delivered, which was to include a new<br />
library, cinema, bowling alley, hotel, leisure centre, cafes, restaurants, pubs <strong>and</strong> a<br />
car park is a major blow to the future regeneration of Trowbridge.<br />
Developer contributions are urgently needed for sustainable transport, community<br />
<strong>and</strong> green infrastructure provision.<br />
A concern is raised about the need for new infrastructure, in particular, the need<br />
for more schools <strong>and</strong> improved road links.<br />
As Trowbridge is the county town it needs upgrading <strong>and</strong> updating in every way.<br />
There is a desperate need for another secondary school as well as better leisure<br />
facilities <strong>and</strong> health care provision.<br />
There is a particular need for more GP surgeries in Trowbridge.<br />
A permanent ground for Trowbridge Town Football Club is needed.<br />
4.13 Change <strong>and</strong> delivery: comments<br />
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The expectations of how Trowbridge will change by <strong>2026</strong> are supported, <strong>and</strong> will<br />
enhance its status as a Strategically Significant Town in the region.<br />
The Environment Agency supports the principle of increasing employment as a<br />
means to enhance self-containment providing development does not result in an<br />
increase in the number of vehicular trips. Employment should be directed towards<br />
the most accessible locations <strong>and</strong> linked with existing <strong>and</strong> future housing<br />
provision.<br />
It is questioned if the balance between housing <strong>and</strong> employment is sufficient. It is<br />
suggested that people living in the new houses in Trowbridge will have to work<br />
outside of the town.<br />
An adequate cycling network, in particular providing safe access to schools, the<br />
town centre <strong>and</strong> railway station are needed.<br />
The development of the River Biss corridor is supported. This should include good<br />
access, recreation opportunities, tree planting <strong>and</strong> the protection of hedgerows.<br />
Any development should also be carbon neutral.<br />
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The Environment Agency supports the use of the riverside <strong>and</strong> would like to see<br />
enhancements for wildlife <strong>and</strong> amenity as long as they do not compromise flood<br />
storage. The concept of a Country Park along the River Biss is supported.<br />
Trowbridge Community Areas Future supports the proposal for cycling <strong>and</strong><br />
walking links to the town centre. New development should be mixed-use.<br />
It is suggested that the wording should be changed to demonstrate that<br />
environmental factors, like low carbon, <strong>and</strong> a localism agenda have been truly<br />
considered in putting the strategy together.<br />
Growth for Trowbridge is supported. However concerns are raised about the need<br />
for infrastructure, schools, leisure, health <strong>and</strong> roads.<br />
It is considered unlikely that <strong>Wiltshire</strong> College will be able to re-locate to the<br />
former Bowyer site. The number of allocated houses should be reviewed.<br />
It is suggested that Southwick should be classified as a larger village as it has all<br />
of the services <strong>and</strong> facilities to meet this category.<br />
The designation of Hilperton is unclear.<br />
Broughton Gifford should be classified as a small village. The range of services<br />
provided fall into this category.<br />
4.14 Strategic site options: comments<br />
General<br />
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More details are needed to assess the proposals. For example these should<br />
include housing density <strong>and</strong> type <strong>and</strong> a breakdown for the infrastructure provision.<br />
There should be preferential use of Brownfield sites <strong>and</strong> it was suggested that the<br />
housing numbers should be reviewed if the RSS is scrapped.<br />
A suggested alternative route for the Hilperton Relief Road is provided.<br />
The countryside <strong>and</strong> wildlife should be considered as a high priority in relation to<br />
any development along the West Ashton Road.<br />
The preferred option should include a high quality walking <strong>and</strong> cycling network,<br />
street networks which maximise priority to pedestrians <strong>and</strong> cyclists, provision for<br />
cycle storage, <strong>and</strong> smart measures to encourage car reduction.<br />
A detailed response is provided by the Town <strong>Council</strong> relating to infrastructure<br />
provision. It is suggested that traffic travelling from the west <strong>and</strong> north is not<br />
adequately addressed. Through town traffic needs to be subject to further detailed<br />
investigation.<br />
The Town <strong>Council</strong> remains concerned that the adopted Leisure <strong>and</strong> Recreation<br />
Plan identifies a shortfall of over 22,000 m2 for sports pitches <strong>and</strong> courts <strong>and</strong> that<br />
this is not addressed.<br />
The Town <strong>Council</strong> does not support retail or leisure development outside of the<br />
town centre unless it is for purely local needs.<br />
It is important that a green belt is protected between new development <strong>and</strong> West<br />
Ashton <strong>and</strong> Biss Wood <strong>and</strong> Green Lane Wood are also protected.<br />
Suitable sized schools should be provided. The one built on the Paxcroft Mead<br />
Estate was inadequate.<br />
Re Figure 3.2.2 the development at Barley Rise West Ashton has been<br />
constructed, not ‘already planned’. The employment l<strong>and</strong> allocation at West Aston<br />
has consent <strong>and</strong> should be included in the preferred option.<br />
The poor quality of the maps produced within the plan is highlighted. This makes<br />
it very difficult to underst<strong>and</strong> what areas are actually being proposed for<br />
development.<br />
Concerns surrounding the need for infrastructure delivery are raised.<br />
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The value of local wildlife areas, including the Green Lane Wood County Wildlife<br />
Site, Biss Wood, Biss Meadows Country Park, Flower Wood <strong>and</strong> Woodside Wood<br />
is raised. A strong policy framework is needed to ensure development does not<br />
cause any harm to ecological assets.<br />
It is suggested that the amount of information available for public viewing in<br />
Trowbridge library was extremely limited <strong>and</strong> that the maps in the document were<br />
extremely difficult to read. It is suggested that if this is intended to be a public<br />
consultation then it is woefully inadequate.<br />
Supporting<br />
A large number of respondents wished to support the preferred location of<br />
strategic development in Trowbridge.<br />
Support is provided for the preferred option in Trowbridge. This can be brought<br />
forward to deliver a sustainable urban extension of housing <strong>and</strong> employment <strong>and</strong><br />
include new infrastructure provision including a new secondary school. The site<br />
has good accessibility to employment l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> is well located to deliver the<br />
transport infrastructure required.<br />
The proposal focuses development on the south east of the town. Appendix 2<br />
outlines compelling <strong>and</strong> logical planning reasons to concentrate development in a<br />
single area with adequate supporting facilities rather than dispersed development<br />
without such opportunities.<br />
Development to the east of Trowbridge can help to deliver a new secondary<br />
school <strong>and</strong> employment which will help to improve the self-containment of the<br />
town <strong>and</strong> strengthen links with sites north of Westbury.<br />
There was strong opposition raised to Options 4 <strong>and</strong> 5 due to the likely increase<br />
in through town traffic. Options 4 <strong>and</strong> 5 should not be considered until the<br />
Hilperton Relief Road is built.<br />
Options 4 <strong>and</strong> 5 would fully merge the village of Hilperton with Trowbridge<br />
resulting in the loss of its identity as a village.<br />
The southern aspect of the town has the best transport connections (A350/ A361),<br />
is in closest proximity to employment areas <strong>and</strong> offers potential for a new<br />
secondary school <strong>and</strong> improvements to A350 interchange at Yarnbrook.<br />
The south east option would also prevent Hilperton, North Bradley <strong>and</strong> West<br />
Ashton becoming part of Trowbridge <strong>and</strong> loosing their identity as villages.<br />
Support is given to the following statement: (Strategic Sites Background Paper,<br />
Trowbridge Preferred Option, Key Opportunities <strong>and</strong> Constraints, p.40): If<br />
development were directed to this option, significant development could be<br />
avoided in the smaller settlements around Trowbridge including Southwick, North<br />
Bradley <strong>and</strong> Hilperton. Such development is considered undesirable as it would<br />
lead to coalescence <strong>and</strong> the loss of the character of these villages.<br />
The following statement is also supported: (Strategic Sites Background Paper,<br />
Trowbridge Preferred Option, Key Opportunities <strong>and</strong> Constraints, p.40): Potential<br />
exists for additional infrastructure to be provided as part of this option. For<br />
example, a new secondary school located to the south east of Trowbridge would<br />
be well located for the proposed new development <strong>and</strong> recent development<br />
located to the east of the town. This would help reduce through town traffic which<br />
is currently a problem in Trowbridge.<br />
Attention is drawn to the West <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy Issues <strong>and</strong> Options Paper<br />
published in December 2007. There was strong opposition to any development<br />
options in the vicinity of Hilperton.<br />
The Town <strong>Council</strong> supports the proposals which identify significant areas in <strong>and</strong><br />
around Trowbridge Town Centre for mixed use regeneration. The principle of<br />
providing a full range of services in the Town Centre whilst resisting leisure <strong>and</strong><br />
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retail development in out-of-centre locations is supported, along with ensuring<br />
good cycling <strong>and</strong> walking routes into the Town Centre. The Core Strategy should<br />
link in closely with the River Biss SPD, <strong>and</strong> new Master Plan being developed for<br />
the Town Centre.<br />
The Town <strong>Council</strong> supports development within the identified preferred option <strong>and</strong><br />
also for the proposed employment l<strong>and</strong> allocations.<br />
Trowbridge Community Areas Future supports much of the preferred option.<br />
Regeneration of the Town Centre should be a key element of the plans for<br />
Trowbridge’s future.<br />
Agree with preferred option. This appears to make best use of existing road<br />
access <strong>and</strong> services. Expansion of community services in this area also<br />
welcomed.<br />
A new school to the east of Trowbridge is supported.<br />
New development to the south east of Trowbridge is well located to help deliver<br />
the road improvements Trowbridge needs.<br />
The location of a new secondary school, housing <strong>and</strong> employment to the south<br />
east of Trowbridge would help to alleviate through town traffic which is currently<br />
an issue.<br />
The development could increase the use of Westbury Station <strong>and</strong> more<br />
importantly freight from the extensive sidings.<br />
Development to the south east of Trowbridge would allow better access to<br />
employment opportunities.<br />
The existing traffic issues in Hilperton are highlighted, in particular traffic travelling<br />
between Bath <strong>and</strong> Melksham wishing to avoid driving through Bradford on Avon.<br />
Any increase in development in Hilperton would make this problem worse.<br />
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Objecting<br />
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Trowbridge Community Area’s Future believes that Hilperton Gap is a much<br />
better site for a new secondary school.<br />
The preferred option is overly weighted to the site to the south east of Trowbridge<br />
which will not be able to deliver all the housing proposed due to flooding <strong>and</strong><br />
environmental constraints.<br />
Potential employment on l<strong>and</strong> between North Bradley <strong>and</strong> White Horse Business<br />
Park appears excessive <strong>and</strong> would result in the coalescence of North Bradley <strong>and</strong><br />
Trowbridge. A smaller extension to the White Horse Business Park is suggested.<br />
Details of the site are supplied.<br />
Hilperton Gap should be considered as a possible location for a new secondary<br />
school <strong>and</strong> for new sports pitches. Concern is raised that the proposed school<br />
site is too small <strong>and</strong> would be constrained by flooding <strong>and</strong> existing roads.<br />
It is considered unnecessary to identify employment l<strong>and</strong> north of North Bradley.<br />
The identified site to the south east of the town is the most appropriate <strong>and</strong> has<br />
the best transport connectivity.<br />
Growth directed mainly to the north <strong>and</strong> east of Trowbridge is supported.<br />
The main option is supported. However development of l<strong>and</strong> between the White<br />
Horse Business Park <strong>and</strong> North Bradley would result in coalescence between<br />
North Bradley <strong>and</strong> Trowbridge which the plan seeks to avoid.<br />
The Environment Agency would prefer to see development directed towards<br />
previously developed l<strong>and</strong>. However, it is recognised that sufficient PDL may not<br />
be available. Development should be mixed-use supported by appropriate<br />
infrastructure <strong>and</strong> services <strong>and</strong> with strong links to the Town Centre.<br />
Many responses were received to express concern about possible development<br />
to the north of North Bradley.<br />
The Bradley Road <strong>and</strong> Yarnbrook cross roads are currently overloaded <strong>and</strong><br />
further development without a new road will considerably worsen the situation.<br />
A large number of responses object to the loss of the existing green fields to the<br />
north of West Ashton.<br />
The encroachment of North Bradley which is a successful village is strongly<br />
objected to. There are many derelict sites in Trowbridge which should be<br />
developed before Greenfield sites are utilised.<br />
Objections raised on the following grounds: 1. Destruction of the l<strong>and</strong>scape <strong>and</strong><br />
areas rich in wildlife. 2. Irreversible damage to the character of the villages. 3.<br />
Loss of quality of life, noise, traffic etc. 4. Environmental implications of further<br />
development. 5. Lowering of house prices.<br />
We have been promised on numerous occasions by village councillors that l<strong>and</strong><br />
between North Bradley <strong>and</strong> Trowbridge will not be used for building.<br />
There are a number of commercial units st<strong>and</strong>ing empty in Trowbridge, why<br />
swallow up green field creating more?<br />
There has been a great deal of housing development around Trowbridge in the<br />
past <strong>and</strong> this has led to the blurring of the boundaries between villages <strong>and</strong> the<br />
town. New housing estates are a rabbit warren of housing, they are not<br />
communities.<br />
Natural Engl<strong>and</strong> have highlighted that the proposed development sites around<br />
Trowbridge are in proximity of important maternity roost of Bechstein Bats. There<br />
is risk that development would adversely affect these bats. This will need to be<br />
considered through the HRA process <strong>and</strong> it should be pointed out that<br />
development may be unacceptable according to European Law.<br />
It is unclear why open spaces have been mapped. This is unhelpful at this stage<br />
as open space needs to be given careful consideration.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The preferred option overlaps with a Strategic Nature Area <strong>and</strong> any development<br />
should meet the Strategic Nature Area objectives.<br />
It is questioned why a new senior school would be located in the south east. The<br />
north of Trowbridge appears to be more logical. This would serve the catchments<br />
of Hilperton, Starverton, Paxcroft <strong>and</strong> Seymour.<br />
The Hilperton Gap would also provide an ideal location for new sports facilities<br />
<strong>and</strong> formal pitches.<br />
More needs to be made of Brownfield sites. The plan has neglected to include<br />
many town centre sites that are currently vacant.<br />
Detail is provided of road infrastructure improvements needed in particular the<br />
problems of congestion associated with the Yarnbrook interchange.<br />
Flooding is raised as an issue in relation to the preferred option.<br />
The Westbury Industrial Estate should be exp<strong>and</strong>ed where there is plenty of<br />
scope for expansion <strong>and</strong> is near the railway station. This should be preferred to<br />
Trowbridge.<br />
Although Steeple Ashton is within the Melksham Community Area, it is more<br />
closely allied with Trowbridge. Development to the east of Trowbridge <strong>and</strong> north<br />
of Green Lane is not supported.<br />
I would like to keep North Bradley as a village, <strong>and</strong> not part of Trowbridge.<br />
A number of responses indicate that Hilperton Gap is much more suitable for<br />
development than those sites identified south east of Trowbridge. It is suggested<br />
that part of the reason for not selecting this l<strong>and</strong> is the weight of opposition<br />
marshalled against such a proposal. Practical objections should carry more<br />
weight.<br />
Any development north of North Bradley would be in complete violation of the<br />
undertaking to maintain a buffer zone between the industrial park <strong>and</strong> the village.<br />
The existing employment park has never been fully occupied <strong>and</strong> has<br />
considerable vacancies.<br />
The current transport infrastructure is completely inadequate to cope with the<br />
scale of planned development.<br />
Larkrise Farm is a community farm <strong>and</strong> was relocated six years ago to make way<br />
for new housing. Now the new site will be completely encroached by further<br />
housing. Some open spaces around Trowbridge are necessary. It is important<br />
that the surrounding villages do not loose their individual character.<br />
Many respondents indicate that they moved to <strong>Wiltshire</strong> to live in the countryside<br />
not in a town.<br />
A response from National Grid is outlined making it clear that power lines cross<br />
the proposed development site south east of Trowbridge. It is the policy of<br />
National Grid to maintain these power lines in-situ. Further detail is provided<br />
regarding this matter.<br />
Development in l<strong>and</strong> to the south of the Hilperton Relief road <strong>and</strong> Trowbridge<br />
should not be discounted. This would make a logical site for development.<br />
Trowbridge strategic site should be reconsidered in light of the PPS3 aim to focus<br />
on town centre development.<br />
The Environment Agency indicates that development proposals appear to<br />
encroach onto the floodplain. The sequential approach should be followed.<br />
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4.15 Settlement hierarchy: comments<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Although Trowbridge is a key service centre, it should be seen as a significant<br />
part of the old West <strong>Wiltshire</strong> District ‘5 towns’ approach. This town cluster should<br />
provide a broad employment base. The council should promote a localism agenda<br />
for services, employment, energy provision <strong>and</strong> waste management across these<br />
five towns.<br />
The proposed development of Trowbridge as an SSCT <strong>and</strong> major growth point for<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> is supported.<br />
Broad support for the approach was received based on the assessment of the<br />
role <strong>and</strong> function of the settlements.<br />
The Environment Agency supports the hierarchy of settlements identified within<br />
the spatial strategy. The identification of the three SSCTs is supported. However,<br />
development should be planned <strong>and</strong> managed so as to not negatively impact<br />
upon the safe <strong>and</strong> efficient operation of the strategic road network.<br />
The identification of Trowbridge as an SSCT is endorsed; this is a logical<br />
evolution of the Structure Plan. Although there is uncertainty over the future of the<br />
RSS, GOSW have advised local authorities to proceed with the preparation of<br />
core strategies. The RSS EIP Panel acknowledges the additional capacity<br />
available to the East of Trowbridge. A generous amount of housing should be<br />
developed during the plan period.<br />
Although Steeple Ashton is within the Melksham Community Area, it is more<br />
closely allied with Trowbridge.<br />
4.16 Housing distribution: comments<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Trowbridge Community Area Futures agrees with the distribution of housing<br />
numbers between the community areas. However, it is suggested that Trowbridge<br />
could have a higher allocation.<br />
It is questioned if the residents of Trowbridge have ever been asked if they would<br />
like the town to be classified as an SSCT. Trowbridge has awful transport links<br />
(both road <strong>and</strong> rail) <strong>and</strong> unless these can be solved it should be classified as a<br />
large market town.<br />
The inclusion of Hilperton within the Trowbridge Community Area <strong>and</strong> SSCT is<br />
supported. In urban planning terms Hilperton reads as part of the Trowbridge<br />
urban area, moreover, there are extremely close links in terms of the use of<br />
community facilities, employment opportunities <strong>and</strong> leisure facilities. The text<br />
should specifically refer to Hilperton as being located within the Community Area<br />
<strong>and</strong> the SSCT <strong>and</strong> therefore a suitable location for development.<br />
We support the emphasis on Trowbridge to grow to strengthen its service centre<br />
role as the County town. We are mindful that the village of Hilperton is dependant<br />
upon the town but it is not referred to in the consultation document as falling<br />
under the same policy although it is defined in figure 3.2.1 as part of the<br />
Strategically Significant Town area. We support the inclusion of Hilperton within<br />
this strategic area definition.<br />
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4.17 Trowbridge respondents<br />
Organisations<br />
Ashton Park, Trowbridge Ltd Campaign<br />
for Better Transport<br />
Environment Agency (Wessex Area)<br />
Friends of Hilperton Gap<br />
Hilperton Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
King Sturge LLP<br />
Larkrise Community Farm<br />
National Grid<br />
Paxcroft Mead Community Forum<br />
Planning <strong>and</strong> Local Government Natural<br />
Engl<strong>and</strong><br />
Rail Future Severnside<br />
Steeple Ashton Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
The Doric Group<br />
Trowbridge Community Area Future<br />
Wainhomes (South West) Holdings Ltd<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Wildlife Trust<br />
CPRE <strong>Wiltshire</strong><br />
Fiona Jury Planning<br />
Highways Agency<br />
INscience Limited<br />
Kingfisher Church<br />
MoD<br />
North Bradley Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Persimmon Homes<br />
Prospect L<strong>and</strong> Ltd<br />
SF Planning Link Ltd<br />
Sustrans<br />
The Kennet <strong>and</strong> Avon Canal Trust<br />
Trowbridge Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
West Ashton Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Individuals<br />
A Hackett A P Sawyer A Purcell<br />
Adrian, Lucy <strong>and</strong> Sheena Alan Chilton-Bates Alastair King<br />
Lewis<br />
Alex Mair Alison Hicks Am<strong>and</strong>a Wilkes<br />
Andrew Hungerford Andy Jelly Andy Stainer<br />
Ann & Geraint Owen Ann Bass Anna Kavanagh<br />
Arthur <strong>and</strong> Marjorie Darby Basil Howell Beverley Brimble<br />
Captain <strong>and</strong> Mrs Richard Carole Meling<br />
CGJ Hart<br />
<strong>and</strong> Brenda Nicholson<br />
Chris Roberts Colin Bowden Colin Davison<br />
<strong>Council</strong>lor Ernie Clark <strong>Council</strong>lor Trevor Carbin D J Vince<br />
D.J. Durbridge David Feather David Foxon<br />
David Frampton David Rigby David Stephenson<br />
David Trethewey Dean Mitchell Denis Jones<br />
Derek Harford Duncan Hames E Pitts<br />
Edward Clark Emily Clark Emma Richards<br />
Geoffrey Richards Gordon Rees Greg Lewis<br />
H.N Potts Hayley Mitchell Hazel Frampton<br />
Ivar Baxter J Fisher J Langley<br />
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Jacqui Clark Janet Cassidy Janette <strong>and</strong> Gordon<br />
O'Brien<br />
Jean <strong>and</strong> Gordon Stanford Joan Howarth John <strong>and</strong> Sheila Ralph<br />
John <strong>and</strong> Sue Holcombe John Cross John Van Leer<br />
JR Broome Judy Buxton Julia Goodwin<br />
Kate Hayes Keith Frampton Ken Hughes<br />
Kenneth <strong>and</strong> Catherine L.J <strong>and</strong> L.I Brown<br />
Linda Westmore<br />
Warr<br />
Lucie Castleman Lucy Wilcox Lynda Trigg<br />
M <strong>and</strong> J Beadle M Cottle M J Stefanoski<br />
M Lanfear Mark <strong>and</strong> Jill Funnell Mark Birkitt<br />
Mary <strong>and</strong> Len Humphreys Mary Anderson Maurice Baker<br />
Michael West Mike Brown Mike Rennie<br />
Miss A Taylor Mr & Mrs R Slater Mr Alan Daly<br />
Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Alan & Eileen Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Barrett Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Denis Pocock<br />
Needham<br />
Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Hamlen Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Mitchell Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs P Dickens<br />
Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs P.J <strong>and</strong> S.J<br />
Hurren<br />
Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Parfitt<br />
Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs PW <strong>and</strong> ME<br />
Ellis<br />
Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Ransom Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Robert Dudley Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs W G Conway<br />
Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Woodcock Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Yamina Mr F <strong>and</strong> Mr B Tucker<br />
Havelock-Allan<br />
Mr H Stubbs Mr Jack Morten Mr K J McCall<br />
Mr LC <strong>and</strong> Mrs A Lee Mr Mark Scott Mr Michael Green<br />
Mr Noakes Mr Peter Barnett Mr R Mr Pike<br />
Mr Ric Gower Mr Ross Gifford-Pike Mr Tim Hounsome<br />
Mrs Ann Piper Mrs Hazel Fitchen Mrs Hulbert<br />
Mrs Ivy Scott Mrs J Kenna Mrs J Waller<br />
Mrs M King Mrs Moss Mrs Patricia A Hunn<br />
Mrs S.A. Godwin Mrs Susan Evans Mrs V Jones<br />
Ms Margaret Almond Ms Tracey Curzons MV Cottle<br />
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Natalie Glaysher Nicola Walker Norman <strong>and</strong> Margaret<br />
Rogers<br />
Norman Swanney P Staddon Paul <strong>and</strong> Nicola Hammond<br />
Paul, Sally, Lee <strong>and</strong><br />
Jemma Stratton<br />
Pauline <strong>and</strong> Richard<br />
HankePauline Baxter<br />
Peter <strong>and</strong> Maxine<br />
Fairbairn<br />
Peter Barnett Peter Collins Peter Hayes<br />
Peter Westlake Rob Coles Robert Taylor<br />
Ron <strong>and</strong> Sheila Sawyer Ron Pybus Ross Kavenagh<br />
Rowena <strong>and</strong> Neil Heard S Brown S R<strong>and</strong>all<br />
SA & SD Brown Sarah Richardson Scott Uncles<br />
Sheila <strong>and</strong> Arthur Lunn Sheila French Stanley <strong>and</strong> Pat<br />
Thompson<br />
Stephen Edwards Steve Cundy Steve Davis<br />
Susan King Terrie Hanson Thomas Clark<br />
Tim Wilson Tony Allen Trixie Lewis<br />
Vanessa Heard<br />
Wendy Harrison<br />
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4.18 Trowbridge: notes from exhibitions <strong>and</strong> events<br />
Trowbridge exhibition<br />
16 November, 2009<br />
Poster three – How do we think <strong>Wiltshire</strong> will look in <strong>2026</strong>?<br />
Agree with the above approach! Trowbridge needs to be promoted for tourism –<br />
we have a huge amount to offer, e.g. historic built environment.<br />
Trowbridge Area Tourism Partnership.<br />
Rail halt at White Horse Business Park. Agree approach. More rail, less road use!<br />
Contribution to tackling climate change? Wind turbines on White Horse!<br />
Poster four – How do we deliver the vision for <strong>Wiltshire</strong>?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Cultural strategy needed – enhancing the provision – like a new library! Put WC<br />
funding into improving such provision, in an accessible location – Town Hall?<br />
Make public services accessible by public transport, i.e. Trowbridge library in the<br />
town hall. Agree! Agree.<br />
Promote the use of rail (as) a preferred means of transport within West <strong>Wiltshire</strong>.<br />
Agree! Agree.<br />
Need to see a specific reference to affordable housing.<br />
Priorities: should place 2 at the top, 1 at the bottom. I need longer to work out<br />
other sequence – otherwise I agree.<br />
1. Affordable housing need. 2. Creative <strong>and</strong> sustainable transport solutions<br />
needed – especially for the young, old <strong>and</strong> disadvantaged.<br />
A need to have a much greater commitment to affordable housing.<br />
Attract better quality shops – we have already lost M&S, we need big br<strong>and</strong><br />
names, to raise the profile of the town.<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong> support to raise the profile of the County Town – not<br />
undermining it!<br />
Poster five – Where are new homes being proposed?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Housing needed to support development of facilities. Agreed!<br />
Yes – keep up proportion of affordable housing.<br />
Houses should not be seen as dormitories – i.e. the inhabitants should live <strong>and</strong><br />
work <strong>and</strong> relax in their towns, not just sleep there.<br />
Poster seven – What do we already know about Trowbridge<br />
community area?<br />
<br />
<br />
Complete inner relief road – joining Bradford Road to Canal Road area.<br />
Delighted that out-commuting is now seen as an issue. We need a broader range<br />
of employment opportunities.<br />
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Poster eight – How does <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>2026</strong> expect Trowbridge to change?<br />
<br />
<br />
Industrial/ commercial development close to trunk route – A350, not on the least<br />
accessible site(s) of town.<br />
Vital to move College to the Bowyers site. We need more housing to support<br />
better facilities.<br />
Poster nine – How were development options assessed?<br />
<br />
<br />
Involve <strong>Wiltshire</strong> PCT in negotiations on GP surgeries (site identified on Paxcroft<br />
Mead). Trowbridge surgeries at bursting point.<br />
Health care planning for new hospital in West Wilts. R.U.H. is at capacity.<br />
Poster eleven – The initial options comprised:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Neither Hilperton Gap nor Hilperton Marsh should be developed. Therefore,<br />
neither option 4 nor option 5 is suitable.<br />
Community facilities needed! e.g. cinema, especially if more houses built.<br />
Secondary school in Hilperton Gap – keep it largely green. Stop cross-town<br />
commuting.<br />
Poster twelve – The preferred option<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Complete inner relief road. Islington to the Halve <strong>and</strong> Bradford Road to Riverside.<br />
Transport: the emphasis should be on constraint by reducing parking in new<br />
development, with road construction on the lines of what other SSCTs are doing,<br />
i.e. prioritisation of public transport. s106 money should not be for A350!!!<br />
West Ashton Road needs widening before any more development.<br />
There appears to be a lack of importance given to field sports in the community.<br />
Where can investment in playing fields be made?<br />
More road capacity breeds more cars. This is an important consideration.<br />
I support the preferred option. Economic development l<strong>and</strong> currently on West<br />
Ashton Road should be located further out.<br />
Lack of drop kerbs around Trowbridge, or access routes around the town.<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> County <strong>Council</strong> should award bus contracts that are DDA compliant<br />
Mainly because the existing Yarnbrook <strong>and</strong> West Ashton roundabout <strong>and</strong> cross.<br />
roads cannot cope with the current large amount of traffic (particularly during rush<br />
hours). I think any further development of White Horse Business Park <strong>and</strong> any<br />
further housing along West Ashton Road up to West Ashton cross roads would be<br />
a disaster!! Please do not allow any further development around Trowbridge<br />
because it would “eat up” the very precious buffer zones between Trowbridge <strong>and</strong><br />
the surrounding villages. Also the existing infrastructure cannot cope <strong>and</strong> there<br />
are not enough amenities in Trowbridge <strong>and</strong> surrounding area to cope with any<br />
more people coming into the area.<br />
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Sustainability objectives<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We need to consult early with Wildlife Trust, i.e. before deciding on specific<br />
options. Don’t assume that mitigation is always possible.<br />
Social inclusion – improve library provision!<br />
Get Trowbridge College into the Bowyers site – this will reduce cars, increase rail<br />
usage, promote town centre businesses <strong>and</strong> free up a big site for development<br />
15 is the highest priority, with 16 <strong>and</strong> 17 a close second.<br />
GP surgeries: currently Trowbridge surgeries at bursting point. Need GP surgery<br />
on Paxcroft Mead (l<strong>and</strong> identified already).<br />
No 16 – is vital in achieving many of the other objectives. No 17 also very<br />
important.<br />
No 12. A key priority – which covers many others, e.g. affordable housing –<br />
sustainable transport options. Agree!<br />
R<strong>and</strong>om<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
All bus contacts should be low floor on Trowbridge Town Services <strong>and</strong> access to<br />
Melksham/ Chippenham/ Frome.<br />
A new secondary school is needed on the east side of Trowbridge.<br />
Make sure there are dropped kerbs on new housing areas – wheelchair/ mobility,<br />
scooter access.<br />
Make River Biss more inviting – have a decent path alongside, with shops <strong>and</strong><br />
‘café culture’. Wind turbines up on the hills. Keep Hilperton Hap <strong>and</strong> Southwick<br />
Country Park.<br />
Local transport plan<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Workers parking on streets near town centre an issue – e.g. Bellefield Crescent.<br />
Transport – interchange needed at Trowbridge Station.<br />
Make Newtown one-way <strong>and</strong> part of a system incorporating Newton, Bythesea<br />
Road, Stallard Street <strong>and</strong> County Way to end congestion on Trinity Church<br />
roundabout.<br />
Potential increase in rail network capacity for Trowbridge. In fact, more<br />
sustainable than car.<br />
More train services Salisbury to Trowbridge <strong>and</strong> Frome, to Swindon via<br />
Melksham.<br />
Support Greater Bristol metro services. Improvement required <strong>and</strong> investment in<br />
the Warminster/ Frome/ Bristol rail service.<br />
Improve/ widen West Ashton road connecting A350 <strong>and</strong> Trowbridge.<br />
Build access road through Hilperton Gap, relieving heavy transport through the<br />
town.<br />
Support the Cardiff/ Bristol to Portsmouth line as a priority public transport link in<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong>. Fight for enough trains <strong>and</strong> carriages on trains. Agree!<br />
Need an urgent solution to the West Ashton Road/ Yarnbrook traffic problem<br />
Need creative <strong>and</strong> sustainable transport solutions – particularly for young, old <strong>and</strong><br />
disadvantaged.<br />
School on Hilperton Gap – rationalise school travel – biggest congestion problem.<br />
Need for a bus station near Station <strong>and</strong> shops (Stallard Street). Senior school<br />
needed to replace John O Gaunt (Victorian buildings, pupils get wet moving from<br />
one area to another raining).<br />
Sports areas very much needed including such sports as table tennis.<br />
Ensure adequate parking close to the station.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
Secondary school on east side of Trowbridge.<br />
RUH – accessibility: West Wilts town to RUH. Difficult now – if more growth in<br />
West Wilts, how can this dem<strong>and</strong> be managed best? E.g. take the pressure off<br />
RUH. PCT co-ordination. Don’t forget the RNHRD in Bath as well.<br />
Bus lanes required in Trowbridge <strong>and</strong> bus station required in town.<br />
Lack progress on accessibility – accessibility on/off bus. Rail station. Cross<br />
boundary issues – BANES, e.g. where contracts specify low floor. Chippenham –<br />
Melksham – now, non accessible. Why? 233 – Chippenham/ Bath – now, nonaccessible<br />
why? Contracts to Bodlin <strong>and</strong> others who are not PDA compliant.<br />
Trowbridge needs urban regeneration before more development is made in<br />
Hilperton or Staverton.<br />
How does WC decide to spend £ on transport subsidy? Should more be spent on<br />
rail supported services? Enhance Trans Wilts (Swindon, Trowbridge,<br />
Chippenham).<br />
New station for commuters. White Horse Business Park.<br />
Need for traffic calming on West Ashton Road. Also need 30mph limit extended<br />
<strong>and</strong> gateway treatment used.<br />
Park <strong>and</strong> ride needed – with bus services into the centre. Week day <strong>and</strong> week<br />
end!<br />
New traffic system at junction of Bythesea Road <strong>and</strong> Stallard Street- not working<br />
– huge queues for cars <strong>and</strong> pedestrians do not use the traffic lights crossing!<br />
Signage on cycle routes – Paxcroft Mead – joined up with Biss Meadows paths<br />
can’t follow route – not shown!<br />
No more housing estates build of “distributor road <strong>and</strong> cul de sac model” s106<br />
agreements for: - new station, buses, innovative urban design, less car parking!<br />
Push for additional carriages to be added to existing trains – thus making system<br />
more responsive to need <strong>and</strong> sensible timetable.<br />
Bus services should be enhanced to remove some commuter traffic - from A350/<br />
A36. What about re-instating Staverton Holt for Marina/ New Terrace housing<br />
development. Not that there is much of a service.<br />
<br />
Cycle routes provide good access for wheelchairs/ mobility scooters, e.g.<br />
Hilperton Road (Fairfields) to Budgens <strong>and</strong> through to Green Lane. Include new<br />
routes by new housing areas.<br />
Trowbridge workshop 2 December 2009<br />
Discussion one: objectives<br />
Objectives Group 1 Group 2 Total<br />
1. To address climate change 0 0 0<br />
2. To provide for long term economic growth 6 3 9<br />
3. To meet <strong>Wiltshire</strong>’s housing needs 4 2 6<br />
4. To secure appropriate infrastructure <strong>and</strong> services 7 6 13<br />
5. To enhance the vitality <strong>and</strong> viability of town centres 3 3 6<br />
6. To encourage safe accessible places 0 0 0<br />
7. To promote sustainable forms of transport 1 4 5<br />
8. To protect <strong>and</strong> enhance the natural environment 3 6 9<br />
9. To safeguard <strong>and</strong> promote a high quality environment 0 0 0<br />
10. To minimise the risk of flooding 0 5 5<br />
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Strategic Objectives<br />
The top three objectives identified by participants were:<br />
infrastructure<br />
natural environment<br />
flooding<br />
The groups discussed the objectives <strong>and</strong> some of the general issues raised<br />
included:<br />
Housing<br />
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<br />
What is proposed % of affordable housing? 20-30% - questioned if this will be<br />
delivered.<br />
Will local housing associations be involved?<br />
300 houses a year is less than Trowbridge has seen in recent years.<br />
Try getting lower density housing through planning system.<br />
Most professionals, who work in Trowbridge, live in surrounding villages, not in<br />
Trowbridge.<br />
The main need in the villages if for new property for young people starting out.<br />
There are too many large executive houses at present.<br />
All social housing in North Bradley has been sold off privately.<br />
Range of locations – design housing <strong>and</strong> employment together – is it possible to<br />
put them on one single site?<br />
More housing increases out-commuting.<br />
Density – all built development should be high density.<br />
Town centre<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
There is reported to be a contamination issue at the Bowyers Site.<br />
There is a need for town centre regeneration sites. Particular needs for a cinema<br />
<strong>and</strong> bowling alley.<br />
Trowbridge town centre doesn’t have the same vitality as other town centres.<br />
Waterside – the council needs to find a developer.<br />
Bowyers – the council should decide what should be done with the site.<br />
Economic growth<br />
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Need housing <strong>and</strong> employment in mixed development.<br />
Melksham has taken all the business development in recent years. It is no good<br />
identifying a piece of l<strong>and</strong> without employees interested in the sites.<br />
The authority should provide money for the development of infrastructure <strong>and</strong><br />
then claim the money back from developers.<br />
The priority should be for delivering employment, not attacking new businesses.<br />
It is considered that more l<strong>and</strong> has been put aside for development than is<br />
needed.<br />
Do you want heavy vehicles travelling through the area?<br />
Should allow for a wide diversity of uses <strong>and</strong> employers <strong>and</strong> employees, such as<br />
manufacturing.<br />
Semi-skilled workforce is going – need a greater skills mix, wide range of<br />
employment opportunities. Need to bring back what has previously been lost.<br />
Skilled people go out of the area to work. Bath/ Bristol/ Swindon are readily<br />
accessible.<br />
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What kind of industrial units? There is a need for small high-tech communications<br />
<strong>and</strong> transport infrastructure – high quality accommodation.<br />
Do people want to up skill in a recession? Yes, more so.<br />
Marketing opportunity – villages will be affected – North Bradley/ Yarnbrook, not<br />
one of the villages has been mentioned.<br />
Economic/ business units will attract different people <strong>and</strong> will dictate what type of<br />
housing is required.<br />
Employers in Bath are looking to relocate to surrounding areas.<br />
Infrastructure<br />
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Lack of information on plans; where are roads?<br />
How are the numbers of dwellings identified? Concerned that we will only require<br />
infrastructure if housing is also delivered.<br />
Phase development to deliver infrastructure at right time.<br />
Protecting spaces for informal recreation.<br />
Opportunities for easy access to countryside ‘Green Infrastructure’.<br />
Traffic bottle neck at Yarnbrook. There is a need for a joined up plan to deliver<br />
(infrastructure) road improvements; some parts good, others bad.<br />
What infrastructure is required?<br />
Theatre – cultural complex.<br />
New retail development parking should be under building/ or above buildings.<br />
Allow for better l<strong>and</strong>scaping rather than tarmac.<br />
Greener urban environment.<br />
Car parking spaces – this is important for new developments.<br />
Better access to facilities in Trowbridge for population <strong>and</strong> villages.<br />
On site GP/ shops.<br />
Off site highway improvements required – concerned that development can’t pay<br />
for what is required.<br />
Suggestion for a secondary school to be located in Hilperton Gap. This would<br />
preserve its openness in perpetuity.<br />
Recreation l<strong>and</strong>? For use as sport facility; replacement for cricket pitch lost to the<br />
health centre.<br />
Can better use be made of schools recreation facilities? Make provision for<br />
community uses.<br />
There is a need for playing pitches – Astroturf used by variety of people.<br />
Stricter phasing of development to ensure infrastructure there at the right time.<br />
What improvements could justify improvements to the Yarnbrook/ West Ashton<br />
cross roads?<br />
Put a cinema in Trowbridge – it is the county town.<br />
Need for additional water supplies/ drainage – the developer should pay for this.<br />
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Education<br />
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How can we configure education in Trowbridge in a sensible <strong>and</strong> constructive way<br />
– it needs to be coherent?<br />
We need different sites for secondary education that specialise in specific areas.<br />
How does the preferred option fit into this scenario?<br />
40% of pupils at Trowbridge schools come from surrounding villages.<br />
14-16 curriculum cannot be delivered together necessarily.<br />
For education purposes – Hilperton Gap – needs to be set aside for education.<br />
Better cycling facilities for older students to get themselves to school.<br />
How can children get to schools in a sustainable way?<br />
Transport<br />
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Three issues:<br />
- Congestion.<br />
- Access to town centres – from other areas.<br />
- Public transport – link villages into Trowbridge.<br />
Improvements needed at West Ashton/ Yarnbrook.<br />
Should consider the possibility of a new railway station as part of new<br />
development.<br />
Leisure/ recreation facilities – need for a new library!<br />
Road link – reinstate the relief road.<br />
Can the development in Trowbridge help the issues in Bradford on Avon?<br />
We need to join up gaps that exist in footpath routes <strong>and</strong> networks.<br />
New development will increase traffic.<br />
Who will fund highway improvements at Yarnbrook & West Ashton – public<br />
funding is not going to happen.<br />
The council needs to prepare an infrastructure plan – what’s required, how to fund<br />
it (tariff approach).<br />
There is a need for dem<strong>and</strong> traffic management in SSCTs.<br />
Car parking charges needed to raise revenue to support better public transport.<br />
Developers are more concerned with journey time reliability on key routes.<br />
Cycling – climate change/ reduce congestion.<br />
Concern about reduced parking in new housing schemes.<br />
Need better public transport.<br />
Protecting the natural environment<br />
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We should protect the natural environment, but not to the detriment of people.<br />
Biss Wood, Green Lane – these are important <strong>and</strong> are protected already. We<br />
should open them up for more public access.<br />
Southwick County Park – link into other green areas.<br />
Development often provides flood plain areas in the form of green space.<br />
In future s106 agreement should make provision for green space.<br />
Next to development footpaths will disappear – we will loose the green spaces.<br />
Future growth of Trowbridge<br />
Discussion points <strong>and</strong> comments included:<br />
Little or no account of the need for buffers between Trowbridge <strong>and</strong> outlying<br />
villages.<br />
Possible loss of village identity.<br />
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Why adding more housing into Trowbridge? How have other towns been<br />
considered?<br />
Concern that the proposal is for Greenfield development, but new homes could be<br />
provided on brownfield sites.<br />
Advantages for village communities:<br />
- Close to towns, e.g. West Ashton ‘can’t walk into Trowbridge’<br />
- Net distance-safety element<br />
- Reliant on car – no public transport<br />
Proposed urban extension<br />
- If employment site comes forward, there needs to be appropriate rural buffers/ -<br />
l<strong>and</strong>scaping between village <strong>and</strong> built-up ‘employment’ site<br />
- North Bradley – key areas of concern are certain employment areas <strong>and</strong> traffic<br />
generation.<br />
The development near North Bradley & Yarnbrook <strong>and</strong> Biss Wood are of concern.<br />
Concern regarding the integrity of Biss Wood <strong>and</strong> the need for a buffer between<br />
proposed housing <strong>and</strong> the Wood.<br />
Development should avoid the flood plain.<br />
Don’t want proposed preferred option to cause additional impact on Yarnbrook<br />
road network.<br />
There is a need for more information to provide clarity on what road network is<br />
proposed for the preferred option.<br />
Villages are vulnerable – other people are making decisions for them.<br />
Participants<br />
Bob Brice (Trowbridge Town <strong>Council</strong>)<br />
Doug Ross (TCAF Partnership)<br />
Francis Morl<strong>and</strong> (<strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong>)<br />
I, Roijendou ( West Ashton Parish<br />
<strong>Council</strong>)<br />
Lee Lee (North Bradley Parish <strong>Council</strong>)<br />
Margaret Howard (Trowbridge Civic<br />
Society)<br />
Peter Fuller (<strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong>)<br />
Robert Evans<br />
Colin Kay (Clarendon College)<br />
Ernie Clark (Hilperton Parish <strong>Council</strong>)<br />
Geoffrey Watkins (West Ashton Parish<br />
<strong>Council</strong>)<br />
Jan Williams (North Bradley Parish<br />
<strong>Council</strong>)<br />
Len Turner (Mid-<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Economic<br />
Partnership)<br />
Margaret Workman (West Ashton Parish<br />
<strong>Council</strong>)<br />
Richard Covington (West Ashton Parish<br />
<strong>Council</strong>)<br />
Sam Gilling (West Wilts Club)<br />
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4.19 Wootton Bassett <strong>and</strong> Cricklade community area<br />
4.20 Headline statistics<br />
Key issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities<br />
Supporting 1<br />
Supporting with conditions 5<br />
Objecting 7<br />
General comments 13<br />
How much we expect the community area to change by <strong>2026</strong><br />
Supporting 3<br />
Supporting with conditions 13<br />
Objecting 8<br />
General comments 6<br />
Strategic site allocations<br />
Supporting 2<br />
Supporting with conditions 5<br />
Objecting 11<br />
General comments 8<br />
Other comments relating to this community area<br />
Supporting 0<br />
Supporting with conditions 0<br />
Objecting 0<br />
General comments 0<br />
Trowbridge 0<br />
Total number of comments relating to Wootton Bassett: 82<br />
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Issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities: comments<br />
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Exacerbating the dormitory function of Wootton Bassett will do little to improve the<br />
self-containment of the town.<br />
Reliance on Swindon to provide employment <strong>and</strong> other services has created this<br />
dormitory role.<br />
Affordable housing is needed now <strong>and</strong> should be provided for local people.<br />
Limiting the level of growth in Wootton Bassett <strong>and</strong> across the Community Area<br />
will do little to provide much needed affordable housing.<br />
There is no clear definition provide for ‘Affordable Housing.’<br />
Employment opportunities should be provided throughout the Community Area.<br />
There should be greater opportunity for people to live <strong>and</strong> work in Wootton<br />
Bassett.<br />
Support for improvements at J16 of M4 priory to any additional traffic is put on to<br />
the network.<br />
Concern that planners forget that people commute through Wootton Bassett to<br />
get to the south of <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>and</strong> this is a problem that should be addressed.<br />
Consider a by-pass?<br />
Redevelopment at Lyneham will exacerbate congestion <strong>and</strong> traffic volume<br />
through Wootton Bassett.<br />
Employment development at Interface will rule-out future prospects for a Wootton<br />
Bassett by-pass.<br />
The lack of real alternative transport options should be addressed.<br />
Improved cycle routes to connect the Community Area with itself <strong>and</strong> Swindon.<br />
The Core Strategy gives too much support for expansion into <strong>Wiltshire</strong>.<br />
It is not <strong>Wiltshire</strong>’s responsibility to take growth to increase the self-containment of<br />
Swindon.<br />
The council should stop stating that it is worried about coalescence when it<br />
supports a major expansion of the West of Swindon. It is a contradiction.<br />
Cricklade has more in common with settlements to the north than it does with<br />
Wootton Bassett.<br />
There is no clear reason why Wootton Bassett <strong>and</strong> Cricklade are in the same<br />
Community Area.<br />
The Community Area is more than just the large settlements; the Core Strategy<br />
neglects the aspirations of small villages.<br />
All villages have capacity to accommodate modest levels of growth. This should<br />
be addressed.<br />
There is no analysis of rural employment opportunities.<br />
Communities should be at the centre of development.<br />
There is no tourism policy.<br />
There is no reference as to what the “wider range” of facilities are planned or<br />
needed.<br />
The council should look at successful places <strong>and</strong> use what works to inform policy.<br />
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4.21 Change <strong>and</strong> delivery: Comments<br />
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Safe walking <strong>and</strong> cycling links between WB, LM, Purton, Cricklade <strong>and</strong> Swindon<br />
to be delivered through the Core Strategy.<br />
Loss of employment sites in Cricklade has constrained the town.<br />
The community area is more than just WB <strong>and</strong> all additional growth to provide for<br />
local needs should be subject to a published Sustainability test.<br />
The council should give local communities the opportunity to deliver what they<br />
want for their future.<br />
J16 is operating at a saturated level in both peak periods, at times, outside of the<br />
peaks. (HA)<br />
Concern over the level of trips generated by additional employment on the SRN<br />
(HA).<br />
HA to be involved in discussions at the earliest opportunity, there is currently no<br />
robust evidence base to test the impact on the SRN.<br />
Wootton Bassett Station may be able to help with the congestion issues.<br />
In order to allow people to live <strong>and</strong> work in the same place, appropriate<br />
employment to match skills base should be planned for rather than just any type<br />
of employment.<br />
There will only be a benefit if housing can supply local needs only.<br />
No published sustainability test of the development options at WB.<br />
No sustainability test of the west of Swindon <strong>and</strong> appears to already been<br />
accepted.<br />
What about Swindon’s plans to change the boundary?<br />
The reference to modest levels of growth in smaller settlements does not give<br />
certainty <strong>and</strong> will result in unplanned windfall development.<br />
Housing development across the settlements within the CA is likely to be<br />
insufficient to meet AH.<br />
Development needs to be closely integrated with the rest of Swindon without<br />
leading to coalescence.<br />
There is no reference to employment in this proposed development <strong>and</strong> the CS<br />
makes no justification for this in relation to the RSS employment provision in the<br />
TTWA. The suspicion is that employment provision is intended to bolster the<br />
sustainability/self-containment of the Pry.<br />
Reference to employment at the west of Swindon is at odds with the Borough<br />
<strong>Council</strong>’s Workspace Strategy. Any employment that is not at an appropriate<br />
scale to serve the urban extension will be at odds with the Swindon Core<br />
Strategy, unless it refers to non-B Class, which it does not explicitly say.<br />
Elderly care provision of additional parking (Cricklade).<br />
Current parking provision is inadequate (Cricklade) especially for tourists who visit<br />
Cricklade.<br />
Few opportunities for new builds within the FB of Cricklade – this should be<br />
revised <strong>and</strong> exp<strong>and</strong>ed after consultation with local residents.<br />
Any new development in Cricklade should be linked to open space provision.<br />
Clear industrial zone should be established at Chelworth (Cricklade) l<strong>and</strong> adjacent<br />
to the A419 should also be considered.<br />
Lack of vision given to Purton, creating a vision gap that can lead to uncertainty in<br />
l<strong>and</strong> use planning <strong>and</strong> potentially, mismatched levels of development.<br />
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4.22 Strategic site options: comments<br />
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There is an opportunity to deliver/enhance green corridors as part of the<br />
development as well as creating greater opportunity for the Cricklade Country<br />
Way.<br />
The Preferred Option must include adequate cycle <strong>and</strong> pedestrian linkages.<br />
Inconsistencies in dwelling numbers between the <strong>Consultation</strong> document <strong>and</strong><br />
Background Paper, there has been no definitive assessment of site yield.<br />
Without comprehensive assessment of yield WC should not divide the spread of<br />
the 2,800 dwellings.<br />
Reference to a single urban extension is mistaken <strong>and</strong> not a true reflection of<br />
reality, as the phasing <strong>and</strong> delivery of Ridgeway Farm, Moredon Bridge <strong>and</strong> The<br />
Pry will be in three distinct phases.<br />
Three very distinct parts to the Preferred Option; <strong>and</strong> the reality is that features<br />
<strong>and</strong> constraints that exist represent major constraints to the Preferred Option to<br />
achieve comprehensive integration.<br />
Ridgeway Farm is a sustainable development in its own - does not rely on The<br />
Pry to be delivered. Ridgeway Farm can deliver sites in the short-term without<br />
prejudice to other LDF documents.<br />
There is no five year l<strong>and</strong> supply in the West of Swindon, indicating that<br />
development is needed now.<br />
The delivery schedule outlined in the WoS Background Paper is wholly<br />
unrealistic.<br />
The PO should say “The Preferred Option Provides opportunity to deliver up to<br />
2,800 dwellings.<br />
Reference to a single urban extensions leads to the conclusion that the<br />
constraints <strong>and</strong> obstacles to development specific to The Pry apply to RF which is<br />
not the case.<br />
The economies of scale argument is flawed as RF will look to Swindon <strong>and</strong> will<br />
have its own primary school, leading to questions regarding the need for 2,000<br />
dwellings at The Pry.<br />
Recognising the deliverability problems with The Pry should bring forward small<br />
developments in single ownership <strong>and</strong> in sustainable locations on the western<br />
edge to help meet the housing shortfall.<br />
Collins Lane is one of only two country lanes left out of Purton which is safe for<br />
pedestrian <strong>and</strong> cycle use route through to Swindon. Development at the Pry<br />
would destroy this route.<br />
Development of this size would represent a new large village or small dormitory<br />
town.<br />
Further SA work on the PO should be done, premature to determine Preferred<br />
Option prior to this.<br />
What evidence exists to demonstrate that the housing is needed.<br />
Development should have the required critical mass to support its own range of<br />
social <strong>and</strong> community facilities <strong>and</strong> provide sustainable transport links <strong>and</strong><br />
promote healthy lifestyles.<br />
There needs to be agreement between the PCTs about who will take the lead to<br />
ensure that there will be an adequate provision for health care.<br />
Further information should be provided on developer contributions to<br />
infrastructure.<br />
Continued reference to sustainable development for the west of Swindon is<br />
unhelpful as it is unfounded <strong>and</strong> bears no relation to reality.<br />
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Self-containment will not come from reliance on yet peripheral dormitories, the<br />
lack of infrastructure to support 3,000 homes renders the whole area<br />
inappropriate.<br />
The 3,000 dwellings should be redirected into Swindon.<br />
Provisions for the elderly or young people have not been effectively included in<br />
the consultation.<br />
What about using RAF Lyneham?<br />
A proper explanation of the reasons behind the need to provide development<br />
should be explained.<br />
How can the council pursue this agenda when the adoption of the RSS is still far<br />
from certain?<br />
The costs of mitigation measures on the Pry will lead to reduced contributions.<br />
Full strategic flood risk considering the impact on the wider area must be<br />
undertaken.<br />
PSD HSE Zones need clarification <strong>and</strong> the significance of the PSD should not be<br />
underplayed.<br />
Must consider the impact of the PSD on potential developers, homebuyers.<br />
Pipelines could sterilise l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> reduce the amount of l<strong>and</strong> available for<br />
development.<br />
The council has not provided sufficient reassurance in respect of pipelines.<br />
Issues regarding Network Rail requirements have been underplayed.<br />
The West of Swindon Background Paper deals with some issues but does not<br />
adequately address the traffic congestion that will be caused be the development<br />
of the Preferred Option.<br />
The traffic concerns seem to focus on the impact on Swindon <strong>and</strong> not the<br />
settlements in <strong>Wiltshire</strong>.<br />
Any impact must consider the cumulative impact of all development in this area,<br />
e.g. Tadpole Farm.<br />
It should be a requirement that infrastructure should be in place before completion<br />
of development.<br />
Green Infrastructure links/routes should be protected in the CS.<br />
activities for children <strong>and</strong> young people outside of education such as play areas,<br />
activities centres, youth clubs <strong>and</strong> youth activities etc get little mention.<br />
The closure of Lyneham in 2012 will provide a 550-hectare Brownfield site that<br />
could more than meet the housing needs <strong>and</strong> reduce the need to build on<br />
Greenfield sites, such as Pry Farm. We believe that more importance should be<br />
given to this.<br />
Junction 16 of the M4 will be used by all options including option 1. It is therefore<br />
unfair to prefer option 1 over the others based on the capacity at junction 16.<br />
Seperate urban extensions could easily be made to work if essential infrastructure<br />
is correctly planned.<br />
Who’s going to occupy the homes - there are empty homes north <strong>and</strong> south of<br />
Swindon?<br />
Concern that the position of the Purton PSD has been under-played <strong>and</strong> that the<br />
HSE Zones are insufficient <strong>and</strong> that the paper has not considered how the PSD<br />
affects the viability of development <strong>and</strong> thereby reducing the delivery of housing in<br />
this area.<br />
Although oil pipelines have been mentioned – no detail about how this affects<br />
development <strong>and</strong> what this means for delivery. The Wayleave could sterilise<br />
l<strong>and</strong>.<br />
The location of infrastructure such as schools has not been identified.<br />
Concern over the linkages between RF <strong>and</strong> PF.<br />
Travel to <strong>and</strong> from new schools will need to be addressed.<br />
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The council has underestimated the length of time it takes to negotiate with<br />
network rail <strong>and</strong> what this could mean for the delivery of housing.<br />
Full transport assessment should be undertaken on all options.<br />
The council should not assume that this l<strong>and</strong> will be taken up by developers <strong>and</strong><br />
as a result it should considered alternatives.<br />
All development options should be tested against PPS3.<br />
Technical evidence on the PO is weak <strong>and</strong> unproven.<br />
High l<strong>and</strong>scape value.<br />
Parking provision for development.<br />
Will this development fund extension to GW Hospital.<br />
New town as an alternative.<br />
The EA flood map is wrong <strong>and</strong> planners should listen to the experiences of local<br />
people.<br />
Flooding should consider the impact outside the development area including<br />
Purton <strong>and</strong> Cricklade.<br />
The site is too removed from Purton - will fragment the village, road link is<br />
inadequate.<br />
The divorced nature of the PO (esp. the Pry) will not lead to greater selfcontainment.<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> shouldn’t be planning to meet a shortfall in Swindon’s housing delivery.<br />
Infrastructure planning must consider Swindon Core Strategy Policy SSP9 <strong>and</strong><br />
the SBC proposed-submission document. The need for coordinated planning<br />
should be identified.<br />
Alternative option to spread development has been too easily dismissed.<br />
Will the council review this approach if household projections are downgraded?<br />
This will remove the rural setting for the Cricklade Country Railway which should<br />
be retained as a green belt barrier. The closeness of the Canal to the road (The<br />
Pry) means that it will not be possible to bridge the canal to the west. Any<br />
crossing of the railway, to the east must be by bridge.<br />
An area of l<strong>and</strong> north of Morden Bridge <strong>and</strong> east of the Gloucester Line has been<br />
designated as a site for a new railway station by network rail, supported by SBC,<br />
which will interlink with the Swindon <strong>and</strong> Cricklade Railway. The sustainable<br />
transport opportunities should be considered.<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong> should like further afield to areas such as Purton, Wootton<br />
Bassett <strong>and</strong> Wroughton lack of public awareness of direct consultation with<br />
people affected by the development.<br />
Swindon will have to absorb all the costs for associated infrastructure.<br />
Are RF <strong>and</strong> PF really one single urban extension?<br />
The projected delivery of the Pry is completely unrealistic.<br />
There is nothing to say that a larger urban extension is more sustainable than<br />
smaller one, which can make the best use of a very extensive community <strong>and</strong><br />
other infrastructure.<br />
In order for the Pry to be sustainable, employment provision is required.<br />
Swindon’s employment is proposed in the centre, tadpole farm, EDA <strong>and</strong><br />
Commonhead. No mention of the West of Swindon.<br />
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4.23 General comments about Wootton Bassett<br />
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The PO has been refused twice in the past, council needs to explain why this is<br />
now a good option.<br />
The PO will exacerbate the lop-sided nature of WB.<br />
PO is marshl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> area of outst<strong>and</strong>ing natural beauty.<br />
Access issues <strong>and</strong> congestions concerns raising safety issues.<br />
The cul-de-sac should be opened to serve this development.<br />
Before any PO are identified there should be a clear strategy for dealing with the<br />
closure of RAF Lyneham. The infrastructure already exists to support these<br />
houses.<br />
Amenity value of PO.<br />
WB has enough housing in the pipeline.<br />
Why is more development planned during an economic downturn?<br />
Not convinced that another country park is necessary if it means building at the<br />
PO.<br />
Housing should not be linked to employment during an economic downturn.<br />
Strategic sites in WB should be accommodated on a number of smaller sites.<br />
PO will result in high density development out of character with the rest of the<br />
town.<br />
There does not appear to be any consideration of planning history of the site.<br />
Identifying the PO before the Brynards Hill inquiry was disingenuous.<br />
Affordable housing can be providing on alternative sites.<br />
The proposed country park will simply end up being a place for under-age<br />
drinking.<br />
It is agreed that housing should be limited to reduce the dormitory function of WB.<br />
Dismissal of Ryl<strong>and</strong>s Way as an alternative because of S106 is not a sufficient<br />
reason as most major sites have S106 agreements. Ryl<strong>and</strong>s Way should<br />
become the strategic site.<br />
The Background Paper fails to mention that planning applications on Brynard’s<br />
Hill have been refused in the past – a deliberate omission?<br />
What about the Inspector’s comments? The WB PO is undemocratic.<br />
What about the strategic pipeline which runs through the site?<br />
The PO is on the fringes of the town rather than being ‘well-connected.’<br />
An important hill top open space.<br />
In respect of phasing it is inappropriate to allocate 150 homes for WB, better to<br />
allocate or reserve a location should it be found on review during the plan period.<br />
Brynard’s Hill has always been protected for its important l<strong>and</strong>scape <strong>and</strong> amenity<br />
value.<br />
The PO will be the start of more <strong>and</strong> more development at Brynard’s Hill.<br />
If development does go ahead the council should insist on pedestrian crossings.<br />
This must be considered with development in Swindon to determine cumulative<br />
impacts.<br />
The Wilts & Berks canal has identified sites adjacent to the canal.<br />
A lop-sided extension to WB.<br />
Development should be at the NW of WB making the High Street a more central<br />
location.<br />
Partially increasing self-containment should not be used as an argument for<br />
development.<br />
The PO was not allocated in the Local Plan <strong>and</strong> there have been 168 homes<br />
approved which are in addition to the LP allocation. These 168 should be<br />
considered as the strategic site option.<br />
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The focus is all about Wootton Bassett, where is the detailed assessment of<br />
Cricklade?<br />
Insufficient consultation on the merits/constraints of alternative options.<br />
The Core Strategy should identify supply for years 6-15 in accordance with para<br />
55 of PPS3. Subject to the circumstances of individual market towns, strategic<br />
sites may be as little as 75 dwellings.<br />
Incineration plans at Slough will increase volume of hgv (B3102 <strong>and</strong> motorway),<br />
to detriment of WB.<br />
A by-pass is needed.<br />
4.24 Settlement hierarchy: comments<br />
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Lydiard Millicent should not be disregarded as a location for potential future<br />
development <strong>and</strong> should be categorises as a minimum as a small village.<br />
Support for the principle of directing growth at the SSCTs <strong>and</strong> Market Towns but it<br />
should not be applied rigidly as suggested in terms of large <strong>and</strong> small villages.<br />
Concern that small villages are only likely to receive ‘infill’ development.<br />
There needs to be a better definition of what is classified as ‘infill’.<br />
The reference to ‘infill’ should be replaced with ‘small scale development’ to give<br />
some flexibility to development in small villages.<br />
The categorisation of small villages uses a very basic indicator <strong>and</strong> is not effective<br />
in determining the sustainability of a settlement. It fails to consider connectivity<br />
<strong>and</strong> available employment <strong>and</strong> proximity to services. As a result the conclusions<br />
are not accurate.<br />
Lydiard Millicent should be elevated to at least Small, if not Large Village status.<br />
Not all Category C Settlements are the same <strong>and</strong> this should be recognised to<br />
allow a more informed split of housing allocations.<br />
Purton is a large sustainable settlement - appropriate scale of development<br />
should be clearly indicated.<br />
The Settlement is so broad that it fails to recognise the range of services <strong>and</strong><br />
facilities present in Purton.<br />
It simply does not follow that housing will exacerbate the dormitory function of<br />
settlements.<br />
Swindon exerts a strong influence on parts of the former north <strong>Wiltshire</strong> district<br />
<strong>and</strong> this must be planned for in the <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy.<br />
In order to deliver the level of development plan for at the West of Swindon<br />
planners must consider the importance of small scale development sites in<br />
sustainable locations.<br />
None of the development planned appears to be sustainable.<br />
Development at the West of Swindon threatens important green space between<br />
Swindon <strong>and</strong> neighbouring small communities of Cricklade, Purton, The Lydiard’s<br />
<strong>and</strong> Wootton Bassett.<br />
There is no legal basis for this regional housing requirement <strong>and</strong> it is quite wrong<br />
that <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong> should be considering development in such circumstances.<br />
The numbers defined for all communities area need refining in light of the<br />
limitations of growth at Corsham <strong>and</strong> Wootton Bassett.<br />
The focus on Wootton Bassett is misguided does not acknowledge constraints<br />
<strong>and</strong> comes from a failure to underst<strong>and</strong> the potential at Malmesbury.<br />
How can Wootton Bassett take more growth than Malmesbury when we need to<br />
limit growth at WB.<br />
The distribution of growth between main towns <strong>and</strong> smaller towns <strong>and</strong> rural areas<br />
is unevenly balanced <strong>and</strong> should allow for more growth outside of the larger<br />
settlements, reflecting the rural nature County.<br />
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There needs to be a detailed discussion about what happens at RAF Lyneham<br />
before a settlement hierarchy can be finalised.<br />
4.25 Housing distribution: comments<br />
We are totally opposed to the increased development proposed for the rural areas<br />
to the west of Swindon.<br />
The projections should be amended appropriately to the east of Swindon, where<br />
is already located major employment <strong>and</strong> rail freight, being closer to the centre of<br />
Swindon, <strong>and</strong> fewer problems with flood plains.<br />
Our clients support increasing Wootton Bassett’s employment base but consider<br />
that the proposed level of housing growth in insufficient to support the strategic<br />
objectives.<br />
We have major concerns relating to the number of houses proposed for the area<br />
to the West of Swindon at Pry Farm <strong>and</strong> Tadpole Farm.<br />
Coalescence with Cricklade <strong>and</strong> Purton is an increasing threat in an area already<br />
prone to flooding.<br />
Cricklade Town <strong>Council</strong> feel that <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong> should be doing more to<br />
protect the area from this increase <strong>and</strong> not accepting that it is inevitable.<br />
The RSS is looking again at the number of houses required <strong>and</strong> this needs to also<br />
be reflected in the distribution between community areas.<br />
The infrastructure currently in place will not support development of this size <strong>and</strong><br />
needs to be in place before development can take place.<br />
I write in general terms to object strongly to very many of the proposals outlined in<br />
your document <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>2026</strong> - Planning for <strong>Wiltshire</strong>’s Future.<br />
In particular, I don’t accept Wootton Bassett’s housing increase of 912.<br />
Development is unsustainable.<br />
I also object most strongly to the proposal that 3000 houses should be built on<br />
Ridgeway Farm or The Pry to the west of Swindon. These developments seem to<br />
me to threaten the vitally important green space between Swindon <strong>and</strong> the<br />
neighbouring small communities of Cricklade, Purton, The Lydiards <strong>and</strong> Wootton<br />
Bassett.<br />
Leaving aside the detail, these housing projections are based on the flawed<br />
document known as the South West Regional Spatial Strategy. As you know,<br />
even the current Government have failed to provide a sound legal basis for this<br />
document.<br />
Caroline Spelman MP, the Shadow Secretary of State for DCLG, is committed to<br />
abolishing the Regional Spatial Strategy <strong>and</strong> returning the rights to decide on<br />
strategic housing numbers to local people. me wrong that <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong> should<br />
be progressing on the basis of the RSS, knowing that the likelihood is that the<br />
fundamental justification for it will be removed within months of now.<br />
I would be grateful if you would register my strongest possible objections to the<br />
plans.<br />
Do not agree the figures in Table 4.2. It is not appropriate to accept the figures<br />
which are based on the draft RSS which is being reviewed by the Secretary of<br />
State at the present time.<br />
The figure for North <strong>Wiltshire</strong> is opposed because it includes provision for<br />
development west of Swindon which is strongly opposed for reasons given below.<br />
Why has the total number of homes predicted by the RSS been accepted without<br />
question?<br />
See also comment 1699 for comments on West Swindon numbers.<br />
A single unallocated housing figure for all Category C Settlements is too vague.<br />
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Purton should have a clearer split of housing indicated so as to clearly explain<br />
what is understood to represent an appropriate scale of housing for local needs.<br />
Although it is understood that any housing allocation in Purton will most likely be<br />
pursued through the Small Sites Allocation DPD, following the adoption of the<br />
Core Strategy, a clearer indication of the split of housing both can <strong>and</strong> should be<br />
made for Purton at this stage, as it is clearly one of the larger <strong>and</strong> sustainable<br />
settlements in this part of the district.<br />
The lack of any definition for what amounts to ‘local needs’, with regard to new<br />
housing in Purton fails to provide the certainty required by the Core Strategy.<br />
The last Purton Housing Needs Survey is effectively now out of date, having been<br />
carried out in 1998. Interestingly though the quantum of need then identified (28)<br />
is broadly in keeping with the ‘Purton Housing Needs’ extrapolated from Westlea<br />
Housing Associates housing register, (Listing Purton as a first choice), for general<br />
needs applicants (30).<br />
Accordingly, multiplying the above averaged level of affordable need<br />
(28+30+26.9=84.9÷3=28.3) as a 30% contribution of the total local housing need<br />
produces a figure of 94.3.<br />
It is of course noteworthy that the anticipated RSS has been based on an<br />
affordable housing provision of 35%. Using this percentage split the overall level<br />
of dem<strong>and</strong> falls to 80.8.<br />
By way of further analysis all local estate agents were contacted in the last week<br />
of June 2009. The average number of individuals registered on their lists,<br />
requiring properties in Purton, was 36.8.<br />
This is of course an open market indication of need, <strong>and</strong> obviously reflects the<br />
currently depressed housing market. Nevertheless in crude terms the quantum of<br />
local need is still clearly significant.<br />
It is my contention that the scale of housing to be allocated in Purton should be<br />
more clearly broken out of the total figures indicated at Figure 2 of the<br />
consultation document. Moreover, as stated above, in order to address the<br />
identified issue of out-commuting the question of local needs must specifically be<br />
addressed in the related commentary.<br />
By seeking to identify a quantum split of housing for Purton rather than leave all<br />
housing in the category C settlements as a single figure the definition of local<br />
needs can be tackled reinforcing the issue of self-containment through a mixed<br />
development <strong>and</strong> a materially significant proportion of affordable housing. Such<br />
guidance will also tackle the currently rather nebulous indication that appropriate<br />
levels of housing will be for local needs.<br />
We object to the proposed distribution of housing numbers between the<br />
Community Areas for the former North <strong>Wiltshire</strong> area.<br />
We do welcome the level of information contained within Figure 4.2 as a basis for<br />
discussion.<br />
We consider the housing figures for each of the main settlements within the<br />
Community Areas for the former North <strong>Wiltshire</strong> district area require further<br />
refining in light of the limitations of growth at Corsham <strong>and</strong> at Wootton Bassett.<br />
We underst<strong>and</strong> the distribution is in part derived from the role <strong>and</strong> function<br />
analysis, which provides an underst<strong>and</strong>ing of each settlement through an analysis<br />
of the level of housing, employment <strong>and</strong> facilities that are currently available <strong>and</strong><br />
the potential which exists to consolidate <strong>and</strong> improve the current situation.<br />
However, on review of the study it would appear that the conclusions drawn do<br />
not the limitations of Corsham <strong>and</strong> more specifically Wootton Bassett.<br />
The RSS sets out that these are to be distributed to settlements that meet RSS<br />
Development Policy B or Development Policy C criteria. The RSS states that in<br />
identifying the growth to be located at each settlement, consideration should be<br />
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given to local factors including l<strong>and</strong>scape constraints, relationships between<br />
settlements, character, quality of infrastructure <strong>and</strong> the level of local need.<br />
The housing distribution table identifies a disproportionately small share to<br />
Malmesbury; less than that of Wootton Bassett. An even higher proportion<br />
remains on potentially ‘unallocated sites’.<br />
There are significant higher-level constraints associated with Corsham <strong>and</strong><br />
Wootton Bassett to be taken into account prior to distributing housing allocations<br />
within former North <strong>Wiltshire</strong> area.<br />
The Sustainability Appraisal indicates the preferred distribution of growth should<br />
be across a wider range of larger settlements <strong>and</strong> a narrower range of smaller<br />
settlements, indicating that this approach would maximise the benefit associated<br />
with improving services across different towns. The proposed approach as set out<br />
in Fig.4.2 however suggests a larger proportion to the small towns <strong>and</strong> villages<br />
than any of the main towns, except Calne. This is contrary to the Sustainability<br />
Appraisal.<br />
Current Housing Distribution to Wootton Bassett We note that Wootton Bassett<br />
ultimately takes a higher percentage of the RSS allocation (17.7% of RSS<br />
requirements) than Malmesbury, despite the need to restrict growth at Wootton<br />
Bassett.<br />
The emerging RSS comments in relation to Wootton Bassett states no additional<br />
housing growth should be permitted above that which meets local needs due to<br />
the dormitory relationship it has with Swindon (of which the Secretary of State has<br />
subsequently endorsed this approach <strong>and</strong> also sets out that no additional growth<br />
at Cricklade other than to meet local needs.<br />
More importantly, we note the current distribution allocates almost 24% of the<br />
RSS requirement to the small towns <strong>and</strong> villages, further indicating the disparity<br />
between the settlements.<br />
This is considered too high, given the rural nature of much of the district <strong>and</strong> may<br />
lead to the creation of unsustainable patterns of movement <strong>and</strong> development<br />
across the former North <strong>Wiltshire</strong> area.<br />
We support the councils approach in identifying Community Areas. However, the<br />
distribution of housing to the Community Areas must ensure that growth is directed to<br />
the most suitable settlements capable of absorbing growth <strong>and</strong> ensuring that self<br />
containment is increased <strong>and</strong> their overall role as service centres enhanced.<br />
Para 1.5 of PPS12 is clear that ‘the planning system has been substantially reformed<br />
to embed community responsive policy making at its heart <strong>and</strong> to make contributing<br />
to sustainable development a statutory objective’.<br />
The current housing distribution, we believe, could create unsustainable patterns of<br />
development across the former north <strong>Wiltshire</strong> district.<br />
The distribution must not be based on rolling forward historic trends but should seek<br />
to create a ‘step-change’ in housing delivery <strong>and</strong> ensure sustainable growth within<br />
former North <strong>Wiltshire</strong> area.<br />
PPS12 states that the planning system exists to deliver positive social, economic <strong>and</strong><br />
environmental outcomes. The evidence prepared to date (Strategic Sites <strong>and</strong> Spatial<br />
Strategy background documents <strong>and</strong> the Sustainability Appraisal) clearly indicates<br />
that that this can be achieved.<br />
In terms of the distribution of housing numbers in the North <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Community<br />
areas, it is considered that the 250 allocated to small towns <strong>and</strong> large villages is<br />
misleading as there are no such strategic level allocations made in the Core Strategy,<br />
combined with the residual to be allocated <strong>and</strong> the post 2021 windfall figure means<br />
that there up potential 680 dwellings to be allocated.<br />
As a result, <strong>and</strong> given the other concerns expressed, there is a need in the Core<br />
Strategy to provide guidance on where small towns <strong>and</strong> larger villages dwelling<br />
allowance should be directed to.<br />
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The number in table 4.1 (250 dwellings) is considered to be small, compared to the<br />
number of settlements it has to cover - this could be accounted for by urban<br />
extensions to towns in the table.<br />
In addition, the table would benefit greatly from an identification of the small towns<br />
<strong>and</strong> large villages within each respective former LPA area, so that some idea of<br />
distribution can be obtained.<br />
A further refinement proposed is to refine the dwelling distribution further to propose a<br />
specific number of dwellings at each small town/larger village. This would then<br />
confirm what levels of development (in each location) meet local needs as well as<br />
controlling the distribution to ensure that each of these locations has some<br />
development, without detriment to others.<br />
The theory seems to be that if large scale development exists at a place, force more<br />
on it, but if it doesn’t then prevent it.<br />
This is arbitrary <strong>and</strong> takes no account of where people want to live or what<br />
opportunities might be open to them were they to be able to live where they wished.<br />
The planning strategy is an uncomfortable mix between giving people what they<br />
supposedly want (more houses) yet seeking to constrain how they live e.g. making it<br />
difficult to access trunk roads.<br />
Why is more houses the solution rather than less people?<br />
Modern living <strong>and</strong> working is increasingly ‘virtual’ with telecommunications <strong>and</strong><br />
broadb<strong>and</strong> more vital for employment than physical proximity to ‘facilities’.<br />
Rural settlements may be made more sustainable by allowing some expansion to a<br />
critical mass, instead of forcing people into estates on edge of towns with no<br />
immediate prospects of employment.<br />
it would seem an excellent move for the planners to do more for Melksham than their<br />
draft suggests, do less elsewhere, in each case going along with the requests of local<br />
voices <strong>and</strong> producing a win (<strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong>), win (Wootton Bassett) <strong>and</strong> win<br />
(Melksham) solution.<br />
Wootton Bassett should not rely on Swindon, therefore, it should not grow until a<br />
wider range of jobs are available, <strong>and</strong> the necessary health facilities for the present<br />
population in place.<br />
Calne, <strong>and</strong> Wootton Bassett, will be affected by the future of the RAF Lyneham site.<br />
The housing <strong>and</strong> job market in both towns is linked to the MoD role.<br />
The West of Swindon area <strong>and</strong> its options all appear to be unsuitable for a<br />
environmental reasons.<br />
We believe the Core Strategy should contain policies based on Plan, Monitor <strong>and</strong><br />
Manage <strong>and</strong> therefore be able to anticipate <strong>and</strong> manage positive or negative<br />
economic conditions in the future whilst upholding environmental principles.<br />
We believe that policy has been skewered towards housing growth <strong>and</strong> there is<br />
nothing in this document which suggests the future will be different.<br />
There is NO OPPORTUNITY for a feedback loop to question the top level<br />
assumptions.<br />
The area West of Swindon has been zoned for development <strong>and</strong> regardless of how<br />
inappropriate that is when the detail is considered it apparently cannot be changed!<br />
If the argument cannot be won to convince the locals that the development will<br />
benefit them, why should they be forced to accept it?<br />
The constant growth argument which underlies the need to concrete over green fields<br />
is doomed to fail eventually because the planet is only so big.<br />
Those living in this part of the County value the green spaces surround them. They<br />
are not seeking those to be home to yet another fancily named but otherwise identikit<br />
housing estate.<br />
Alas it seems NO ONE IS LISTENING at a strategic planning level. We are told that it<br />
has been determined that West Swindon shall have houses.<br />
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The draft regional policy has foisted this on the area <strong>and</strong>, despite the obvious<br />
shortcomings <strong>and</strong> negative impacts highlighted by local people, it currently appears it<br />
will be forced to have it. Is it really only through legal action that local voices can get<br />
heard?<br />
Do comments raised through consultations like this really get any attention or are<br />
they distractions from implementing a policy that has already been decided?<br />
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4.26 Wootton Bassett community area: respondents<br />
Organisations<br />
Bourne Wootton Bassett Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
Canal Partnership Project Manager<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />
CPRE<br />
Cricklade Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
Environment Agency (Wessex Area)<br />
Gleeson Strategic L<strong>and</strong><br />
Hannick Homes<br />
Highways Agency<br />
MoD<br />
Northern Community Area Partnership<br />
Planning <strong>and</strong> Local Government Natural<br />
Engl<strong>and</strong><br />
Purton Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Ramblers North East <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Group<br />
Sustrans<br />
Swindon Borough <strong>Council</strong><br />
Thames Water Property Services<br />
W B Real Development GmbH<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Fire & Rescue Service<br />
Calne Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
Cooper Estates<br />
Crapper & Sons L<strong>and</strong>fill Ltd<br />
E H Bradley <strong>and</strong> Son<br />
Galliford Try Strategic L<strong>and</strong><br />
Gwyneth Datson<br />
Haydon Wick Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Lydiard Millicent Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
NHS Swindon<br />
P’s <strong>and</strong> Qs<br />
Primegate Properties (Hooksouth) Ltd<br />
RailFuture Severnside<br />
Sarsen Housing Association<br />
Swindon <strong>and</strong> Cricklade Railway<br />
Taylor Wimpey UK Ltd<br />
V<strong>and</strong>a Tanner & Jonathan Biddy<br />
Welbeck L<strong>and</strong> Limited<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Wildlife Trust<br />
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Individuals<br />
Alison Bucknell Alison Smith Ann Orr-Ewing<br />
Ben Smith Bob Philpott Cllr Peter Doyle<br />
D. J. Raker David Battlebury David Pope<br />
Diana Thombs Edward Raker Elizabeth Wilson<br />
G <strong>and</strong> T Evason Geoff Yates George Axiotis<br />
George McDonic MBE John Palmer John Rainbow<br />
John Turner Marc D Willis Martyn Parrott<br />
Mr & Mrs Hammond Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Bent Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Page<br />
Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs S Alex<strong>and</strong>er Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs W Hunt Mr Andrew Hatcher<br />
Mr C Cornell Mr David Sweet Mr E.A. Reynolds<br />
Mr Francis Sheppard Mr Howard Ch<strong>and</strong>ler Mr John Harmer<br />
Mr Peter Brewster Mr Richard Gosnell Mr S Lynch<br />
Mrs C Spickernell Mrs J Gosnell Mrs Jane R. Smith<br />
Mrs Kate Robinson Ms Sarah Higgins & Neil Edwards<br />
Malcolm De La Haye<br />
Neil Etheridge Peter Brewser R Williams<br />
Ross Wheeler Roy <strong>and</strong> Marion Hobbs S W Matthews<br />
S.A, P, E.A, <strong>and</strong> P Booy S<strong>and</strong>ra Horsnall Sarah Phillips<br />
Steve Briggs<br />
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4.27 Wootton Bassett community area: notes from exhibitions <strong>and</strong> events<br />
Wootton Bassett exhibition<br />
General<br />
The Wootton Bassett Exhibition was well attended <strong>and</strong> provided an opportunity for<br />
local residents to comment on the proposals for the area. The fact that the proposal<br />
was held in Wootton Bassett meant that vast bulk of responses reflected the<br />
concerns of residents of Wootton Bassett <strong>and</strong> the immediate vicinity. Despite this the<br />
proposals identified at the West of Swindon still managed to raise a great deal of<br />
concern amongst the residents of Wootton Bassett <strong>and</strong> particularly the fear that<br />
Swindon will continue to exp<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> Wootton Bassett will simply become a suburb of<br />
Swindon.<br />
Transport<br />
There was general concern around the current on-street parking in <strong>and</strong> around Coped<br />
Hall Business Park, although it was generally acknowledged that this was a parking<br />
enforcement issues rather than a strategic planning one. There were frequent dem<strong>and</strong>s<br />
for safe <strong>and</strong> usable cycle routes between Wootton Bassett <strong>and</strong> Swindon, this will reduce<br />
car reliance <strong>and</strong> bring about improvements to residents physical health. The long-term<br />
aspiration for a Wootton Bassett train station was once again raised by local residents,<br />
although it was accepted that this will depend on financial viability but the benefits from a<br />
station, namely persuaded people to get out of their cars should not be ignored.<br />
RAF Lyneham<br />
The future re-use of RAF Lyneham was raised throughout the exhibition <strong>and</strong> in some<br />
cases there were calls for the planning authority to delay any strategic planning decisions<br />
until decisions about the future use of RAF Lyneham have been confirmed.<br />
Preferred options<br />
There were a number of concerns raised regarding the Preferred Option at Wootton<br />
Bassett. The common concerns were:<br />
Are prone to flooding.<br />
The area has a high environmental <strong>and</strong> amenity value.<br />
The site has been rejected in the past for housing as unsuitable.<br />
Poor road links <strong>and</strong> the likelihood of increased congestion due to the cumulative<br />
impact of all development across Wootton Bassett, namely St Ivel <strong>and</strong> the Beaufort<br />
Arms site.<br />
Other comments<br />
There were consistent calls for better cycle links between the settlements of the Wootton<br />
Bassett <strong>and</strong> Cricklade Community.<br />
Some concern was expressed that the focus of development at Wootton Bassett will be<br />
at the cost of proper planning for the smaller towns <strong>and</strong> rural areas. There were also<br />
calls for new ‘Village Policy Limits’ across <strong>Wiltshire</strong>.<br />
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Workshops<br />
Objectives Group 1 Group 2 Total<br />
1. To address for climate change 0 1 1<br />
2. To provide for long term economic growth 1 5 6<br />
3. To meet <strong>Wiltshire</strong>’s housing needs 2 1 3<br />
4. To secure appropriate infrastructure <strong>and</strong> services 3 4 7<br />
5. To enhance the vitality <strong>and</strong> viability of town centres 1 2 3<br />
6. To encourage safe accessible places 0 0 0<br />
7. To promote sustainable forms of transport 0 1 1<br />
8. To protect <strong>and</strong> enhance the natural environment 3 1 4<br />
9. To safeguard <strong>and</strong> promote a high quality environment 0 3 3<br />
10. To minimise the risk of flooding 3 2 5<br />
Objectives - priorities identified<br />
2. Economic growth.<br />
4. Secure infrastructure.<br />
9. High quality built environment.<br />
Workshop one<br />
It was acknowledge the future development at the West of Swindon represents the<br />
most significant challenge to the Wotton Bassett <strong>and</strong> Cricklade Community Area.<br />
Employment<br />
There were calls for a better underst<strong>and</strong>ing of what type of employment will be<br />
delivered at Wootton Bassett & Cricklade Community Area. For example,<br />
storage/distribution is l<strong>and</strong> hungry options <strong>and</strong> may not be suitable for the Community<br />
Area. However it was universally agreed that all efforts should be taken to maintain a<br />
strong economic base in the Community Area <strong>and</strong> specifically at Wootton Bassett.<br />
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Climate change<br />
The council’s strategy for tackling climate change should focus on:<br />
‐ reducing carbon footprint<br />
‐ changing personal habits – less waste more recycling<br />
‐ local production of energy.<br />
Infrastructure<br />
Some members of the group believed that the dormitory role of Wootton Bassett is<br />
exacerbated by the lack of leisure opportunities outside of Swindon. The council<br />
should safeguard l<strong>and</strong> for leisure use <strong>and</strong> be more innovative with the joint use of<br />
facilities such as schools.<br />
Water<br />
There were calls for further technical studies to ascertain the capacity of existing<br />
reservoirs as well as ground water supply. There was a general acceptance that the<br />
current sewage network needs upgrading, although no factual evidence was<br />
provided.<br />
Design<br />
There were calls for the council to insist on high quality, carbon netural<br />
developments. Design should be innovative <strong>and</strong> represent the unique identity of<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> as being very distinct from Swindon.<br />
RAF Lyneham<br />
There were further calls for a strategic plan to be in place to deal with the closure of<br />
RAF Lyneham.<br />
West of Swindon<br />
Acknowledged as the most significant issue for the community area <strong>and</strong> there was<br />
general concern that westward expansion of the Swindon urban area will have a<br />
detrimental impact on settlements such as Purton <strong>and</strong> begin to threaten the identity of<br />
Wootton Bassett.<br />
There were calls for greater connectivity between Swindon <strong>and</strong> Wootton Basset, not<br />
just by improving the road network <strong>and</strong> J16 of the M4 but also by encouraging<br />
alternative travel methods.<br />
Planning gain<br />
There were calls for the planning authority to have a clear strategy for securing<br />
planning gain for the benefit of local people who are directly affected by development.<br />
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Workshop two<br />
Flooding<br />
This represented a major concern during the workshop discussion.<br />
It should be recognised that climate change <strong>and</strong> flooding are inextricably linked.<br />
Flooding is a major concern within Cricklade <strong>and</strong> it was stressed that <strong>Wiltshire</strong><br />
<strong>Council</strong> should consider undertaking a detailed flood risk assessment of the town.<br />
Concern was expressed that the high level of infill development which has taken<br />
place in Cricklade <strong>and</strong> the outst<strong>and</strong>ing developments within Cricklade will add to the<br />
flood risk concerns.<br />
An appropriate drainage system, with an adopted drainage network, should be in<br />
place before development commences. This will ensure that drainage is built to a<br />
suitable st<strong>and</strong>ard.<br />
Framework boundary review<br />
Cricklade Town <strong>Council</strong> suggested that the <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy should consider a<br />
review of the settlement framework boundary of Cricklade when planning<br />
development.<br />
Participants said that the council should remember that villages, even the smallest,<br />
need some growth to ensure that they do not die.<br />
It was acknowledged that the framework boundary policies encourage infill<br />
development <strong>and</strong> this can cause problems, such as affecting the character of the<br />
settlement.<br />
It was said that there should be more potential for development, which is not possible<br />
with the restrictive application of framework boundaries.<br />
Framework boundaries restrict the natural growth of settlements <strong>and</strong> this can have a<br />
devastating impact on the smaller settlements.<br />
Cricklade<br />
Some participants with particular interest in Cricklade said that they would like to see<br />
infill development continue to deliver local need housing <strong>and</strong> in some limited <strong>and</strong><br />
strictly controlled cases the boundary could be redrawn to allow for local growth<br />
needs.<br />
Broad Town<br />
The nature of the framework boundary is very restrictive <strong>and</strong> the infill development<br />
that does occur spoils the settlement character <strong>and</strong> adds to potential flooding<br />
problems.<br />
There was a general consensus from the discussion that it is very difficult to apply a<br />
broad-brush approach to the application of framework boundaries. What is right for<br />
one village is not necessarily appropriate for another.<br />
Cricklade Town <strong>Council</strong> <strong>and</strong> the Broad Town Parish indicated that both areas are<br />
pursuing the parish plan route.<br />
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Affordable housing<br />
Representatives from Westlea Housing Association stated that affordable housing<br />
can be defined as any type of sub-tender dwellings <strong>and</strong> that the definition applied by<br />
housing associations often differs from that provided by private suppliers.<br />
There was a general acceptance around the table that the exact definition of<br />
affordable housing is not clear <strong>and</strong> this should be addressed in the core strategy.<br />
Affordable housing policy should make sure that affordable housing units are built<br />
where they are actually needed.<br />
Cricklade Town <strong>Council</strong> stated that they would like to see ‘exception sites’ that<br />
provide an appropriate mix of market housing <strong>and</strong> affordable housing units. This view<br />
was supported by housing association representatives at the table.<br />
It was suggested that providing ‘mixed exception sites’ would make such<br />
developments more sustainable. However, it was also said that these mixeddevelopments<br />
must retain the character of the village <strong>and</strong> this is often not reflected in<br />
a dense housing estate.<br />
There should be an emphasis on character-based property.<br />
There was an overwhelming concern that the current ‘Exception Site Policy’ leads to<br />
ghetto developments.<br />
In any development there should be strict controls to ensure that affordable housing<br />
developments are distributed throughout any housing development.<br />
Housing association participants commented on cases where developers, during the<br />
recession, will build the affordable housing units first which means that these units will<br />
not be distributed throughout the overall development. The reason behind this is<br />
because developers will use the affordable housing as the first phase of development<br />
which is then used to bank-roll the rest of the development.<br />
The table asked when any review of ‘Settlement Framework Boundaries’ will take<br />
place. This was accompanied by an immediate concern that removing a framework<br />
boundary will mean the death of smaller settlements.<br />
Framework boundaries should be re-drawn to provide opportunities for appropriate<br />
levels of growth <strong>and</strong> this should incorporate polices that provide opportunities for<br />
mixed exception site developments.<br />
The table suggested that <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong> should look at the Exception Site Policy of<br />
Gloucester where there is greater local involvement in delivering exception sites.<br />
The consultation process<br />
The table reflected concern that the questions put before local residents in the<br />
consultation material were too broad <strong>and</strong> did not offer the opportunity to make<br />
comments of local importance.<br />
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Infrastructure<br />
It was agreed amongst the participants that infrastructure delivery is key <strong>and</strong> that<br />
development should not take place until the appropriate infrastructure has been<br />
identified <strong>and</strong> delivered at the key stages of the overall development.<br />
West of Swindon<br />
There was some concern that development at the west of Swindon is inappropriate.<br />
Jim Sherry (<strong>Wiltshire</strong>) explained the policy background including a brief summary of<br />
the <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>and</strong> Swindon Structure Plan 2016 <strong>and</strong> the emerging RSS.<br />
The table reflected concern that the development west of Swindon would create<br />
serious flooding implications for this development <strong>and</strong> surrounding settlements. It was<br />
also stated that a detailed assessment of the potential impacts should be undertaken<br />
prior to any development.<br />
It was suggested that <strong>Wiltshire</strong> does not have a ‘Strategic Flood Risk Assessment’ in<br />
place.<br />
The Strategic Objectives identified are all important <strong>and</strong> it is very difficult to identify<br />
the three most important.<br />
Transport<br />
There was a general acceptance that transport problems will never be resolved as<br />
people will always use their cars <strong>and</strong> in rural areas it is almost impossible to reduce<br />
car reliance.<br />
There were calls for a sustainable, flexible <strong>and</strong> appropriate public transport system<br />
although it was acknowledged that this will be very difficult to achieve.<br />
Participants gave examples of how difficult it is for local residents to walk or cycle<br />
between villages.<br />
Some participants suggested that a school bus service should be introduced to<br />
reduce traffic congestion; others promoted the idea of organising a ‘Walking Bus.’<br />
The issue of school transport must be taken seriously <strong>and</strong> reflected in the <strong>Wiltshire</strong><br />
Core Strategy.<br />
Infrastructure<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong> should consider the extension of ICT services across the county as<br />
part of the infrastructure requirements.<br />
Communication infrastructure will encourage people to live <strong>and</strong> work in the same<br />
place.<br />
Concern was raised regarding the capacity of Junction 16 of the M4 to deal with any<br />
further housing development <strong>and</strong> subsequent increase in traffic.<br />
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<strong>Consultation</strong><br />
Questions were asked what the final <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy document would look<br />
like.<br />
Some participants suggested that the final core strategy should be as detailed as<br />
possible.<br />
Development<br />
Jim Sherry (<strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong>) provided a review of the settlement hierarchy identified<br />
in the emerging Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) <strong>and</strong> how this has been translated<br />
into local policy, categorising Wootton Bassett as a Policy B Settlement <strong>and</strong> Cricklade<br />
as Policy C.<br />
- Views were expressed by the participants that Cricklade is a market town <strong>and</strong><br />
concern was raised that Cricklade should not be disregarded as a market town in<br />
the settlement strategy.<br />
- It was acknowledged that even if Cricklade is categorised as a market town it<br />
should not have the same scale of growth as indicated for Wootton Bassett.<br />
There was general agreement that housing should be built where people want to live,<br />
but that government policy applies a very high density of development <strong>and</strong> this<br />
creates developments where people do not want to live.<br />
Developers should have to build dwellings to the same st<strong>and</strong>ard as social housing<br />
developments. This would create quality developments <strong>and</strong> help to tackle climate<br />
change. Policies to be contained within the core strategy must be specific to ensure<br />
compliance to prevent developers getting around the policy objectives.<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong> should take advantage of parish plans, where they exist, to<br />
underst<strong>and</strong> the most appropriate location for housing developments within smaller<br />
settlements <strong>and</strong> where the framework boundary should be. It was acknowledged that<br />
parish plans do not have any significant status but <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong> should reflect the<br />
aspirations of these plans within the <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy.<br />
Housing <strong>and</strong> employment should be delivered at the same time, although it was<br />
recognised that allocating l<strong>and</strong> for employment does not guarantee that industry will<br />
come along.<br />
High quality built environment must reflect the character of the local area.<br />
Cricklade Town <strong>Council</strong> expressed concern that planning permissions are being<br />
granted without considering the necessary infrastructure requirements.<br />
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RAF Lyneham<br />
Questions were asked about what will happen to RAF Lyneham when it closes. It was<br />
accepted that Lyneham does not have enough infrastructure in place to deal with any<br />
new large housing developments.<br />
Questions<br />
How do stakeholders influence the planning process?<br />
How likely is it that developers can take the planning authority to appeal they can<br />
be successful?<br />
What is the formal process of adoption for the <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy?<br />
How does the <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy fit in within the South <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core<br />
Strategy? How does the council know if a site will actually come forward?<br />
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4.28 Bradford on Avon community area<br />
4.29 Headline statistics<br />
Key issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities<br />
Supporting: 0<br />
Supporting with conditions: 3<br />
Objecting: 2<br />
General comment: 3<br />
How much we expect the community area to change by <strong>2026</strong><br />
Supporting: 0<br />
Supporting with conditions 4<br />
Objecting: 2<br />
General comment 0<br />
Strategic site allocations<br />
Supporting: 3<br />
Supporting with conditions: 6<br />
Objecting: 4<br />
General comment: 4<br />
Other comments relating to this community area<br />
Supporting: 5<br />
Supporting with conditions: 2<br />
Objecting: 5<br />
General comment: 4<br />
Total number of comments referring to Bradford on Avon: 47<br />
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4.30 Issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities: comments<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Support for the issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities identified, particularly regarding provision<br />
of affordable housing <strong>and</strong> refurbishment <strong>and</strong> provision of community facilities <strong>and</strong><br />
public open space.<br />
Support for the view that “opportunities exist to promote Bradford as a sustainable<br />
tourist destination”.<br />
There are inaccuracies in the text: there are a number of convenience stores in<br />
the town, <strong>and</strong> there are gym facilities <strong>and</strong> tennis courts.<br />
The emphasis on skateboard facilities <strong>and</strong> playground facilities may be misguided<br />
given the high proportion of second-home owners <strong>and</strong> retired people in the town.<br />
Disagreement with the statement that “Bradford on Avon is well connected by bus<br />
<strong>and</strong> rail services to nearby settlements”. Bus <strong>and</strong> rail services in the town are not<br />
adequate to meet dem<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> are not reliable. Poor links with nearby<br />
settlements.<br />
There are capacity issues on buses <strong>and</strong> trains.<br />
Inaccuracies in the document raise queries as to the accuracy of the picture<br />
painted by the document, <strong>and</strong> therefore the appropriateness of the proposals it<br />
makes.<br />
The statement that the town features “a number of historic buildings” is an<br />
incomplete <strong>and</strong> inaccurate assessment. The town is an important historic<br />
settlement <strong>and</strong> should be recognised accordingly.<br />
Building <strong>and</strong> environmental constraints should not be presented as being only<br />
negative; these can provide a basis for creative conservation. It needs to be<br />
recognised that high environmental quality of the town is a major attraction for<br />
residents, businesses, <strong>and</strong> visitors, <strong>and</strong> also has potential to provide a base for<br />
sustainable economic activity.<br />
Lack of effective planning control has had a detrimental influence on the town:<br />
policies <strong>and</strong> implementation of these policies need to be more robust.<br />
The Environment Agency commented that flood risk should be included, <strong>and</strong><br />
appropriately addressed in the sustainability appraisal.<br />
Need for better cycling infrastructure in the town should be added. This could be<br />
achieved with a number of small projects to deliver new paths <strong>and</strong> crossings.<br />
The Kennet & Avon Canal towpath offers cyclists access to Melksham <strong>and</strong> Bath<br />
(National Cycle Network Route 4) but the surface is in need of improvement.<br />
Better maintenance needed of National Cycle Network Route 403.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Bradford on Avon has some of the worst traffic problems in western <strong>Wiltshire</strong>.<br />
The issues identified need to be resolved, <strong>and</strong> not the subject of promises that<br />
cannot be delivered.<br />
Bradford on Avon is particularly well placed to be an exemplar community in<br />
strategic action on climate change. There are a number of initiatives related to the<br />
Bradford on Avon 2050 declaration, which commits the town <strong>and</strong> surrounding<br />
villages to pursuing carbon neutrality by 2050. Would like to see a strategic<br />
commitment to carbon reduction in the town <strong>and</strong> surrounding villages. This could<br />
be developed, in part, through the Bradford on Avon Town Plan.<br />
A Bradford on Avon community area vision should be based on sustainable<br />
economic regeneration to improve employment <strong>and</strong> living st<strong>and</strong>ards through the<br />
encouragement of inward investment in environmental, arts <strong>and</strong> sustainable<br />
tourist development.<br />
Lower levels of traffic congestion <strong>and</strong> pollution are obtainable through a combined<br />
strategy of reducing travel by vehicles <strong>and</strong> promotion of walking <strong>and</strong> cycling, the<br />
early adoption <strong>and</strong> sponsoring of electric vehicles in the town through sponsoring<br />
of charging points, <strong>and</strong> the encouragement of supermarkets to undertake low<br />
carbon delivery services using electric vehicles to reduce customer journeys.<br />
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The following issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities should be identified for Bradford on Avon:<br />
sustainable economic regeneration of the town; sustaining <strong>and</strong> developing the<br />
existing retail <strong>and</strong> small-business base, issues around pedestrian intimidation <strong>and</strong><br />
traffic congestion; revival of the town centre, retention <strong>and</strong> expansion of current<br />
employment sites; conservation of local l<strong>and</strong>scape character; investment in ecotourism<br />
<strong>and</strong> promotion of walking <strong>and</strong> cycling; community based renewable<br />
energy provision; protection of the town’s <strong>and</strong> villages’ unique qualities against<br />
Green Belt.<br />
Support for retention of existing employment sites in order to seek the retention of<br />
local jobs.<br />
Should new development come forward, mixed use is preferable to enhance selfcontainment.<br />
The issues would be best addressed by locating development on the Golf Course<br />
instead of the preferred option at Moulton Estate.<br />
Support for the analysis relating to Bradford on Avon community area, <strong>and</strong><br />
supportive in principle of the Town <strong>Council</strong>’s proposed text changes.<br />
Support for the objective of reducing out-commuting <strong>and</strong> increasing selfcontainment.<br />
Half hourly trains to Bath <strong>and</strong> Bristol make a big difference – challenge now is to<br />
reduce cost.<br />
Bradford needs a bypass further l<strong>and</strong> for housing will exacerbate traffic<br />
congestion further l<strong>and</strong> should not be released without significant contributions /<br />
dedication of l<strong>and</strong> for bypass.<br />
Improve safe cycle <strong>and</strong> pedestrian routes to link smaller settlements <strong>and</strong> their<br />
towns sustainably <strong>and</strong> to aid community resilience.<br />
Extra traffic would make Holt Road even more dangerous – footpath <strong>and</strong> cycle<br />
track would be essential.<br />
Saldesbrook is very narrow <strong>and</strong> runs past a primary school entrance <strong>and</strong> a<br />
nursery school. Yet it carries an enormous amount of traffic. Some of this has<br />
used the Berryfield estate as a rat-run. The Leigh Park cross-roads are an<br />
accident black-spot. Why not close Sladesbrook off at the cross-roads <strong>and</strong> direct<br />
the traffic up the A363, where it could turn right at Maplecroft.<br />
Woolley St – From Murco out to Woolley St area. Dangerous pedestrian access<br />
<strong>and</strong> crossing along St. Speeding traffic coming in from Woolley Green.<br />
Derestricted speed limit between Grange View <strong>and</strong> Woolley green is inappropriate<br />
<strong>and</strong> unsafe / dangerous.<br />
More pedestrian crossings needed in centre of town but a by-pass is not the<br />
answer to traffic problems – in the long run they just create more traffic <strong>and</strong><br />
carbon.<br />
We want less traffic full stop, not just less traffic on BoA. Cut out the need for cars<br />
<strong>and</strong> so all the congestion – don’t just move the pollution elsewhere.<br />
A bypass to the town so badly needed. Improve safe cycling in <strong>and</strong> around the<br />
town <strong>and</strong> surrounding villages.<br />
Half hourly trains to Bath <strong>and</strong> Bristol make a big difference – challenge now is to<br />
reduce cost.<br />
A major problem – access to businesses.<br />
BoA bath has done a great job of discouraging traffic to the alternative north –<br />
south route through BoA. We need to stop it being used as a bath bypass. Issue<br />
passes to local area <strong>and</strong> put a toll on bridge.<br />
There needs to be more footpaths to encourage people out of their cars. Not just<br />
foot paths but pavements so people can walk between the villages e.g. BoA to<br />
Holt safely, less CO2, healthy people, better sense of community.<br />
In BoA persuade Sainsbury’s to reinstate the delivery service Bludgeons used to<br />
offer.<br />
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Bus <strong>and</strong> public transport should not be given up, actively pursue.<br />
Pedestrian priorities <strong>and</strong> deter through traffic, calm others subject to rat runs <strong>and</strong><br />
speeding.<br />
Bradford on Avon local bus service should be instigated by small, electric buses<br />
operating more frequently <strong>and</strong> well published routes. They could be fitted with<br />
bicycle racks so that more people can use bicycles sown into the town then catch<br />
the bus up the steep hill.<br />
Change train roofs to solar power to power the lighting.<br />
We need to protect the Avon Valley (walking/cycling routes <strong>and</strong> AONB) by finding<br />
alternatives to proposed A36-A46 link road.<br />
Speed along A363 from Bath should be reviewed.<br />
Speed limit through Bradford Leigh unsuitable.<br />
Bends on B3109 dangerous.<br />
South Wraxall – a cycle route into Bradford.<br />
Need to retain accessible leisure services specifically local to attain the health <strong>and</strong><br />
social interactive objectives.<br />
Promote more efficient use of l<strong>and</strong> while at the same time protecting <strong>and</strong><br />
enhancing local character <strong>and</strong> distinctiveness <strong>and</strong> environment.<br />
The preferred option “Moultons” – is away from river <strong>and</strong> flood issues. – retains<br />
sporting facility. – does not destroy the life of local community next to the ‘golf<br />
course’ by massive increase in traffic on very unsustainable roads. – Is a much<br />
larger area suitable for reasonable number of houses i.e. quality for new<br />
residence.<br />
To reach community services there must be a reliable connecting transport<br />
service. E.g. BoA to the villages – BoA to Devizes <strong>and</strong> Chippenham.<br />
The most important has to be 7 (climate change) or there won’t be a future for<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong>. This might have to take precedence over eg 9 if wind turbines are<br />
needed.<br />
Ref 6&7 – This will not happen unless the number of cars through the county <strong>and</strong><br />
through especially towns like BoA are reduced. – In a dip like Bath who have<br />
actually discouraged traffic.<br />
Use public transport run on hydrogen or electricity. Produce electricity by<br />
alternative methods e.g. wind.<br />
Ref 6 – This, if achieved will reduce some of the need to travel. Linked to 6 –<br />
Ensure that previous employment l<strong>and</strong> is not allowed to become residential.<br />
Development/Sustainability – an oxymoron?<br />
Ref 8 – Tick<br />
Important in BoA until its flood history.<br />
Ref 6 – Well related to where people live <strong>and</strong> travel requirements.<br />
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4.31 Change <strong>and</strong> delivery: comments<br />
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Changes by <strong>2026</strong> will be more significant than those set out. Development will be<br />
complete at the Kingston Mills site <strong>and</strong> the balance of the town will be much<br />
enhanced, services <strong>and</strong> facilities will have been improved with a wider retail offer,<br />
<strong>and</strong> traffic impacts will have been reduced with the implementation of measures of<br />
restraint, taking forward the historic core zone .<br />
It should be clarified that the Kingston Mills development is already underway1.<br />
The Climate Friendly Bradford on Avon group should be mentioned.<br />
The Priority for People initiative <strong>and</strong> related Historic Core Zone work should be<br />
mentioned.<br />
The regeneration work being led by the Town <strong>Council</strong> <strong>and</strong> others should be<br />
mentioned.<br />
The label of ‘dormitory town’ for Bradford on Avon is rejected. This label has been<br />
damaging to the town in the past. Bradford on Avon is a working town <strong>and</strong> has<br />
been so for almost 800 years.<br />
Would expect walking <strong>and</strong> cycling links to have been delivered by <strong>2026</strong>, <strong>and</strong><br />
would expect towpath of the Kennet <strong>and</strong> Avon canal to be improved <strong>and</strong><br />
promoted as a leisure <strong>and</strong> commuter route.<br />
There should be a greater emphasis on sustainable low carbon development.<br />
The plans should include a review <strong>and</strong> implementation of a Conservation Area<br />
Management Plan.<br />
There should be an end to the recent history of piecemeal development without<br />
sufficient consideration for the effects of traffic generation on the town.<br />
4.32 Strategic site options: comments<br />
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Support for the identification of l<strong>and</strong> at Moulton Estate as the preferred strategic<br />
site allocation for Bradford on Avon<br />
Agreement with the rejection of the alternative option of building houses on l<strong>and</strong><br />
at the Golf Course.<br />
Support for a zero carbon development on the preferred strategic site. This could<br />
provide a blueprint for sustainable contemporary buildings for the Bradford on<br />
Avon community area.<br />
Support for the preferred option providing there is no adverse impact on the<br />
nearby Grade 1 listed building.<br />
The promoters of the preferred site state that a study has shown that 70% of<br />
traffic generated from development at the Golf Course site would cross the Town<br />
Bridge.<br />
The promoters of the preferred site expressed support for the methodology used<br />
to identify strategic sites.<br />
Promoters of the preferred site state that their baseline work has proven that the<br />
site is developable, available <strong>and</strong> suitable in accordance with the applicable<br />
national planning guidance.<br />
The promoters of the preferred site state that the vision that is emerging for the<br />
l<strong>and</strong> at Kingston Farm, which seeks to create a low carbon exemplar mixed-use<br />
development, chimes well with Vision <strong>and</strong> Objectives of the emerging Core<br />
Strategy. Strategic objective 1 can in part be met by delivery of development at<br />
the preferred option site.<br />
The Golf Course site is unsuitable due to issues of l<strong>and</strong> contamination, access,<br />
<strong>and</strong> traffic generation across the Town Bridge. The Golf Course currently forms a<br />
green lung to the centre of Bradford on Avon along the river.<br />
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A new employment area on the edge of town may not be the right place for the<br />
suggestions of artists’ studios, small start-up premises, <strong>and</strong> offices for hi-tech<br />
companies.<br />
A strategic employment allocation at Bradford on Avon is not supported due to<br />
potential impact on the l<strong>and</strong>scape, <strong>and</strong> worsening of traffic problems.<br />
The proposed link across Green Belt between the preferred option <strong>and</strong> the<br />
cemetery should be deleted.<br />
Redcliffe Homes objects to the preferred strategic site option, <strong>and</strong> suggests that a<br />
site controlled by Redcliffe Homes to the north of Holt Road would be preferable<br />
in terms of access arrangement <strong>and</strong> impacts on l<strong>and</strong>scape, ecology <strong>and</strong> the<br />
historic environment. This site could also be considered alongside the preferred<br />
option.<br />
Inadequate simply to present one preferred option.<br />
The alternative option at the Golf Course is wrongly located on the map used at<br />
the exhibition – should be corrected.<br />
150 houses in one place are too many.<br />
Preferred option is not within walking distance of certain facilities (station, school,<br />
medical services).<br />
Any new shops, restaurants or convenience stores will compete with existing<br />
businesses in the town, <strong>and</strong> there is no dem<strong>and</strong> for new office <strong>and</strong> shop<br />
accommodation.<br />
Applicants who had applied for planning permission on the Golf Course site state<br />
that the Golf Course site would be preferable. Questions are raised regarding the<br />
environmental impact of the preferred option (historical environment <strong>and</strong> also<br />
l<strong>and</strong>scape <strong>and</strong> visual), <strong>and</strong> also about the combined impact of the preferred site<br />
<strong>and</strong> the Kingston Mills development on levels of traffic. Questions also raised<br />
about the sustainability appraisal which has informed the identification of the<br />
preferred option, <strong>and</strong> about the availability of the l<strong>and</strong> at the preferred site for<br />
development. It is stated that the Golf Course site has better links with Trowbridge<br />
<strong>and</strong> Bath, is closer to the train station, <strong>and</strong> is on a regular bus route. There is a<br />
public footpath which provides a short cut from the Golf Course to the town<br />
centre, <strong>and</strong> the Golf Course site is much closer to the supermarket.<br />
Inaccurate statement in paragraph 6.6.8 of the Sustainability Appraisal Report<br />
which states that “no details are available for any development proposed on the<br />
Option 2 site”: details are available from a previous planning application on this<br />
site.<br />
Impact of additional development (employment or residential) on the Strategic<br />
Road Network will need to be assessed, since Bradford on Avon is in close<br />
proximity to the A36. The Highways Agency would have concerns regarding a<br />
level of development which could negatively impact on the Strategic Road<br />
Network.<br />
Applicants who had previously applied for planning permission on the Golf Course<br />
site suggest that development on the Golf Course site could provide a significant<br />
amount of affordable housing, <strong>and</strong> could also provide public open space, a new<br />
enhanced nine hole golf course, <strong>and</strong> an additional club house, which could also<br />
be used as a community facility.<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong> should re-instate the covenant on the l<strong>and</strong> at the Golf Course<br />
preserving it for sports, leisure <strong>and</strong> recreational purposes.<br />
It is hard to assess the proposed new employment or mixed-use area without<br />
more information about exactly what is planned. Warehousing <strong>and</strong> tin sheds<br />
would mar the l<strong>and</strong>scape setting <strong>and</strong> provide the wrong kind of employment for<br />
local people.<br />
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It is essential that the Core Strategy remains flexible enough to permit innovative<br />
<strong>and</strong> viable proposals, such as those emerging at Kingston Farm to be<br />
implemented.<br />
Development at the preferred site should not encroach too far down into the<br />
beautiful river valley. An existing copse of trees should be retained.<br />
Should consider 10 houses a year for 15 years, rather than building all 150<br />
houses in one go. This would offer more opportunity for the involvement of local<br />
builders, <strong>and</strong> would enable the council to monitor any impacts on the community.<br />
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Consideration should be given to stopping development at the dwelling that is<br />
already there, which could/should be the boundary of the town.<br />
Do plans exist to show how 150 dwellings would look within the preferred option<br />
site?<br />
Alternative sites suggested along the Bath Road, Winsley Road, Frome Road,<br />
Trowbridge Road <strong>and</strong> Holt Road (20 houses at each site, with 60 on the Holt<br />
Road). Possibility of locating housing <strong>and</strong> business development along the<br />
Sainsbury’s road – possible site for 20 houses. 10 more houses could be provided<br />
at the Colour Development’s site next to the Railway station.<br />
Development of 30 or 40 houses at sites along Trowbridge Road, Winsley Road,<br />
Holt Road <strong>and</strong> Frome Road would provide the number of houses needed without<br />
destroying the character of the town. This would involve the loss of small areas of<br />
Green Belt, but these areas do not match in beauty the preferred option or the<br />
Golf Course.<br />
There doesn’t seem to be much urgency to the plan, so it may be worth waiting to<br />
see what the impact is of development that is already planned, before rushing to<br />
build more.<br />
Preferred option offers an opportunity for a detailed evaluation of an additional<br />
eastern exit for the Kingston Mills development.<br />
Joint business <strong>and</strong> housing development on the preferred option site offers the<br />
opportunity for combined heat <strong>and</strong> power, <strong>and</strong> heat recovery from industrial<br />
furnaces to be used.<br />
The Highways Agency state that any development should be supported by<br />
appropriate public transport, cycling <strong>and</strong> pedestrian links to the town centre, <strong>and</strong><br />
any application should be accompanied by a robust Transport Assessment <strong>and</strong><br />
Travel Plan.<br />
Public transport should be addressed before any major development of this kind.<br />
Natural Engl<strong>and</strong> suggests that survey work should be undertaken with regards to<br />
bat habitats.<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Wildlife Trust states that Bradford on Avon is close to an SAC for bats<br />
(Coombe Mine is adjacent to the preferred housing option). There should be<br />
strong proactive policies in place to protect <strong>and</strong> enhance the SAC.<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Wildlife Trust states that County Wildlife Sites were not mentioned in the<br />
consultation material about Bradford on Avon.<br />
Request for a small relaxation to the Green Belt at Treenwood to facilitate further<br />
economic development.<br />
Bath <strong>and</strong> North East Somerset <strong>Council</strong> would have concerns about development<br />
which increases the amount of traffic travelling into Bath from Bradford on Avon.<br />
The council would wish to avoid increased traffic movements through Bath, i.e.<br />
travelling between Bradford on Avon <strong>and</strong> Bristol, in particular HGV movements<br />
along this route. The council seeks clarification as to the type of employment<br />
development planned for Bradford on Avon. The council also seeks clarification,<br />
in respect of both employment <strong>and</strong> residential development, as to what <strong>Wiltshire</strong><br />
<strong>Council</strong>’s transport modelling shows in respect of traffic travelling to <strong>and</strong> from the<br />
A4 via the A363 <strong>and</strong> heading to <strong>and</strong> from the A36.<br />
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4.33 Settlement hierarchy: comments<br />
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The Town <strong>Council</strong> is in agreement with paragraph 4.6 of <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>2026</strong>, which<br />
identifies Bradford on Avon as a market town.<br />
Agreement with the settlement hierarchy.<br />
Agreement with the strategy for Bradford on Avon as set out in the hierarchy.<br />
4.34 Housing distribution: comments<br />
150 houses over 15 years would seem to be a reasonable total.<br />
Agreement with the numbers for Bradford on Avon.<br />
Applicants who had previously applied for planning permission on the Golf Course<br />
site state that the number of houses identified for Bradford on Avon is too low.<br />
Issues like affordable housing need in the town can only be addressed by<br />
allowing more new development. Some of the numbers for Trowbridge should be<br />
redistributed to Bradford on Avon. Bradford on Avon should be singled out for an<br />
allocation as it is a special case, being highly constrained, <strong>and</strong> having very high<br />
property prices.<br />
A great deal of new development is in the process of being developed in Bradford<br />
on Avon, <strong>and</strong> it is questionable whether the town can take any more due to traffic<br />
issues, unless car-free development is planned.<br />
It is unfair that Malmesbury has to take a higher housing allocation than other<br />
market towns such as Bradford on Avon.<br />
Malmesbury is contributing a far greater percentage of the overall growth in<br />
relation to its size than other communities (such as Bradford on Avon).<br />
The strategy seems to accept rather than challenge issues of housing affordability<br />
in Bradford on Avon, as only 450 homes are planned over the length of the<br />
strategy.<br />
Why 150 houses? Why not 50 or 100?<br />
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Bradford on Avon community area: respondents<br />
Organisations<br />
Alistair Millington (Sustrans)<br />
Charles Routh (Planning <strong>and</strong> Local<br />
Government Natural Engl<strong>and</strong>)<br />
Colin Johns (<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Historic Buildings<br />
Trust Ltd)<br />
Diane Holmes (Clerk Bradford on Avon<br />
Town <strong>Council</strong>)<br />
Campaign for Better Transport<br />
Lt Cdr J Blake (Branch Secretary CPRE<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong>)<br />
Mr WR Jenman (Wilts Wildlife<br />
Mrs Mary Hill (Malmesbury River Valleys<br />
Trust)<br />
Malmesbury Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
Redcliffe Homes (agent: Mike Craggs,<br />
Regional Director DPDS)<br />
Individuals<br />
BOA Property Ltd (agent: Chris Beaver,<br />
GL Hearn)<br />
Clare Crawford (Business Development<br />
Manager Sarsen Housing Association)<br />
David Moss (Chairman Bradford on Avon<br />
Preservation Trust)<br />
The Kennet <strong>and</strong> Avon Canal Trust<br />
Environment Agency (Wessex)<br />
Mr Richard Craft (Chairman Climate<br />
Friendly Bradford on Avon)<br />
Mrs Jacqui Ashman (Highways Agency)<br />
Neil Best (Bath <strong>and</strong> North East Somerset<br />
<strong>Council</strong>)<br />
Bradford on Avon & District Community<br />
Development Trust<br />
David Parris Diane Teare Dr. Geoff Poole<br />
Duncan Hames Elsa Parris J & P Hussey & Mrs S<br />
Cooper<br />
Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Brian <strong>and</strong><br />
Roslyn Baden<br />
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4.35 Notes from exhibitions <strong>and</strong> events<br />
Bradford on Avon exhibition<br />
19 November 2009<br />
Poster three - How do you think <strong>Wiltshire</strong> will look in <strong>2026</strong>?<br />
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In general of course this is what everyone wants. How do you stop developers’<br />
“money” changing this?<br />
What world is WCC living in? Who has thought up these nirvana like bullet points?<br />
Protection <strong>and</strong> enhancement of the natural <strong>and</strong> built <strong>and</strong> historic environment <strong>and</strong><br />
reinforce local distinctive character.<br />
Good to see strong emphasis on tackling climate change <strong>and</strong> self-contained<br />
communities. Will look forward to how this translates into specific targets Bradford<br />
should help pilot.<br />
Protection for natural, built <strong>and</strong> historic environment – we have the laws, are they<br />
being correctly used?<br />
Can we mention reduced traffic intimidation to enhance quality of life in the<br />
community?<br />
This all sounds very good – needs to be translated into action.<br />
A more transparent view of how developers are “influencing” council decisions is<br />
needed. Re covenants on golf course. People will need confidence in order to<br />
agree to any proposals.<br />
With community beds being in Chippenham BoA need direct transport system.<br />
Connectivity <strong>and</strong> respite beds needed in the area.<br />
Poster four – How do we deliver the vision for <strong>Wiltshire</strong>?<br />
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Point 3 – 44.4K homes according to the RSS. Who– central govt? Who are these<br />
homes for? Where will these 100k people work, study, find recreation? Is this<br />
sustainability? Are we going to have yet more “EXECUTIVE” estates <strong>and</strong> housing,<br />
leaving the less wealthy sustainably disadvantaged, as now?<br />
More supply of trains – more carriages. Less delays, greater frequency.<br />
Racks of bikes where you pay for the amount of time you use (like in Paris).<br />
Reopening of Corsham railway station would remove hundreds of car movements<br />
daily.<br />
Cannot divorce the level of housing/employment allocations from constraints on<br />
infrastructure provision.<br />
A real question over the level of housing proposed? Too high?<br />
Yes address climate. Low energy use yes. Sustainability/renewable resources<br />
encourage/go back to school catchment areas enable cycling safety.<br />
No mention of reinforcing local distinctiveness <strong>and</strong> character? Should minimise<br />
use of resources not just promote renewable energy.<br />
Point 1 – “<strong>and</strong> reduce energy use in the first place with max levels of energy<br />
efficiency”.<br />
Point 7 – Phrase more positively – promote low carbon travel, such as walking<br />
<strong>and</strong> cycling.<br />
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Poster five – Where are new homes being proposed?<br />
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Sensible approach that minimises travel needs.<br />
Trowbridge – 5.66 K new homes. Each one represents a potential traffic<br />
movement. Eg work, shop social. Trowbridge already pretty choked at times, not<br />
just in centre. It will cause traffic movements through BoA (work, social, shop etc).<br />
BoA – 490 homes again represents potential of perhaps 1.2 – 1.5k potential<br />
movements through town. Where will they work?<br />
Consider sustainable homes <strong>and</strong> not just affordable units (already achieved CSH<br />
Level 4 <strong>and</strong> above). If RSL’s can do it – so can developers. This will help climate<br />
issues as well as provide the housing.<br />
Sustainable homes already provide bike storage to help achieve higher code<br />
levels. More needs to be done to encourage people to use them – safer roads,<br />
better lighting <strong>and</strong> general drive to use bikes.<br />
To address climate change All new housing should be carbon neutral – Barratt<br />
are doing it in Bristol – It can be done here!<br />
Investing in rail <strong>and</strong> bus not more road building.<br />
To encourage more sustainable transport you need safer roads <strong>and</strong> more rail.<br />
% of affordable housing planned? Govt only req. 10% of any estate to be<br />
affordable/social. so more EXEC estates?<br />
Poster seven – What do we already know about Bradford-on-Avon community<br />
area?<br />
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Where are the tourists going to shop? Where are the local people shopping – out<br />
of town? Unless you are a superstore of course.<br />
Biggest issues in surrounding rural communities = traffic intimidation.<br />
How does housing improve employment in the town? More housing will only put<br />
more pressure on the available local work.<br />
BoA has strong group working on climate change issues with much support in the<br />
town – need to build on this bringing in employment opportunities as well as a<br />
model for other local communities.<br />
We have an almost unique situation in the town centre with owner – managed<br />
shops beware of the effects on these of introducing a convenience store – we<br />
have the grocery basket <strong>and</strong> other needs are met with existing shops <strong>and</strong><br />
convenience store on existing shops <strong>and</strong> convenience stores on town edges.<br />
Key issue – need to tackle climate change <strong>and</strong> opportunity growing <strong>and</strong> strong.<br />
Coalition/support to reduce carbon emissions.<br />
Do not agree with need for convenience store (Sainsbury store to town.<br />
No point in affordable housing when no jobs <strong>and</strong> transport not good enough to go<br />
any distance (as well as huge cost of buses).<br />
Only additional sports provision needed is outside swimming pool.<br />
No mention of the quality <strong>and</strong> distinctive character of the historic environment – it<br />
can be constraint or sometimes an opportunity.<br />
Fuel Poverty – WWDC study (2004) showed nearly 14% fuel poverty compared to<br />
5% district average. Function of older population, older housing etc…<br />
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Poster eight – How does <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>2026</strong> expect Bradford on Avon to change?<br />
There is “hope” of a new pedestrian footbridge – There must before. It is<br />
dangerous to walk in the centre which encourages car use.<br />
I was shocked to drive past traffic coming into BoA from Frome/Warminster<br />
direction the other Thurs – Tailbacks were right past incline from Southway Pk<br />
roundabout <strong>and</strong> then past The Poplas from the traffic lights of Winfield at 8.30am.<br />
We need a Bypass.<br />
Must protect <strong>and</strong> enhance distinctive character of BoA .<br />
Support rebalancing homes <strong>and</strong> jobs so more can live <strong>and</strong> work sustainably.<br />
Pedestrian priority needed.<br />
Poster nine – How were development options assessed?<br />
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The preferred option: Has good access <strong>and</strong> would allow a proper access to<br />
Kingston Mills. Based on area alone it allows better quality of housing also.<br />
The alternative site (BoA Golf Course) is wholly unsustainable: Places excessive<br />
traffic burden on local access roads <strong>and</strong> town bridge; Replaces valued<br />
recreational l<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Golf course has “no” safe or reasonable access. Why not let it be developed as a<br />
proper golf club. The owner could then generate an income <strong>and</strong> keep valuable<br />
sports facility.<br />
Why is the Kingston Mill development marked as purely housing development?<br />
Part of it is retail <strong>and</strong> office space!<br />
The Moulton Estate scheme should not be allowed to extend into Green Belt by<br />
the cemetery. It should also provide eastern access to Kingston Mills<br />
redevelopment to reduce impact on town centre.<br />
Moulton site makes sense in every way, especially less traffic impact etc…<br />
Is there sufficient, (whilst small scale) development in villages to ensure the<br />
viability of village primary schools <strong>and</strong> community stores?<br />
Poster eleven – The initial options considered<br />
<br />
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This planned development looks sensibly sited but it is essential it is as<br />
environmentally friendly as possible.<br />
Excellent to increase employment in town, but how do you get over the fact that<br />
companies/developers need parking – if it’s too difficult they will pick industrial<br />
business parks – So in reality are you going to attract businesses that have<br />
difficulty attracting staff?<br />
Only by hugely increasing traffic use on local roads!! How does this equate with<br />
small increase in traffic trough town? (Regarding access)<br />
Why does this give an “opportunity to provide new green sites” when it’s not<br />
presently built on i.e. green. Also looks like plans encroach into Greenbelt.<br />
Bullet Point 2 – Here to Bath in rush hour good road? Try it? Bullet Point 3 – Not<br />
that small! Bullet Point 7 – That is down to economy.<br />
To be welcomed – commitment to mixed use with employment options – Aim for<br />
carbon neutral should be a flagship.<br />
The Holt Road site is vastly preferable to the golf course site for reasons already<br />
given on the golf course application. Development of the Holt Road site should be<br />
used as opportunity to gain contribution to Bypass.<br />
Encourage diversified economy. Keep a ‘relief road’ on the planning agenda.<br />
Need to keep commercial sites, not allow them to be used for housing<br />
development.<br />
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Poster twelve – The preferred option<br />
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Agree with preferred housing option as long as mixed use development.<br />
Along Holt Road better than alternative.<br />
Vital to protect setting to Hall <strong>and</strong> environmental quality of river corridor.<br />
The overall <strong>2026</strong> plan is good. If there has to be further housing 2010 – <strong>2026</strong>, the<br />
Holt Road fits well with major transport needs <strong>and</strong> access to M4/both <strong>and</strong> a<br />
pleasant safe environment (the golf course is not: toxic, overcrowded, dangerous<br />
road access etc….).<br />
Why is it that the area of BoA as whole does not share out the housing<br />
development? Why does Winsley, Westwood remain un-developed. They have<br />
good access <strong>and</strong> public sustainable transport.<br />
The NE spur on the Moulton Estate proposal intrudes on the Green belt between<br />
white l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> the cemetery.<br />
The proposed development on Holt rd. would add to traffic congestion. Nothing in<br />
the plans would ease the current severe congestion that so blights the town.<br />
The alternative option of building on the golf course is unsustainable because –<br />
access is difficult – the former tip is contaminated – the golf course is a valuable<br />
resource. L<strong>and</strong> adjoining Trowbridge Rd (albeit currently greenbelt) would be a<br />
better alternative.<br />
<br />
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Nothing in these plans would ease congestion in town. Because of the bridge the<br />
non-Bath side of town is unsustainable for further development.<br />
There must be no further loss of employment <strong>and</strong> commercial uses in town. Is<br />
there enough new provision on this map?<br />
Will development of strategic site require upgrading/one way system etc.. on<br />
existing network – are only ‘B’ class roads.<br />
Not enough employment development shown.<br />
Local transport plan<br />
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Start to plan for an oil free world. Need to begin to think about an electricity based<br />
public transport systems, using renewable sources of energy.<br />
Re-open Holt station once services between Trowbridge, Melksham <strong>and</strong><br />
Chippenham have been restored.<br />
The key to transport is to provide a ring road.<br />
You need to force the private train companies to actually put on service <strong>and</strong><br />
sensible levels of seating to encourage use.<br />
Take cycling <strong>and</strong> walking much more seriously in order to get more cars off the<br />
road. As well as serious behaviour change there needs to be a serious financial<br />
commitment to high quality infrastructure.<br />
Make sure bus <strong>and</strong> train services are co-ordained. More cycle parks needed.<br />
People won’t get out of their cars until there is a proper public transport system.<br />
Who will find it / provide it?<br />
As someone who uses public transport now, its not good enough now, so where<br />
will all this wonderful public transport come from? If council provide links to<br />
railway / train bus routes, does this mean that First ~ (~for example) will provide<br />
more trains <strong>and</strong> buses?<br />
Can we keep railway stations (ie. Limply stoke) to help reduce road use / traffic<br />
flows?<br />
Can I suggest a toll over bridge charge all those outside Bradford of Avon.<br />
Cycle path Holt to Bradford <strong>and</strong> safe ways for cyclists <strong>and</strong> workers from all<br />
villages.<br />
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So many meetings etc. happen in Devizes <strong>and</strong> now eye appointments have been<br />
moved here from Westbury but there is no direct public transport from BoA – this<br />
really needs to be looked at. Could cut down greatly on car journeys.<br />
Half hourly trains to Bath <strong>and</strong> Bristol make a big difference – challenge now is to<br />
reduce cost.<br />
Bradford needs a bypass further l<strong>and</strong> for housing will exacerbate traffic<br />
congestion further l<strong>and</strong> should not be released without significant contributions /<br />
dedication of l<strong>and</strong> for bypass. Improve safe cycle <strong>and</strong> pedestrian routes to link<br />
smaller settlements <strong>and</strong> their towns sustainably <strong>and</strong> to aid community resilience.<br />
Extra traffic would make Holt Road even more dangerous – footpath <strong>and</strong> cycle<br />
track would be essential.<br />
Saldesbrook is very narrow <strong>and</strong> runs past a primary school entrance <strong>and</strong> a<br />
nursery school. Yet it carries an enormous amount of traffic. Some of this has<br />
used the Berryfield estate as a rat-run. The Leigh Park cross-roads are an<br />
accident black-spot. Why not close Sladesbrook off at the cross-roads <strong>and</strong> direct<br />
the traffic up the A363, where it could turn right at Maplecroft.<br />
Woolley St – From Murco out to Woolley St area. Dangerous pedestrian access<br />
<strong>and</strong> crossing along St. Speeding traffic coming in from Woolley Green.<br />
Derestricted speed limit between Grange View <strong>and</strong> Woolley green is inappropriate<br />
<strong>and</strong> unsafe / dangerous.<br />
More pedestrian crossings needed in centre of town but a by-pass is not the<br />
answer to traffic problems – in the long run they just create more traffic <strong>and</strong><br />
carbon.<br />
We want less traffic full stop, not just less traffic on BoA. Cut out the need for cars<br />
<strong>and</strong> so all the congestion – don’t just move the pollution elsewhere.<br />
A bypass to the town so badly needed. Improve safe cycling in <strong>and</strong> around the<br />
town <strong>and</strong> surrounding villages.<br />
Half hourly trains to Bath <strong>and</strong> Bristol make a big difference – challenge now is to<br />
reduce cost.<br />
A major problem – access to businesses.<br />
BoA bath has done a great job of discouraging traffic to the alternative north –<br />
south route through BoA. We need to stop it being used as a bath bypass. Issue<br />
passes to local area <strong>and</strong> put a toll on bridge.<br />
There needs to be more footpaths to encourage people out of their cars. Not just<br />
foot paths but pavements so people can walk between the villages e.g. BoA to<br />
Holt safely, less CO2, healthy people, better sense of community.<br />
In BoA persuade Sainsbury’s to reinstate the delivery service Bludgeons used to<br />
offer.<br />
Bus <strong>and</strong> public transport should not be given up, actively pursue.<br />
Pedestrian priorities <strong>and</strong> deter through traffic, calm others subject to rat runs <strong>and</strong><br />
speeding.<br />
Bradford on Avon local bus service should be instigated by small, electric buses<br />
operating more frequently <strong>and</strong> well published routes. They could be fitted with<br />
bicycle racks so that more people can use bicycles sown into the town then catch<br />
the bus up the steep hill.<br />
Change train roofs to solar power to power the lighting.<br />
We need to protect the Avon Valley (walking/cycling routes <strong>and</strong> AONB) by finding<br />
alternatives to proposed A36-A46 link road.<br />
Speed along A363 from Bath should be reviewed.<br />
Speed limit through Bradford Leigh unsuitable.<br />
Bends on B3109 dangerous.<br />
South Wraxall – a cycle route into Bradford.<br />
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The most important has to be 7 (climate change) or there won’t be a future for<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong>. This might have to take precedence over eg 9 if wind turbines are<br />
needed.<br />
Ref 6&7 – This will not happen unless the number of cars through the county <strong>and</strong><br />
through especially towns like BoA are reduced. – In a dip like Bath which has<br />
actually discouraged traffic.<br />
Use public transport run on hydrogen or electricity. Produce electricity by<br />
alternative methods e.g. wind.<br />
Ref 6 – This, if achieved will reduce some of the need to travel. Linked to 6 –<br />
Ensure that previous employment l<strong>and</strong> is not allowed to become residential.<br />
Development/Sustainability – an oxymoron?<br />
Ref 8 – Tick<br />
Important in BoA until its flood history.<br />
Ref 6 – Well related to where people live <strong>and</strong> travel requirements.<br />
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Bradford on Avon workshop<br />
19 November 2009<br />
Attendees<br />
Andrew Nicolson (CPRE)<br />
David Roberts (<strong>Wiltshire</strong><br />
<strong>Council</strong>)<br />
Jane Laurie (Climate<br />
Friendly Bradford)<br />
John Allison (Winsley<br />
Parish <strong>Council</strong>)<br />
Mark Greenwood (Keep<br />
Bradford Green)<br />
Simon Fisher (Bradford<br />
Town <strong>Council</strong>)<br />
Group one<br />
Discussion one<br />
Bren Hodgkinson (Keep<br />
Bradford Green)<br />
Duncan Hames<br />
(Prospective Parliamentary<br />
C<strong>and</strong>idate (Lib Dem)<br />
Jenny Raggett (West Wilts<br />
CPRE)<br />
Jude Gregory (Green<br />
Square GP)<br />
Mike Andrews (Climate<br />
Friendly Bradford)<br />
Colin Johns (Planning<br />
consultant to Town<br />
<strong>Council</strong>)<br />
Gerald Millward-Oliver<br />
(Consultant)<br />
Jocelyn Fielding (Bradford<br />
Preservation Trust)<br />
Len Turner (<strong>Wiltshire</strong><br />
Economic Partnership)<br />
Mike Davison (Keep<br />
Bradford Green)<br />
Economic prosperity – but not growth at any cost.<br />
Top priorities: - to address climate change <strong>and</strong> protect <strong>and</strong> enhance natural<br />
environment.<br />
Need to provide sufficient housing to accommodate local needs.<br />
Green Belt + AONB restraints in countryside outside town.<br />
Green infrastructure map needed for BoA – for wildlife, soils, rivers etc – identify<br />
gaps for local action.<br />
Water cycle needs to be addressed locally too.<br />
Traffic growth + congestion worst in rural SW – need toad traffic reduction.<br />
Rural-urban linkages need strengthening – town centre serving villages.<br />
Deterioration of services in town is reducing the ‘hub’ effect.<br />
- lack of sense of ‘belonging’ - lack of retail services.<br />
Need to reduce unnecessary traffic – cannot go round the town.<br />
- but a bypass would destroy sustainability outcomes.<br />
New jobs likely to be ‘high end’, high skilled – this is BoA’s ‘niche’.<br />
<strong>Council</strong> needs a ‘skills profile’ of CA.<br />
Need a network of cyclepaths e.g. Holt – BoA as well as in town centres.<br />
Also Wraxalls, Broughton Gifford, Westwood.<br />
Cycle Network public consultation – early 2010.<br />
‘Priority for People’ Action Group – proposals endorsed by council.<br />
- consultants engaged to look at designation of an ‘historic core zone’.<br />
Some villages will need to accommodate some limited growth – in order to<br />
support rural services.<br />
New development must be carbon neutral – but cost of this?<br />
Carbon reduction may be more realistic if under 500 houses?<br />
Aspiration for high levels of growth.<br />
Need incentives for business to recycle, reduce carbon footprint etc.<br />
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Close to peak oil – makes good business sense to build low-energy homes.<br />
Looser control on agriculture to encourage innovation in energy generation.<br />
Off site renewable issues – coppicing etc – need enhancement.<br />
Discussion two<br />
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Primary schools, doctors + dentists under pressure from new development.<br />
Public services e.g. courts, driving test centre lost.<br />
Need to get around town in a civilised way – pavements in terrible state.<br />
Infrastructure Plan – levy goes to priority projects.<br />
Enormous network of accessible footpaths – being better signposted now.<br />
More flexible planning policies to bring vacant premises into use?<br />
‘Burdens’ on industrial development – need incentives.<br />
- Planning obligations – Community Infrastructure Levy equalises burden.<br />
‘A project which is needed by local community – within 2/3 miles radius’.<br />
Need l<strong>and</strong>/buildings for industrial use – at Treenwood Ind. Estate.<br />
150 houses needs to be shown more definitively – which part of site?<br />
Mixed uses – including social housing? Rented, equity?<br />
Don’t want to encourage more out-commuting.<br />
Group one<br />
Most significant issue?<br />
Integration of uses – community as a whole.<br />
Objection to density of housing on preferred site.<br />
<strong>Consultation</strong> at a local level ‘marginalises’ impact on strategic issues.<br />
– need strategic impact too.<br />
* Use BoA as a model for replication elsewhere*<br />
Group two<br />
Discussion one<br />
<br />
<br />
The group felt there was an objective missing – Sustainable development should<br />
be a st<strong>and</strong> alone objective – It was not reinforced strongly enough through the<br />
document.<br />
In the same vein there was opined that ‘minimise flooding’ was a minimal<br />
objective <strong>and</strong> it was questioned whether it should be an objective at all.<br />
Objective one – Climate change<br />
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<br />
No mention of ‘Climate Friendly Bradford’.<br />
Should we look at renewable energy sources?<br />
Water turbine idea is being explored (centre).<br />
References to underlying technical docs need inclusion. Joined up <strong>and</strong> interrelation<br />
to RSS etc..<br />
Failure to recognise relationships between function <strong>and</strong> quality of life etc.. to<br />
reach suitable solutions.<br />
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Objective six – Vitality of town centres<br />
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Issues of ‘blight’ in some central areas.<br />
Document foes not reflect reality on the ground – Kingston Mills for example is not<br />
currently in planning but is actually underway <strong>and</strong> being developed.<br />
Difficulty in convincing public that economic development/regeneration is<br />
underway.<br />
No mention of ‘priority of people’ scheme.<br />
Objective seven – High quality built environment<br />
<br />
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Planning policies should protect settlement as a whole.<br />
Balance to be sought with conservation areas so that they do not act as constraint<br />
against achievement in other areas.<br />
Other points of interest – References to outside of Bradford on Avon<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Smaller development in villages could be welcomed in some instances i.e. school<br />
population etc; 114 around four villages is this enough?<br />
Village development could enforce more shared demographic spread to ensure<br />
school numbers for example.<br />
Agreement that Limpley Stoke is limited <strong>and</strong> constraints of green belt are correct.<br />
Discussion two<br />
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Agreed site.<br />
Should have eastern access although topography would make it v expensive to<br />
cater for 150 homes.<br />
Why such a large development <strong>and</strong> not spread.<br />
Pitched against dispersed employment.<br />
Employment l<strong>and</strong> is not suggested alone only as mixed – Why can the l<strong>and</strong> not<br />
just be employment.<br />
Greenbelt policies – are they going to qualified through or protected by further<br />
development.<br />
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Group three<br />
Discussion one<br />
Prioritising objectives:<br />
Addressing climate change – key objective.<br />
Not necessarily a need to provide employment space if transport links enhanced.<br />
Need to underst<strong>and</strong> skills in order to improve the economy.<br />
Opportunities for smaller knowledge based businesses to establish a niche. We<br />
need to provide what they need, for example, office space.<br />
Poorish retail offer. Kingston Mill will improve convenience. Supermarkets are not<br />
necessarily the answer.<br />
Growth of business spend is important.<br />
Vitality of urban centres is important.<br />
Smaller more affordable housing needed. There should be a self-containment<br />
policy for affordable housing.<br />
Sustainable transport – it’s the right size to promote walking <strong>and</strong> cycling. Need<br />
more employment locally.<br />
Train needs to be improved. Limited routes. Direct to Chippenham is missing.<br />
Opening of previous stations, for example, Holt would be good. Need increasing<br />
frequency. A circular route to Chippenham would be good. Need space for bikes<br />
on the trains.<br />
A network of cycleways would be good, for example, from BoA to surrounding<br />
villages.<br />
Need to protect the natural <strong>and</strong> built environment.<br />
Discussion 2<br />
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Preference for mixed use. Need small units that are good for business. ‘Easy in<br />
easy out’ terms would be good.<br />
Current development site is vague. Details need to be developed.<br />
No warehousing.<br />
Shortage of premises for artists.<br />
There are two companies in need of expansion.<br />
Strategic site for employment? Housing all infill/windfall?<br />
Should have early dialogue on biodiversity input, for example, from the Wildlife<br />
Trust.<br />
Low carbon housing – need a different product to suit BoA. Include affordable<br />
housing, tenure <strong>and</strong> mix.<br />
Car free?<br />
There’s not enough detail on renewable infrastructure.<br />
Need to start infrastructure planning now includuing adaption of the existing built<br />
environment.<br />
Aspiration to go beyond current climate change st<strong>and</strong>ards, for example, relating to<br />
air quality.<br />
Need a higher proportion of developer contributions.<br />
The northern site is better than the southern site as it has significant employment<br />
l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> renewables.<br />
Pinch points are an issue – Staverton Bridge, town centre bridge etc….<br />
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Bradford on Avon workshop notes (additional notes)<br />
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Don’t want a plan to address flood risk (not around here); the area is not really at<br />
risk of flooding (only localised flooding).<br />
But, some shops <strong>and</strong> houses do get flooded quite frequently/ Make sure the EA<br />
talks to all the different relevant parties.<br />
Climate change is a key objective. What needs to be done in BoA? The<br />
consultation document doesn’t mention Climate Friendly Bradford. The town has<br />
a Carbon Neutral target for 2050 (the Sustainability Appraisal says it is for 2030).<br />
What does climate change mean in relation to the Core Strategy?<br />
Need to look at the potentials for renewable energy.<br />
Opportunities for hydro power in BoA.<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>2026</strong> appears to be a st<strong>and</strong> alone document / it needs to be joined up/<br />
doesn’t suggest it is interrelated with national policy etc.<br />
BoA could be energy self sufficient.<br />
Need to take a strategic view. Not just an historic town. Danger of overlooking<br />
obvious. Need to consider economic development/ town is more than just a centre<br />
to be conserved/ the town needs to function.<br />
Concern over using the term ‘constraints’/ some constraints are assets. We need<br />
a <strong>Wiltshire</strong> view not the PPS view.<br />
Need to ensure policy to emerge from the LDF process is efficient <strong>and</strong> effective.<br />
Need to consider the vitality of the town centre. We need regeneration in BoA; this<br />
is not reflected by this document. Kingston Mill has planning permission. New<br />
office space etc. The new bridge will not be to a housing estate but to mixed use<br />
development with employment <strong>and</strong> such like.<br />
The Priority for People initiative is very important/ not mentioned in the report/ if<br />
read the document would believe that nothing is going on/ this is not the case.<br />
One priority is to ensure planning policy is in place to create re-use/ ensure that<br />
the historic environment does not stop regeneration.<br />
Of the 48 options considered in the SA/ 46 of them are likely to result in a<br />
significant adverse effect in relation to climate change. BoA is one of the two that<br />
is likely to deliver a significant positive impact in relation to climate change.<br />
Also need to consider the rest of the community area. Might have a different<br />
perspective on the objectives to the town. Affordable housing is a key priority in<br />
most of the smaller villages. Need to keep primary schools open etc.<br />
The allocation is too small/ certainly for the villages. Lots of pressure on village<br />
schools as not enough people in the villages with children/ houses not affordable.<br />
Need to sustain community life/ village life/ the primary schools are important local<br />
resources. Holt, Westwood, Winsley, Staverton, all need more housing/ but<br />
probably not Limpley Stoke though.<br />
Also need to consider what proportion of housing to go to Starverton. Huge<br />
difference between this village <strong>and</strong> others. Also big difference between Holt <strong>and</strong><br />
the others. Staverton is really part of Trowbridge.<br />
Preferred option/ yes agree/ but should be mixed use/ perhaps mainly<br />
employment/ need connections – maybe road into Kingston Mill.<br />
Agree Golf Course site is wrong site. Apparently application has been withdrawn.<br />
The document makes good sense/ the arguments set out are well structured.<br />
Why should all development go on one site? Why not spread on number of sites?<br />
Could have an ‘Enquiry by Design’ on Preferred Option. Need proper<br />
consultation.<br />
Not many people in the town would be worried about some infringement of the<br />
Greenbelt on a limited scale. Will the Greenbelt be looked at through the Core<br />
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Strategy process? Summit Chairs needs to exp<strong>and</strong>/ why not have a small<br />
infringement into the Greenbelt?<br />
Need to preserve green corridor along the river (golf course).<br />
Some concern that other sites have been left out.<br />
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Calne community area<br />
4.36 Headline statistics<br />
Key issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities<br />
Supporting 1<br />
Supporting with conditions 1<br />
Objecting 4<br />
General comments 6<br />
How much we expect the community area to change by <strong>2026</strong><br />
Supporting 0<br />
Supporting with conditions 3<br />
Objecting 5<br />
General comments 5<br />
Strategic site allocations<br />
Supporting 1<br />
Supporting with conditions 2<br />
Objecting 6<br />
General comments 4<br />
Other comments relating to this community area.<br />
Supporting 0<br />
Supporting with conditions 1<br />
Objecting 0<br />
General comments 8<br />
Total number of comments relating to Calne: 47<br />
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4.37 Issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities: comments<br />
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Agreement that traffic congestion is a key issue (6 responses). The<br />
pedestrinisation of a short key access road has caused the congestion. Puts<br />
people off shopping in the centre.<br />
One response does not agree that traffic congestion is an issue. It should not be<br />
a constraint to appropriately designed development. New development offers the<br />
opportunity to improve public transport <strong>and</strong> modal shift.<br />
Villages to the north of Calne experience higher traffic due to traffic seeking<br />
routes to <strong>and</strong> from the M4.<br />
Support that growth should be connected to town centre by means other than the<br />
private car.<br />
There is a lack of alternative transport means <strong>and</strong> cycle routes. The cycle network<br />
needs improving.<br />
Calne town centre is severed from the satellite villages for non-motorised travel.<br />
The A4 <strong>and</strong> S<strong>and</strong> Farm quarry isolate Cherill <strong>and</strong> Compton Basset <strong>and</strong> the A4<br />
<strong>and</strong> A3102 isolate Derry Hill <strong>and</strong> Hilmarton. Cycle routes should be improved<br />
including national route 403. There is also dem<strong>and</strong> for cycle track adjacent to the<br />
A4. Abberd Brook path offers an artery for residents wanting to travel into the<br />
centre but links from the path through the town centre <strong>and</strong> to schools are poor.<br />
There is an opportunity to reduce traffic congestion by the construction of a<br />
number of short links.<br />
Calne needs a transport strategy <strong>and</strong> working group. It needs a transport hub.<br />
There are traffic issues in Hilmarton.<br />
Calne does not have adequate services.<br />
Access to work, services, leisure <strong>and</strong> education is poor.<br />
The potential closure of Lyneham will have a direct impact on Calne in regard to<br />
loss of employment opportunities <strong>and</strong> an increase in housing stock. The impact<br />
should be assessed before housing numbers are confirmed (3 responses).<br />
Calne has attracted important employers in recent years <strong>and</strong> is not a dormitory<br />
town.<br />
Calne cannot attract large scale employers. They’re more likely to choose<br />
Chippenham or Swindon.<br />
There are empty <strong>and</strong> boarded up shops in the town centre in view of the road<br />
which does not encourage visitors to stop. The range of shops is limited. The<br />
centre needs tidying up.<br />
There should be better awareness of long-term cutting-edge planning.<br />
The overprovision of housing <strong>and</strong> under provision of employment causes out<br />
commuting <strong>and</strong> growth should not occur until this is in balance.<br />
Additional growth won’t encourage people to work <strong>and</strong> shop in Calne but will<br />
increase travel.<br />
Calne is affected by its dormitory relationship with Chippenham.<br />
The current structure of Calne should be maintained.<br />
Need emphasis on the right level of retail provision between the market towns.<br />
Calne should improve its tourist offer.<br />
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4.38 Change <strong>and</strong> delivery: comments<br />
Traffic needs to be taken away from the town centre. Calls for an eastern bypass<br />
to do this. This would allow normal traffic to circumnavigate Calne as well as the<br />
HGV traffic going to S<strong>and</strong>pit Lane.<br />
An eastern bypass would remove heavy traffic form the town, improve<br />
environmental conditions, improve safety <strong>and</strong> reduce the burden on overwhelmed<br />
infrastructure.<br />
National Cycle Route 403 should be completed.<br />
Concern too high an increase in employment l<strong>and</strong> will lead to more trips on the<br />
Strategic Road Network.<br />
Growth needs to incorporate sustainable transport links into the town centre.<br />
The potential for a longer-term eastern bypass should be investigated (3<br />
responses).<br />
An eastern bypass is not a realistic option (1 response).<br />
An eastern bypass should not be dismissed just because there is not enough<br />
housing development. It should be publicly funded.<br />
Calne Town <strong>Council</strong> have recently carried out a public consultation on the level of<br />
growth for Calne. This proposed two options; (A) maintain the status quo with<br />
slow growth, or (B) a higher level of growth that could potentially facilitate<br />
infrastructure provision. Calne Town <strong>Council</strong> have confirmed that the responses<br />
to their consultation are in favour of the first option: maintaining the status quo (A).<br />
More employment l<strong>and</strong> required. Extension to Portemarsh Industrial Estate in<br />
public control.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
More variation in employment type is required, particularly IT <strong>and</strong> electronics.<br />
Support for prioritising the delivery of services <strong>and</strong> facilities <strong>and</strong> increasing selfcontainment.<br />
Need the critical mass to support community services, retail <strong>and</strong><br />
employment.<br />
Existing facilities <strong>and</strong> infrastructure should be consolidated first.<br />
The infrastructure is needed before the development occurs.<br />
Infrastructure should include power, water, lo carbon travel, culture, art green<br />
infrastructure.<br />
Growth won’t encourage people to work / shop in Calne but will increase travel.<br />
Support growth that supports services, regeneration, retail, public transport,<br />
leisure/ sports.<br />
Due to economic climate some commitments may not come forward. Consider<br />
other sites.<br />
Additional growth should be sought. An additional 915 dwellings should be<br />
supplied.<br />
Development should be delayed for five years until the outcome of Lyneham is<br />
known.<br />
4.39 Strategic site options: comments<br />
Support for the preferred option:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Support for the preferred option (four responses).<br />
It is not constrained <strong>and</strong> relates well to the town centre.<br />
Phasing is necessary to allow the necessary improvement in facilities to be<br />
provided.<br />
It should include a walking <strong>and</strong> cycling network including links to the town centre<br />
<strong>and</strong> schools, street layouts that maximise priority to pedestrians <strong>and</strong> cyclists,<br />
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<br />
<br />
provision for cycle parking including dwellings designed to include safe storage,<br />
<strong>and</strong> interventions to encourage reductions in car use.<br />
Further consideration needs to be given to the historic l<strong>and</strong>fill located in part of the<br />
preferred option.<br />
The preferred option should also include l<strong>and</strong> labelled 1a as it can provide for the<br />
first phase of an eastern relief road.<br />
Objection to the preferred option:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Objection to the preferred option (three responses).<br />
It would encourage more road traffic.<br />
The preferred option is not appropriate for housing use. There would be noise<br />
<strong>and</strong> transport issues caused by nearby heavy industrial use.<br />
It is ideally located for employment use because it offers existing road<br />
infrastructure for HGVs <strong>and</strong> other traffic movements associated with employment<br />
l<strong>and</strong>, it offers optimal access from Calne to the M4 <strong>and</strong> it is adjacent to<br />
Portemarsh Industrial Estate <strong>and</strong> l<strong>and</strong> at Beaversbrook offering the opportunity to<br />
consolidate access <strong>and</strong> services.<br />
One large development would exacerbate traffic issues.<br />
Consideration should be given to preferring a number of smaller sites rather than<br />
one urban extension.<br />
Alternative sites:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
L<strong>and</strong> on the northern bypass opposite the current housing development.<br />
L<strong>and</strong> south east of Calne at Quemerford. This could be part of a package to<br />
deliver an eastern bypass or it could come forward as a small st<strong>and</strong> alone<br />
development. The combined sites could provide 850 dwellings, community uses,<br />
open space <strong>and</strong> employment l<strong>and</strong> together with the first phase of an eastern relief<br />
road.<br />
150 dwellings on l<strong>and</strong> at Silver Street. This can be delivered within 5 years <strong>and</strong> is<br />
unconstrained. 50 dwellings on l<strong>and</strong> at Wenhill Heights. This can be delivered<br />
within 5 years. These two sites can deliver smaller scale urban extensions along<br />
with a potential town park <strong>and</strong> potential town allotments on nearby l<strong>and</strong>.<br />
L<strong>and</strong> at Marden Farm.<br />
Option 3 is not affected by restrictive designations <strong>and</strong> offers the opportunity for<br />
good transport links.<br />
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4.40 Settlement hierarchy: comments<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
There is support for the market town designation in Calne (2 responses).<br />
Calne has service deficiencies <strong>and</strong> therefore should not be designated a policy B<br />
settlement.<br />
The housing allocation should be increased by 915 dwellings.<br />
4.41 Housing distribution: comments<br />
4.42 Calne community area: respondents<br />
Organisations<br />
C G Fry <strong>and</strong> Son<br />
Calne Area Transport<br />
CCAP<br />
CPRE (Wilts)<br />
Fisher G LLP<br />
Gleeson Strategic l<strong>and</strong><br />
Hills UK Ltd<br />
Persimmon Homes<br />
Sarsen Housing Association<br />
Calne Area Board<br />
Calne Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
CPRE (N Wilts <strong>and</strong> Swindon)<br />
Environment Agency (Wessex)<br />
Gleeson developments<br />
Highways Agency<br />
MoD<br />
Redrow Homes Ltd<br />
Sustrans<br />
Individuals<br />
Cllr A Hill<br />
Colin Pearson<br />
Jane <strong>and</strong> Chris Nicholson Jane <strong>and</strong> Chris Nicholson<br />
Linda Jenkins<br />
Mr Matt Moore<br />
Robert Hitchens<br />
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Calne exhibition notes 1 December 2009<br />
Board four: How do we deliver the vision for <strong>Wiltshire</strong>?<br />
Q: Do you agree with the objectives?<br />
In response to objective 5 – Derelict sites from Phelps Parade to market area –<br />
back to Pippin <strong>and</strong> rear of A4, needs to be addressed to improve the town centre.<br />
Objective 4 – Worry about increase in homes <strong>and</strong> whether schools, doctors etc.<br />
can cope.<br />
Clear regeneration plan for market towns needed.<br />
Board 5 Q: Do you agree with the proposed settlement hierarchy?<br />
Q: Do you agree with the distribution of numbers to market towns?<br />
<br />
<br />
Rural policy – How to define local? Wiltsshire <strong>Council</strong> links to parish plans. How<br />
can the core strategy support local initiatives?<br />
Parish Plan Survey. Cherhill – no more infill. Yatesbury – some additional<br />
growth. Local affordable homes needed – what is affordable?<br />
Board eleven<br />
Employment in Calne minimal causing traffic on surrounding roads especially A4.<br />
This town has grown enough already, we need more jobs not more houses.<br />
Otherwise those living here will have to go elsewhere for work.<br />
The site is near Portemarsh Industrial Estate <strong>and</strong> employment <strong>and</strong> transport to<br />
<strong>and</strong> from Calne is good. To support a larger population in Calne we need a larger<br />
number <strong>and</strong> variety of shops, more employment should also be encouraged.<br />
Please note the name of the industrial area adjacent to preferred option. This<br />
may indicate the reason for the chosen site being so frequently under water. Is<br />
the existing drainage system adequate to take the rain off from the hard surfaces<br />
that would replace the open fields? Is the existing sewage system capable of<br />
dealing with 500 extra houses? If not what provision will be made? What part of<br />
the plan deals with provision of more employment for the growth in population?<br />
The same question arises regarding facilities in the town centre.<br />
Junction improvements on Curzon Street onto the A4 – possible one way system.<br />
Need to find out more about traffic. Volume of lorries unacceptable. Increase in<br />
lorries to <strong>and</strong> from Hills because of the way the business is changing <strong>and</strong><br />
increase in recycling. Movement on A4 day <strong>and</strong> night unacceptable <strong>and</strong> clashes<br />
with local traffic.<br />
Infilling in small villages where the current population not sufficient to have good<br />
community action. Village halls should be encouraged particularly in very small<br />
villages.<br />
Water voles in Abberd Brook east of housing third field along. Flood relief<br />
required.<br />
Need to find a way of getting people to stop in Calne/shop in Calne <strong>and</strong> not go<br />
outside.<br />
Agree generally with all the bullet points. Should include encouraging sustainable<br />
transport such as cycling <strong>and</strong> walking safely instead of car usage.<br />
Level of lorries on A4 makes cycling <strong>and</strong> walking unsafe. Joint use of<br />
pavements?<br />
Parking <strong>and</strong> lining review delays. Response to safety issues on Station Road<br />
slow. Parking on A4 e.of Calne <strong>and</strong> road too narrow for cyclists.<br />
Encourage more people to use cycles, walk, public transport.<br />
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Serious traffic congestion at Sliver Street already. Too close to school –<br />
children’s safety.<br />
Calne needs to develop a coherent cycle network especially to schools.<br />
Curzon Street needs sorting out. The traffic jams up.<br />
Encourage people not to use cars for short journeys – cycling <strong>and</strong> walking by safe<br />
routes.<br />
Following the exhibition on 1 December at Calne Town Hall the exhibition was moved<br />
to the community hub shop in Calne for the whole of December. People working in<br />
the hub said that a lot of people came in to look at the exhibition, asked questions<br />
<strong>and</strong> were referred on to the council. However, there was a general feeling that people<br />
didn’t underst<strong>and</strong> what it was all about <strong>and</strong> left without making comment. Technical<br />
language <strong>and</strong> non user-friendly presentation were problems. Some comments<br />
included the opinion: ‘It is not an eastern bypass that is needed as much as an A4<br />
bypass. If the Str<strong>and</strong> were blocked the town would be cut in half. Why does a bypass<br />
depend on population growth? It is through traffic that is the issue.’<br />
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4.43 Corsham community area<br />
4.44 Headline statistics<br />
Key issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities<br />
Supporting 1<br />
Supporting with conditions 2<br />
Objecting 7<br />
General comments 3<br />
How much we expect the community area to change by <strong>2026</strong><br />
Supporting 2<br />
Supporting with conditions 3<br />
Objecting 7<br />
General comments 3<br />
Strategic Site Allocations<br />
Supporting 0<br />
Supporting with conditions 2<br />
Objecting 9<br />
General comments 7<br />
Other comments relating to this community area<br />
Supporting 0<br />
Supporting with conditions 3<br />
Objecting 6<br />
General comments 11<br />
Total number of comments relating to Corsham: 74<br />
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Issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities: comments<br />
Areas of agreement:<br />
<br />
<br />
The need to reduce out commuting <strong>and</strong> congestion as well as improving self<br />
containment of Corsham is agreed.<br />
There is considerable potential for growth - which needs to be sustainable <strong>and</strong><br />
encourage self containment as proposed. However this could be greater than<br />
envisaged – what about the MoD sites?<br />
Areas of disagreement <strong>and</strong> concern:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Corsham is an average sized market town – not small. Figures quoted are<br />
inaccurate. Population was 10.780 in 2001, but since then there has been<br />
significant house building.<br />
Economic Base is not narrow, but includes ICT, food <strong>and</strong> media companies, as<br />
well as military.<br />
Need to re-open the railway station not acknowledged clearly enough. The council<br />
should lead on this.<br />
Leisure provision not mentioned once.<br />
Push for specific targets <strong>and</strong> actions on sustainability. We lag behind many<br />
European countries.<br />
General comments:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Corsham already has sufficient retail <strong>and</strong> other services to act as a hub for<br />
outlying villages. This role needs to be recognised explicitly.<br />
New housing should be kept strictly in balance with employment growth. New<br />
houses should be restricted to affordable units <strong>and</strong> potentially also a Retirement<br />
Village for the elderly.<br />
Some executive housing may be needed for top ranking military personnel.<br />
The council as well as new development should enable the expansion of<br />
sustainable transport modes – for example the National Cycle Network <strong>and</strong><br />
cycling facilities at the Railway Station (if implemented). There is a great deal of<br />
potential for sustainable transport in Corsham, with schemes already part-built<br />
<strong>and</strong> needing to be linked up. The Core Strategy needs to discuss with Sustrans<br />
<strong>and</strong> mention this in the Core Strategy.<br />
The plan is hard to use, relying on cross referencing documents. This is especially<br />
true of the electronic version. It would be appreciated if clarity of text, <strong>and</strong><br />
especially maps, could be improved in subsequent drafts. Unwieldy <strong>and</strong><br />
frustrating.<br />
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4.45 Change <strong>and</strong> delivery: comments<br />
<br />
Employment uses on MoD l<strong>and</strong> supported, existing employment l<strong>and</strong> should be<br />
retained <strong>and</strong> not given over to residential use.<br />
Areas of disagreement <strong>and</strong> concern:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Greater scale of development needed to provide the critical mass necessary for<br />
self containment.<br />
Growth should be limited to be within capacity of the Strategic Road Network<br />
(Highways Agency). Some concerns over this.<br />
Corsham lies within the statutory height safeguarding zone surrounding RAF<br />
Colerne.<br />
General comments:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Open countryside between Corsham <strong>and</strong> other villages should be protected.<br />
The town has potential for considerable degree of renewable energy generation<br />
including solar, wind <strong>and</strong> bio-mass. A demonstration project could be<br />
commissioned.<br />
Distinctiveness <strong>and</strong> separate identity of Box not recognised.<br />
Development should aim to raise quality overall <strong>and</strong> support the historic core. This<br />
is not clear enough as an aim.<br />
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4.46 Strategic site options: comments<br />
Areas of disagreement <strong>and</strong> concern:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Objections to the preferred option <strong>and</strong> suggest sites at:<br />
L<strong>and</strong> East of Leafield Trading Estate (Persimmon).<br />
Proposal for site at Ladbrook Lane (Wills).<br />
Copenacre <strong>and</strong> Rudloe (GVA Grimley <strong>and</strong> Box Parish <strong>Council</strong>)Part of the housing<br />
numbers relate to a care home (a C2 use not C3) at Royal Arthur Park, <strong>and</strong><br />
should not be included in the figures. Housing target at the west of Corsham site<br />
consequently needs to be increased to 260 homes, or more alternative sites<br />
found.<br />
General comments:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Open countryside between Corsham <strong>and</strong> other villages should be protected.<br />
National Grid Requests that design of schemes takes accounts of their power<br />
lines, which apparently cross the preferred site.<br />
L<strong>and</strong>scape <strong>and</strong> separation form nearby settlements is an issue with the proposed<br />
option <strong>and</strong> would need to be sensitively h<strong>and</strong>led.<br />
Need to ensure sustainable transport links between new development, Corsham<br />
centre <strong>and</strong> surrounding settlements.<br />
Section 106 agreements should be used to secure community benefit /<br />
infrastructure from development. This is necessary in order to enhance selfcontainment<br />
<strong>and</strong> reduce out-commuting.<br />
4.47 Settlement hierarchy: comments<br />
Areas of disagreement <strong>and</strong> concern:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Need to ensure sustainable transport Areas of Agreement.<br />
MoD sites in Corsham could allow significant growth <strong>and</strong> would support plan<br />
objectives in terms of encouraging self-containment <strong>and</strong> broadening the<br />
employment base.<br />
Settlement Hierarchy is too rigid a concept.<br />
Status of Corsham is wrong – should be of higher status. In particular, it should be<br />
listed in Paragraph 4.16 as being capable of accommodating development.<br />
Plan seems insular <strong>and</strong> does not link well with other councils outside of its<br />
administrative boundaries.<br />
General comments:<br />
<br />
MoD sites in Corsham could allow significant Need to build in sufficient flexibility<br />
to allow for normal <strong>and</strong> organic growth.<br />
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4.48 Housing distribution: Comments<br />
Areas of disagreement / concern:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Numbers too low – especially for affordable housing.<br />
Potential of MoD sites not quantified <strong>and</strong> impact underestimated. Basil Hill<br />
development by the military in particular will encourage dem<strong>and</strong> for new housing<br />
in the town.<br />
Need to encourage specialist <strong>and</strong> novel housing solutions – e.g. Live/Work, rural<br />
enterprise workshops / technology etc. Overall Housing allocation for Corsham<br />
seems unclear.<br />
4.49 Corsham community area: respondents<br />
Organisations<br />
Box Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Broadway Malyan<br />
Carter Jonas<br />
Corsham Civic Society<br />
CPRE (N Wilts <strong>and</strong> Swindon)<br />
Gleeson Developments Ltd<br />
GVA Grimley<br />
Hartham Park<br />
MOD<br />
Rail Future Severnside<br />
Sustrans<br />
Box Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Campaign for Better Transport<br />
Colerne Industrial Estate<br />
Corsham Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
Defence Estates<br />
Gleeson Strategic L<strong>and</strong><br />
Hannick Homes<br />
Highways Agency<br />
Persimmon Homes<br />
Spring Park Corsham Ltd<br />
Transition Community Corsham<br />
Individuals<br />
Iain Stevenson<br />
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4.50 Corsham community area: notes from exhibitions <strong>and</strong> events<br />
Corsham exhibition<br />
12 November 2009<br />
General<br />
<br />
Why allow Welsh rubbish to be brought here. It is hardly environmental?<br />
Options<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The grey preferred option along Lypiatt Road is a buffer between the settlement of<br />
Corsham <strong>and</strong> Neston.<br />
I would question the lack of Grade 2 l<strong>and</strong>. Surrounding Great Lypiatt. That which<br />
borders Lypiatt. Road is equally good quality according to the farmer !!!!<br />
No. 8 Corsham – Protection of open countryside between Corsham <strong>and</strong> Rudloe<br />
<strong>and</strong> Westwells. There will not be any OPEN countryside left according to the<br />
plans.<br />
Environmental constraints map<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Not environmental constraints but ASSETS to be exploited for benefit of local<br />
community/ tourism.<br />
Local Copenaire military l<strong>and</strong> (not shown). Where <strong>and</strong> what is the battlefield?<br />
It is difficult to underst<strong>and</strong> the area of Grade 2. Listed l<strong>and</strong> as much of the h<strong>and</strong><br />
around Lypiatt Farm is equally good. Ex-Farmer.<br />
SA issues<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Support Credit Unions.<br />
That will be the day!!! A secure funding stream <strong>and</strong> budget.<br />
How? Buses are inconvenient. And trains far too expensive.<br />
Good start with market, but creating enough local jobs isn’t possible. Corsham is<br />
really badly served by direct transport links. The buses are far too difficult to use<br />
with wide timetable gaps <strong>and</strong> not knowing how long you need to wait. So buses<br />
are empty followed by 100 cars going the same direction with just a driver.<br />
Increase teacher to pupil ratio in first 2 years of school so children benefit from<br />
high levels of input.<br />
Specially agree to No 6 <strong>and</strong> 11 <strong>and</strong> 15 (need an Action Plan not just issues).<br />
Is it true that our rubbish is driven to Slough for combustion? Can we have<br />
doorstep food waste collection as this will encourage recycling as waste product<br />
seem cleaner to h<strong>and</strong>le.<br />
Restrict domestication by certain invasive species, e.g. squirrels, Fa. Tail<br />
Pigeons, badgers, rabbits, rats!<br />
Again – address the travel deprivation of Corsham compared to residents of BoA<br />
who are rail rich which is great social leveller.<br />
Please don’t talk about sustainable waste management proposals! Having trialled<br />
with 70+ others across <strong>Wiltshire</strong> for over a year with a good hierarchy agreed<br />
what did WCC go – enter into yet another contract with Hills Waste! Again,<br />
consultation feedback ignored.<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> appears to be doing nothing positive towards reversing the trend in<br />
Climate Change. We have no windturbines, no food waste digesters or even<br />
recycling plants – everything is sent out, increasing CO2 emmissions.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
Promote rail positively instead of WCC’s A350 road schemes. Invest in TransWilts<br />
for a start <strong>and</strong> support Corsham’s much needed rail link to Bath & Bristol.<br />
How? The problem is being able to keep houses affordable. Not always terraced<br />
for affordable homes, gardens are needed for children to play in <strong>and</strong> parents to<br />
relax <strong>and</strong> grow things in e.g. veg & flowers.<br />
Too many houses already, should be none for immigrants.<br />
Poster four - How do we deliver the vision for <strong>Wiltshire</strong>?<br />
Strongly agree with No. 7.<br />
Poster five – Where are new homes being proposed?<br />
<br />
<br />
No there are too many houses!<br />
Stick to max of 100 for Corsham please.<br />
Poster seven – What do we already know about Corsham community<br />
area?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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Employment sites need to be retained to make the most of this opportunity to<br />
reduce out-commuting.<br />
More promotion of Corsham as a tourist location through Enjoy-Engl<strong>and</strong>-Visit-<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong>.<br />
No mention of age distribution. I suspect we are seeing an increase in the<br />
numbers of elderly people, with families living some distance away. They need<br />
improved access to public <strong>and</strong> medical services <strong>and</strong> public transport, plus<br />
possibly special housing needs.<br />
The description of Corsham within the strategy is dire. I do not need to leave<br />
Corsham for our family’s needs.<br />
MoD l<strong>and</strong> includes l<strong>and</strong> between Westwells Park Lane <strong>and</strong> Hudswell, also l<strong>and</strong><br />
adjoining Pockeredge Farm, which will encourage the cojoining of Corsham &<br />
Westwells. D. Stevenson, 8 Hatton Way, Corsham. Please keep an eye on this<br />
8 Hatton Way, Corsham. Concern about MoD at Basil Hill. So many people <strong>and</strong><br />
MoD personnel will be employed here. Prime target for terrorist attacks since<br />
C.C.C was moved from underground security. D. Stevenson.<br />
What do you have in mind for redundant MoD sites at Copenaire <strong>and</strong> Rudloe.<br />
Roads will not take increased traffic from development. David Bowen- Jones, The<br />
Lodge, Crosskeys, Corsham. SN13 ODT.<br />
It’s not the out-commuting that’s the problem – it’s how people are outcommuting,<br />
by car! We need public transport that serves all shift workers <strong>and</strong> all<br />
pleasure seekers too.<br />
Poster eight - How does <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>2026</strong> expect Corsham to change?<br />
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This would be nice but preferred housing options on map on Table 1 seem to<br />
conflict with this!<br />
Housing development contradicts this!<br />
With the MoD <strong>and</strong> related PFI activities here for the next 25 years as a key part of<br />
their strategic plans – why does the council classify Corsham as not for strategic<br />
workplace provision?<br />
More specialist shops <strong>and</strong> parking needed for use of cars. Now in Corsham after<br />
Pockeridge development (400 x 2 cars =1,200 cars).<br />
Corsham has individual shops not large chains. It needs to retain this.<br />
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Corsham station – discussions with Network Rail NOW – Katherine Park, Basil<br />
Hill, Data Storage – come on <strong>Wiltshire</strong>!<br />
Poster eleven - The initial options comprised:<br />
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Limit housing development please.<br />
Poster twelve - The preferred option<br />
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Corsham is really badly served by affordable public transport, especially at night.<br />
Evening events in Bath & Chippenham often end much later than our buses run<br />
through.<br />
Corsham needs its station back. Can the LTP support platform <strong>and</strong> station<br />
investment to support Network Rail’s Chippenham-Bristol shuttle service<br />
proposal? It should.<br />
Shift workers need better transport at all times, frequent services to decrease the<br />
reliance on cars. We have far too many cars per household in Corsham due to 30<br />
years + of badly serving buses.<br />
Please open Corsham Station – we have been waiting years …<br />
Until the stations reinstated, we need better lines to Chippenham Station. Evening<br />
bus services need improving badly.<br />
Poster thirteen - Why is transport important?<br />
<br />
These principles are fine, but we need an integrated strategy for the Community<br />
Area to provide the detail. The real paths to a more sustainable future: local<br />
employment, public travel networks, cycle paths, renewable energy micro<br />
generation, local food production <strong>and</strong> tree planting.<br />
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4.51 Devizes community area<br />
4.52 Headline statistics<br />
Key issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities<br />
Supporting 2<br />
Supporting with conditions 6<br />
Objecting 6<br />
General comments 11<br />
How much we expect the community area to change by <strong>2026</strong><br />
Supporting 3<br />
Supporting with conditions 5<br />
Objecting 3<br />
General comments 6<br />
Strategic site allocations<br />
Supporting 0<br />
Supporting with conditions 4<br />
Objecting 17<br />
General comments 5<br />
Other comments relating to this community area.<br />
Supporting 1<br />
Supporting with conditions 3<br />
Objecting 3<br />
General comments 15<br />
Total number of comments relating to Devizes: 90<br />
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4.53 Issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities: comments<br />
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The issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities identified for the settlements / hinterl<strong>and</strong> of Devizes<br />
present a fair reflection of the character <strong>and</strong> challenges facing them over the next<br />
twenty years.<br />
The key role of Devizes should be underlined <strong>and</strong> poor supply of employment<br />
l<strong>and</strong> stressed.<br />
The strategic focus of the document is unclear; it seems to be trying to do too<br />
much. The Core Strategy should be more clearly focused on the strategic spatial<br />
options.<br />
Strategic issues for Devizes are topography, peripheral expansion <strong>and</strong><br />
opportunities for mixed use regeneration in an accessible central area.<br />
The Assize Court <strong>and</strong> use of the Wharf area are important for the future of the<br />
town. There is an opportunity for more tourism development on this site.<br />
Plans to redevelop the Wharf area should be resisted, particularly for housing.<br />
Development of the Wharf should be for leisure to benefit Devizes <strong>and</strong> attract<br />
tourists.<br />
The untapped potential of the central area is a strategic issue.<br />
The Wharf area <strong>and</strong> the old hospital site are very important sites which could<br />
greatly enhance the town for both locals <strong>and</strong> tourists.<br />
The severance between a satellite villages <strong>and</strong> Devizes should be identified as an<br />
issue.<br />
Reference to Market Lavington & adjacent villages is much too superficial.<br />
The infrastructure of Potterne cannot support large scale development. Support<br />
the classification of Potterne as only suitable for limited infill development.<br />
There should be reference to the small towns <strong>and</strong> larger villages which will<br />
combine with Devizes to provide the majority of the housing provision.<br />
The policy for Easterton, Market <strong>and</strong> West Lavington <strong>and</strong> Littleton Panell is not<br />
clear.<br />
Impact of traffic resulting from proposals should be recognised - would be<br />
catastrophic.<br />
The imbalance between income <strong>and</strong> cost of housing increases the amount of<br />
traffic into, through <strong>and</strong> out of Devizes <strong>and</strong> is not a sustainable way forward.<br />
The strategy is right to identify traffic congestion as a major issue.<br />
Traffic passes through town centre on unsuitable roads in competition with local<br />
traffic.<br />
Local traffic <strong>and</strong> commuting traffic has grown <strong>and</strong> is probably the biggest local<br />
concern.<br />
Highways that pass through this area are unsuitable to meet modern traffic<br />
requirements.<br />
Do not agree that sustainable development at Devizes is constrained by traffic<br />
congestion.<br />
The Kennet & Avon Canal going east is a valuable green infrastructure.<br />
There should be no further encroachment on the green space around Devizes.<br />
The steady erosion of public open space by housing is becoming a major issue.<br />
Alternatives to the car <strong>and</strong> Improvements to public transport/ walking/ will be<br />
necessary.<br />
Need to enable <strong>and</strong> encourage people to travel within the town by walking <strong>and</strong><br />
cycling.<br />
Better pedestrian connections needed from town to Wharf, Assize Courts, canal<br />
etc.<br />
Devizes could provide more growth opportunities than it is allocated in this plan.<br />
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A key issue is the need to ensure that housing development, <strong>and</strong> thus an increase<br />
in population, is synchronised with an increase in employment.<br />
Additional housing, employment <strong>and</strong> shopping will strengthen this as a<br />
sustainable town.<br />
A big mistake to replace car parks with more "big name" shops. To bring larger<br />
national retailers to the town centre would damage the essential character of the<br />
retail offering.<br />
Central car park suitable for smaller retailers, but there is a limit to the numbers of<br />
such retailers. Los of central car parking would be detrimental unless good<br />
alternative found.<br />
Improve empty stores/spaces on the streets so we keep integrity of the Market<br />
town intact.<br />
There should be any encroachment upon existing car park provision.<br />
Housing should not be allowed on existing employment areas.<br />
Challenge the statement that ‘Devizes provides a significant level of employment’<br />
Number of houses planned is not matched by a strategy to attract employers to<br />
the area.<br />
Allocating further l<strong>and</strong> for employment would be disastrous. Appearance of town<br />
when entering from north would become worse: a very large, unattractive<br />
industrial estate.<br />
Is there dem<strong>and</strong> for employment l<strong>and</strong> given recent appeal decision at Bureau<br />
West?<br />
There is a major problem of access to hospital facilities.<br />
Facilities are not in place to support the proposed level of growth.<br />
Infrastructure is not in place to support the proposed level of growth.<br />
Continuing loss of services should be an issue (health, police given as examples).<br />
The proposed care village should be acknowledged as an opportunity to provide a<br />
new community facility <strong>and</strong> much needed social care provision in Devizes.<br />
Development can support new facilities.<br />
The impact of development on the AONB should be properly considered.<br />
New housing built in the last decade is mostly outside Devizes <strong>and</strong> in parish of<br />
Roundway.<br />
What is meant by self containment?<br />
Devizes does not have high level of self-containment. Substantial out-commuting<br />
exists.<br />
Delivery of affordable housing not as successful as <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>2026</strong> suggests.<br />
The planned housing developments will further damage the quality of the town.<br />
Devizes needs a railway station.<br />
Process fro too complex. Material <strong>and</strong> web site needs to be clearer.<br />
The village culture <strong>and</strong> “rural feel” <strong>and</strong> characteristics of a ‘village’ should be<br />
retained <strong>and</strong> pressure to grow into a town should be resisted.<br />
Previous developments on a scale greater than neighbouring villages have<br />
caused the mass of the village (Market Lavington) to approach its upper practical<br />
limit.<br />
The medieval layout of the village (Market Lavington) should) be conserved. This<br />
layout of narrow streets makes further large-scale development impractical.<br />
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4.54 Change <strong>and</strong> delivery: comments<br />
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the Core Strategy should be about making choices.<br />
Limiting the growth of Devizes in the way proposed will restrict its economic<br />
potential <strong>and</strong> result in higher house prices <strong>and</strong> affordability issues.<br />
The core strategy should build on the strengths <strong>and</strong> advantages of Devizes <strong>and</strong><br />
be the focus for additional housing, employment, retail <strong>and</strong> community services.<br />
Additional population will place additional pressure on the Town <strong>Council</strong> services<br />
but provide no additional council tax revenue for their funding as proposed sites<br />
outside the towns boundaries.<br />
Concerned that the outward sprawl of the town <strong>and</strong> the tendency of developers to<br />
build at higher densities in the interests of profit, the basic character of the town is<br />
at risk.<br />
Support the decision to only allow limited infill in the village of Potterne.<br />
Rural communities need greater support for the young people <strong>and</strong> those raising<br />
families.<br />
The description should include some reference to how it is anticipated that the<br />
small towns <strong>and</strong> villages will change instead of neglecting them.<br />
Support the principle of increased retail provision at Devizes.<br />
No encroachment on central car park for further retail development.<br />
Additional research should be undertaken to assess the retail opportunities in<br />
Devizes to ensure that Devizes is able to maintain the ‘hustle <strong>and</strong> bustle’ of a<br />
vibrant market town.<br />
Growing traffic has not been addressed in relation to planned further<br />
development.<br />
Continuing development on London Road is a matter of concern.<br />
There is failure to address the congestion problems of the town or identify what<br />
levels of traffic any of the major roads are capable of absorbing.<br />
A relief road should also be investigated.<br />
Additional housing will compound this existing difficult traffic situation further<br />
The findings of the traffic flow assessments do not agree with most people’s<br />
experience.<br />
Additional analysis of the traffic flows are needed before major decisions are<br />
made.<br />
Concerns that ancient bridges will not be able to cope with a further increase in<br />
traffic.<br />
Agree that employment l<strong>and</strong> should be retained in town to enhance selfcontainment.<br />
Inadequate allocation of new employment l<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Some consideration ought to be given to better broadb<strong>and</strong> facilities in the town.<br />
Avoid Government Inspectors overriding the strategy <strong>and</strong> allowing residential<br />
development on carefully research employments sites.<br />
Not acceptable to encourage business to Trowbridge / Chippenham ahead of<br />
Devizes.<br />
enable the delivery of increased amounts of tourist accommodation.<br />
employment l<strong>and</strong> should be retained <strong>and</strong> additional sites considered.<br />
Expect walking <strong>and</strong> cycling within Devizes <strong>and</strong> to outlying villages to be improved<br />
by <strong>2026</strong>.<br />
Do not oppose the proposal for 700 houses.<br />
How was it decided that Devizes can accommodate so many houses?<br />
Recognise the dem<strong>and</strong> for affordable <strong>and</strong> social housing for future needs.<br />
There is a high percentage of affordable housing need.<br />
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No indication about how services will provide for the proposed additional 700<br />
houses.<br />
Capacity of the sewage treatment works.<br />
The Secondary School (market Lavington) is at capacity level, but could exp<strong>and</strong><br />
with new buildings. St Barnabas Primary currently has space for approx. 45 extra<br />
pupils.<br />
A ‘green-field’ separation between Market Lavington <strong>and</strong> the surrounding villages<br />
of West Lavington <strong>and</strong> Easterton should be retained, offering clear boundaries<br />
between the villages.<br />
The narrow roads within the village are currently causing difficulties due to the<br />
conflicting needs of passing traffic <strong>and</strong> residents needing parking spaces. There<br />
have been documented difficulties with the access of emergency vehicles within<br />
the village. Road access <strong>and</strong> junctions further out, around the periphery of the<br />
village, are not suitable for further significant traffic growth.<br />
There should be no further encroachment of building on southern side of the<br />
village <strong>and</strong> on the protected northern slopes of Salisbury Plain.<br />
Any development should be within the existing ‘envelope’ as specified on map 28<br />
of the previous ‘Kennet Local Plan’.<br />
The environmental impact of creating accommodation for commuters who work in<br />
distant towns such as Swindon, Salisbury <strong>and</strong> Trowbridge should be considered.<br />
Wessex Water has confirmed that the sewerage system for the village (Market<br />
Lavington) is close to capacity.<br />
4.55 Strategic site options: Comments<br />
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Society of Merchant Venturers consider that l<strong>and</strong> North East of Roundway Park is<br />
more appropriate to accommodate residential development in Devizes than the<br />
two larger strategic sites identified, north east <strong>and</strong> south east of Devizes.<br />
Langdale Western Ltd. consider that l<strong>and</strong> at Coate Bridge, Devizes should be<br />
included as part of the preferred option for the development of Devizes instead of<br />
the extended Bureau West site <strong>and</strong> l<strong>and</strong> to SE of Devizes.<br />
L<strong>and</strong> at Coate Bridge is close to the employment areas <strong>and</strong> town centre with the<br />
well-defined boundaries of the road <strong>and</strong> canal. When seen from the south <strong>and</strong><br />
east the new housing would be seen against the backdrop of the existing built-up<br />
area <strong>and</strong> could be softened with additional planting (l<strong>and</strong> owners comments).<br />
Further sites need to be allocated at Devizes <strong>and</strong> consider that l<strong>and</strong> at Windsor<br />
Drive is suitable, available <strong>and</strong> achievable for residential development in<br />
accordance with national <strong>and</strong> regional planning policy (Hills Group).<br />
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4.56 Settlement hierarchy: Comments<br />
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Potterne is rightly identified as a village for only limited infill for local needs.<br />
Support Devizes position in settlement hierarchy but the town should be<br />
recognised more.<br />
Limit new housing development in market towns to accommodate true local<br />
housing need as is the case in smaller villages.<br />
Justification for market town designation should give sufficient consideration to<br />
their community service role.<br />
Clarify the definition for infill in the villages.<br />
Market towns carry out a primary function in terms of providing a concentration of<br />
business, public transport links <strong>and</strong> employment <strong>and</strong> community facilities that<br />
meet the needs of the settlement <strong>and</strong> the surrounding area. This needs to be<br />
highlighted more in the settlement hierarchy.<br />
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The lower threshold for "small towns <strong>and</strong> larger villages" should be a current<br />
population of about 1,500. That would indicate the probable removal of Great<br />
Cheverell, Urchfont, <strong>and</strong> West Lavington/Littleton Pannell in the Devizes<br />
Community Area from the list <strong>and</strong> the addition of Bromham, Bishop Cannings <strong>and</strong><br />
Potterne. The lower threshold for ‘smaller villages’ should be a current population<br />
of about 900.<br />
Market Lavington should get special consideration because it is a successful<br />
economic unit.<br />
Devizes, Calne, Melksham, Warminster should have a more significant role than<br />
other market towns.<br />
Despite the growth in population, the number of shops <strong>and</strong> services in Market<br />
Lavington has been decreasing. This may be due to a lack of parking facilities<br />
driving shoppers further afield.<br />
4.57 Housing distribution: comments<br />
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The number of houses allocated to Tidworth/Luggershall is disproportionate. The<br />
number of dwellings allocated should be reduced <strong>and</strong> re-allocated to the Devizes<br />
Community Area.<br />
It is unsatisfactory that the housing assigned to Devizes (700) should be<br />
determined by the number which causes congestion to reach a critical level.<br />
Housing figures bear little relationship to local needs or the preservation of the<br />
features of true value in our communities.<br />
It is vital that the practice of ignoring incidental windfall developments is<br />
discontinued.<br />
A revised spatial distribution of growth in the east is needed which increases the<br />
proportion of development to those areas that need it most <strong>and</strong> where the<br />
opportunities exist for sustainable <strong>and</strong> self-contained development. In Devizes an<br />
increased allocation from 700 to 850 would be appropriate.<br />
The document does not recognise that Devizes is a Sustainable Policy B<br />
settlement <strong>and</strong> does not allocate enough development to Devizes.<br />
There should be an allowance of 10% for un-implemented planning permissions.<br />
The council have identified insufficient l<strong>and</strong> in East <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>and</strong> there is a need<br />
to identify l<strong>and</strong> for approximately 1500 more dwellings (based on redistribution<br />
from Tidworth/Ludgershall <strong>and</strong> rural areas <strong>and</strong> a non implememntation<br />
allowance).<br />
Planning for over 22% of the total housing requirement in East <strong>Wiltshire</strong> to be in<br />
small towns <strong>and</strong> villages is unsustainable. This number should be substantially<br />
reduced <strong>and</strong> l<strong>and</strong> allocated in more sustainable urban locations.<br />
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4.58 Devizes community area: respondents<br />
Adrian Green (Salisbury <strong>and</strong> South<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Museum)<br />
Alistair Millington (Sustrans)<br />
Andrew Le Coyte (Agent: Gary<br />
Llewellyn)<br />
Andrew Miles (LPC (Trull) Ltd)<br />
C.G. Phillips<br />
Charles Routh (Natural Engl<strong>and</strong>)<br />
Clare Crawford (Sarsen Housing<br />
Association)<br />
Alder King Planning Consultants<br />
Andrew Goves<br />
Andrew Lord (North Wessex Downs<br />
AONB)<br />
Anthony O'Hare<br />
Charles Hanson<br />
Christine Jackson<br />
<strong>Council</strong>lor Richard Gamble<br />
D. J Watson Dan Hallett (Berkeley Strategic)<br />
David <strong>and</strong> Lesley Russell<br />
David Dawson<br />
Declan McSweeney<br />
Dr M G Rodd (The Kennet <strong>and</strong> Avon<br />
Canal Trust)<br />
Hazel Simons<br />
Ian Rose<br />
Janet Giles<br />
Jenevora Searight<br />
Judy Rose<br />
Keith Thorman<br />
Langdale Western Ltd<br />
Lt Cdr J Blake (CPRE <strong>Wiltshire</strong>)<br />
M Whitehead (Urchfont Parish <strong>Council</strong>) M. Roberts (Devizes Dev. Partnership)<br />
Malcolm <strong>and</strong> Janet Tanner<br />
Margery Steel<br />
Market Lavington Parish <strong>Council</strong> Miss Katherine Burt (Environment<br />
Agency)<br />
Mr David Dawson (<strong>Wiltshire</strong><br />
Mr Edward East (Trust for Devizes)<br />
Archaeological <strong>and</strong> Natural History<br />
Society)<br />
Mr Gale <strong>and</strong> Mr Shivers (Agent: Carter Mrs C Spickernell<br />
Jonas, Iain Stevenson)<br />
Mrs Jacqui Ashman (Highways Agency) Ms Jane Hennell (British Waterways ()<br />
Ms L Llewelyn<br />
Paul Langham<br />
Paul Robinson<br />
Peter Balls<br />
Peter Little<br />
Peter Newell<br />
Philippa Morgan<br />
Rob <strong>and</strong> Ruth Edwards<br />
Sally Hoddinott (Potterne Parish Sarah Todhunter (Devizes Town <strong>Council</strong>)<br />
<strong>Council</strong>)<br />
Slater Reynolds<br />
Society of Merchant Venturers (Agent:<br />
Carter Jonas, Amy Hallam)<br />
The Crown Estate (Agent: David<br />
Fovargue, Entec UK Ltd)<br />
Thomas Searight<br />
The Hills Group (Agent: Barton Willmore,<br />
Mr Ian Mellor)<br />
Vibeke Ormerod<br />
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4.59 Devizes community area: notes from exhibitions <strong>and</strong> events<br />
The workshop that was held in Devizes identified the proposed objectives most<br />
relevant to the area as:<br />
addressing climate change<br />
providing for long term economic growth<br />
securing appropriate infrastructure <strong>and</strong> services<br />
protecting the natural <strong>and</strong> built environment<br />
Attendees<br />
Eric Clark (Bishops Cannings Parish <strong>Council</strong>)<br />
Jacky Thomas (<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Wildlife Trust)<br />
Janet Giles (Devizes Community Area Partnership)<br />
Jim Batt (Devizes Community Area Partnership & Urchfont Parish <strong>Council</strong>)<br />
Jo Curson (Greensquare)<br />
Jonathan Gale (Devizes Community Area Board Manager)<br />
Len Turner (Mid <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Economic Partnership)<br />
Lionel Grundy (<strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong>)<br />
Mitch Roberts (Devizes Development Partnership)<br />
Peter Evans (Devizes Town <strong>Council</strong>)<br />
Peter Newell (Urchfont Parish <strong>Council</strong>)<br />
Roger Chadwick (Devizes Community Area Partnership)<br />
Simon Holt (Urchfont Parish <strong>Council</strong>)<br />
Ted East (Devizes Town <strong>Council</strong>)<br />
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4.60 Malmesbury community area<br />
4.61 Headline statistics<br />
Key issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities<br />
Supporting 2<br />
Supporting with conditions 6<br />
Objecting 2<br />
General comments 5<br />
How much we expect the community area to change by <strong>2026</strong><br />
Supporting 2<br />
Supporting with conditions 3<br />
Objecting 7<br />
General comments 5<br />
Strategic site allocations<br />
Supporting 4<br />
Supporting with conditions 8<br />
Objecting 7<br />
General comments 1<br />
Other comments relating to this community area.<br />
Supporting 2<br />
Supporting with conditions 4<br />
Objecting 13<br />
General comments 7<br />
Total number of comments relating to Malmesbury: 78<br />
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Issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities: comments<br />
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There is too much emphasis on Dyson as the key employer in Malmesbury.<br />
There is a lack of small to medium sized firms. The economic base needs to be<br />
diversified.<br />
Support for the retention of the economic base that makes use of good<br />
connectivity to the M4 <strong>and</strong> A429.<br />
Support for the recognition that there are relatively high levels of in-commuting to<br />
Malmesbury. This should be used to justify more housing.<br />
Malmesbury is a commuter town for Swindon.<br />
Support for more affordable housing.<br />
Higher levels of affordable housing can only be achieved with higher levels of<br />
market housing.<br />
There is no need for more small affordable housing units.<br />
There should not be a blanket assumption about constraints in Malmesbury.<br />
Support for utilising the river corridor for green infrastructure. Water voles <strong>and</strong><br />
otters should be taken into account.<br />
It is an important tourist destination. There is a risk there will be lost if the town is<br />
extended.<br />
Consideration needs to be given to impact on the conservation area.<br />
Growth is not supported by infrastructure. The central road system <strong>and</strong> education<br />
facilities are at capacity. Better leisure services are needed.<br />
There is a lack of safe cycle routes. The road network isolates villages south east<br />
of Malmesbury from the town centre.<br />
There is a lack of local knowledge.<br />
The road network needs improving.<br />
Parking is an issue.<br />
The bus service is relatively good except for the bus service to Tetbury.<br />
The issues just relate to Malmesbury - should relate to the wider community area.<br />
The issue of severance between villages <strong>and</strong> the town centre should be added.<br />
4.62 Change <strong>and</strong> delivery: comments<br />
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The isolation of the community area means growth is essential in Malmesbury to<br />
maintain the vitality <strong>and</strong> viability of the town, the economic base <strong>and</strong> the retail<br />
function.<br />
Malmesbury is in a rural context therefore significant growth is not appropriate.<br />
A moratorium should be held on new housing for five years. This will allow<br />
infrastructure needs to be assessed.<br />
Growth should be phased.<br />
More employment is needed, not more housing. Employment base not adequate.<br />
The proposed development should be of a better mix <strong>and</strong> quality, <strong>and</strong> lower<br />
density, than the Fil<strong>and</strong>s Estate.<br />
There is a lack of infrastructure including schools, public transport <strong>and</strong> drainage.<br />
Consideration will need to be given to health facilities, power sources, culture <strong>and</strong><br />
art, green infrastructure <strong>and</strong> sewage.<br />
Substantial contributions will be needed to enhance the built <strong>and</strong> natural<br />
environment.<br />
Walking <strong>and</strong> cycling links between Malmesbury <strong>and</strong> satellite villages should be<br />
improved including use of the disused railway between Malmesbury <strong>and</strong> Little<br />
Somerford.<br />
Free parking should be introduced to the town centre to reduce decline of the<br />
town centre.<br />
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All new affordable housing should be for local people.<br />
4.63 Strategic site options: comments<br />
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Several responses (12) supported the preferred option.<br />
It is a logical extension to the school site.<br />
It will deliver affordable housing.<br />
It is the least constrained site. It is in one ownership <strong>and</strong> capable of delivery. It is<br />
close to existing housing <strong>and</strong> employment. There is capacity for a higher number<br />
on the site.<br />
The site should accommodate 225 dwellings.<br />
Careful phasing is necessary.<br />
The preferred option would need a carefully designed access <strong>and</strong> through road.<br />
It should be ensured that the development is not a repeat of the Fil<strong>and</strong>s Estate.<br />
Future development should be high quality.<br />
Future development needs to include high quality cycle <strong>and</strong> pedestrian routes,<br />
public transport <strong>and</strong> play areas. It should include a local community focus such<br />
as a pub.<br />
Adequate infrastructure must be provided.<br />
Several responses (12) objected to the preferred option.<br />
The preferred option would obstruct views from the south <strong>and</strong> east.<br />
It is not realistic to assume all 200 dwellings will be delivered within one location.<br />
Identification of an alternative housing allocation, such as a subject site, will<br />
introduce competition, increase chances of delivery <strong>and</strong> improve choice.<br />
It does not have adequate road access. Creating road access via Reeds Farm<br />
Estate will destroy its character.<br />
Loss of greenfield l<strong>and</strong>.<br />
The pedestrian route to town from the preferred option is poor.<br />
Suggested alternative sites:<br />
- L<strong>and</strong> at Burton Hill.<br />
- Development south of Malmesbury is better located for access to retail <strong>and</strong><br />
jobs in Chippenham.<br />
- L<strong>and</strong> off the B4040 to Brokenborough.<br />
- L<strong>and</strong> to the side of the White Lion Housing Estate on the old allotments.<br />
- L<strong>and</strong> off the Malmesbury to Brokenborough class C road via Backbridge.<br />
- L<strong>and</strong> adjacent to the White Lion housing estate south of Park Road <strong>and</strong> Park<br />
Lane. This site is equal in sustainability terms to the preferred option. The<br />
l<strong>and</strong> should have been assessed as a site in itself instead of part of a larger<br />
swathe of l<strong>and</strong>. It provides a logical expansion to the White Lion housing<br />
estate. It is available <strong>and</strong> deliverable within the short-term. It can<br />
accommodate 137 units.<br />
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4.64 Settlement hierarchy: Comments<br />
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Dauntsey should have limited infill.<br />
Minety should be recognised as a ‘policy C’ settlement.<br />
Development should be restrained in Ashton Keynes, Sherston, Great Somerford,<br />
Little Somerford <strong>and</strong> Luckington.<br />
Re-use of l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> buildings from windfall sites outside named rural settlements<br />
should be encouraged.<br />
The development boundaries at Luckington <strong>and</strong> Sherston should be changed.<br />
Ashton Keynes should not be in the Malmesbury Community Area.<br />
Oaksey <strong>and</strong> Great Somerford should receive a higher level of development.<br />
There are several responses (10) that are objecting to development on SHLAA<br />
sites in Great Somerford. This was not included in the consultation document <strong>and</strong><br />
no research has been carried out on these sites.<br />
The housing numbers for Malmesbury are unsustainable <strong>and</strong> not supported by<br />
the appropriate infrastructure.<br />
The housing numbers have not been developed from the bottom up using local<br />
knowledge.<br />
Additional development bears a large risk to the current benefits of Malmesbury.<br />
Growth is essential to maintain the vitality <strong>and</strong> viability of the town, to enhance<br />
employment opportunities <strong>and</strong> increase the opportunity for people to live <strong>and</strong> work<br />
in the same area. It is likely that a higher allocation is needed.<br />
The allocation of 200 homes will help to deliver affordable housing.<br />
More emphasis should be placed on Malmesbury <strong>and</strong> the allocation should be<br />
increased by 25 units.<br />
Housing development should not occur for five years.<br />
4.65 Housing distribution: comments<br />
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Dauntsey should have limited infill.<br />
Minety should be recognised as a ‘policy C’ settlement.<br />
Development should be restrained in Ashton Keynes, Sherston, Great Somerford,<br />
Little Somerford <strong>and</strong> Luckington.<br />
Re-use of l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> buildings from windfall sites outside named rural settlements<br />
should be encouraged.<br />
The development boundaries at Luckington <strong>and</strong> Sherston should be changed.<br />
Ashton Keynes should not be in the Malmesbury Community Area.<br />
Oaksey <strong>and</strong> Great Somerford should receive a higher level of development.<br />
There are several responses (10) that are objecting to development on SHLAA<br />
sites in Great Somerford. This was not included in the consultation document <strong>and</strong><br />
no research has been carried out on these sites.<br />
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4.66 Malmesbury community area: respondents<br />
Organisations<br />
(CPRE) Swindon <strong>and</strong> N Wilts<br />
Broadway Malyan<br />
CPRE <strong>Wiltshire</strong><br />
Gleeson Developments Ltd<br />
Hannick Homes<br />
Lea <strong>and</strong> Cleverton Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Malmesbury & St Paul’s Without<br />
Residents’ Association<br />
Malmesbury River Valleys Trust<br />
Minety Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Gleeson Strategic L<strong>and</strong><br />
Parish Clerk Dauntsey Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Persimmon Homes<br />
Sustrans<br />
Berkeley Strategic<br />
Carter Jonas<br />
Environment Agency (Wessex Area)<br />
Great Somerford Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Highways Agency<br />
Luckington Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Malmesbury Civic Trust<br />
Malmesbury Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
MoD<br />
Pegasus Planning Group<br />
Sherston Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
White Lion L<strong>and</strong><br />
Individuals<br />
Mrs Karen Temple Lord Suffolk Mrs C Spickernell<br />
Miss Lorna Hodgson Mr Frederic Nicolas Ian Henderson<br />
Mr Peter Gosling Mr Nick Green Colin Roseblade<br />
Bob Kendrick Mrs. Simone Porter Mr William Blake<br />
Simon Dring Mrs Claire Edmeston Mr James Woodhous<br />
Mrs Jill Shearer Mr Miles Widnall Mr John Hanington<br />
Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Beckwith Sally Morgan Neville Burne<br />
Mr Eric Jones Nigel Kirkman Mr Peter Holl<strong>and</strong><br />
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4.67 Malmesbury community area: notes from exhibitions <strong>and</strong> events<br />
Malmesbury exhibition notes<br />
18 November 2009<br />
Poster three – How do you think <strong>Wiltshire</strong> will look in <strong>2026</strong>?<br />
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You can’t dictate where people live <strong>and</strong> work. Malmesbury is full now without all<br />
these extra houses.<br />
The council must influence travel patterns. It can help mitigate climate change<br />
(<strong>and</strong> must).<br />
What does ‘more sustainable’ mean? The council has no influence over people’s<br />
travel patterns. The council cannot influence climate change.<br />
There is insufficient town centre parking now. How will this plan address parking?<br />
This plan is completely ridiculous for Malmesbury. Leave Malmesbury alone!!<br />
Yes (John Gundry)<br />
Keep <strong>Wiltshire</strong> a rural county with our good, socially responsible communities.<br />
You will transform a small town into a housing estate <strong>and</strong> destroy our community<br />
spirit!!<br />
Extra houses – extra employment; transport; if minimal employment in<br />
Malmesbury, any though of cycle routes to Chippenham, Cirencester etc.<br />
What employment will be brought to Malmesbury so all these people can be<br />
employed locally?<br />
Poster four – How do we deliver for <strong>Wiltshire</strong>?<br />
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Is there no brown field in <strong>Wiltshire</strong>? I believe that Lynham is scheduled to close<br />
soon.<br />
What about planning to be self-sufficient for energy? Wind, solar, bio. Etc.<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> should not be bound by the draft RSS – this is arbitrary <strong>and</strong><br />
undemocratic.<br />
What about all the services needed for these extra people? Police, fire, health –<br />
maybe we should have kept the hospital!!!<br />
(1) Concentrating Malmesbury housing north of the town encourages travel. (2)<br />
Flannel! (3) we must obey! (4) Malmesbury is constrained within its 2500 year old<br />
ramparts, not a lot we can do about fitting infrastructure in there! (5) Ditto. (6) No<br />
comment. (7) See (4). (8) & (9) good trick to pull off both. Has anyone looked at<br />
quality of new buildings? (10) And water abstraction.<br />
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(1) Quite right. Every location should support its population by providing work.<br />
Most people who live in Malmesbury for example travel away from the area to<br />
work elsewhere. This is unlikely to change.<br />
Poster five – Where are new homes being proposed?<br />
Why the focus on houses? The focus should be on employment – then, if we get<br />
any jobs, we can think about houses. Travelling miles to work is not sustainable.<br />
When infill houses are built/ proposed, there seems to be no consideration for<br />
traffic safety. Kingfisher Mill <strong>and</strong> the Hawthorns on Park Road are prime<br />
examples. Narrow pavements, speeding cars/ coaches, increased numbers of<br />
parked cars pulling out of tiny driveways at the side of the road … How can we<br />
possibly justify building these infill houses when the cost is the safety of our<br />
children/ pedestrians/ cyclists <strong>and</strong> motorists?<br />
Should the Malmesbury aggregate be 720??? I get it to 730!<br />
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If Malmesbury is to grow then needs to grow its social infrastructure too. Built<br />
communities, not just houses.<br />
This doesn’t acknowledge that houses have been seriously oversupplied<br />
according to the Structure Plan.<br />
Why does Malmesbury need the extra 200 houses? Allocation of 1000+ to the<br />
region appears to fly in the face of the council’s own reasoning.<br />
Isn’t this a case of a national, politically fuelled need for increased housing, rather<br />
than Malmebury’s need?<br />
What about Lyneham ‘new town’?<br />
My daughter is in a class of 35 <strong>and</strong> rising at Malmesbury Primary School. The<br />
increase in housing will affect here education. Unacceptable! Agree entirely!<br />
Poster seven – What do we already know about Malmesbury community area?<br />
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I am concerned about the balance of type of houses in Malmesbury. In the last<br />
couple of years, many small houses have been built but, if anything, Malmesbury<br />
town needs larger <strong>and</strong> good quality homes – not more tiny cardboard boxes. The<br />
town’s personality is changing too fast – it cannot be got back! Families need<br />
decent living space <strong>and</strong> gardens. Think about families eating in front of the TV<br />
because there is no dining room <strong>and</strong> the kitchen is tiny! This affects health, i.e.<br />
obesity <strong>and</strong> healthy eating, good social habits etc. Small cramped housing estates<br />
breed crime <strong>and</strong> dissatisfaction. I think this is a national problem but lets get it<br />
right here!<br />
Yes, river corridor very important.<br />
Despite the economic downturn, Malmesbury still has a real working High Street,<br />
which meets the needs of the Malmesbury hinterl<strong>and</strong>. More, larger shopping<br />
facilities would have an adverse effect on the existing small businesses.<br />
If I wanted to live in a town full of housing estate, I would be living in Swindon,<br />
Chippenham or Bristol, where there are local job opportunities <strong>and</strong> transport<br />
networks are available. Malmesbury is an ancient town <strong>and</strong> should not be ‘breeze<br />
blocked’ into a modern town – but without the infrastructure (no jobs to afford<br />
housing, very poor transport links etc.).<br />
Employment: (1) live/ work. (2) small business park.<br />
Poster eight – How does <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>2026</strong> expect Malmesbury to<br />
change?<br />
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New primary <strong>and</strong> secondary schools have recently been built – will they<br />
accommodate 200 more children if this plan goes ahead?<br />
Malmesbury has too many homes. People can’t afford them. There’s no room <strong>and</strong><br />
the primary <strong>and</strong> secondary schools are packed.<br />
Too many houses! You’re going to ruin Malmesbury – a small market town!<br />
There is not work in Malmesbury for all these proposed new residents – so result<br />
will be more traffic on roads commuting to elsewhere.<br />
What plans will there be for work opportunities mentioned above?<br />
How will the already full schools support the increase in housing?<br />
Sherston – further employment opportunities required in the parish for local<br />
residents. Additional housing should be specific to meet known needs, e.g. for<br />
senior citizens <strong>and</strong> young people/ affordable.<br />
Yes, natural <strong>and</strong> built environment needs to be protected. If more housing is<br />
planned, not only its location will need careful consideration but where, for<br />
instance will water supplies come from?<br />
Malmesbury is a beautiful town, with history, <strong>and</strong> fantastic views. But it won’t be<br />
so beautiful or have such fantastic views if 200 houses are built. The schools are<br />
packed too, <strong>and</strong> there are also a lot of unbought houses.<br />
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Don’t build houses in our ‘market town’ because if you do it won’t be one<br />
anymore.<br />
Malmesbury has three fantastic schools – two fairly new. Extra houses – can the<br />
schools cope? Will existing levels of excellent education be sustainable?<br />
NB – transport, flooding, parking, schools, strain on amenities <strong>and</strong> utilities. Think<br />
before you build!!!<br />
Will any affordable housing be allocated to local people?<br />
Where are the shops going to be built for all these extra people if work is to be in<br />
Malmesbury. There’s not enough parking in the town now, another 200+ cars in<br />
the high street would lead to total gridlock.<br />
Poster nine – How were development options assessed?<br />
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Once again, more farml<strong>and</strong> will be sold off. With an increasing population in the<br />
UK, how are we able to feed the population? Once the farml<strong>and</strong> has gone, it’s<br />
gone forever.<br />
We’re a unique rural town, it has taken over a thous<strong>and</strong> years for Malmesbury to<br />
steadily grow. How can we plan to double the town size over seventeen years?<br />
At Fil<strong>and</strong>s, they built affordable houses to help those who lived in the town to<br />
since they were children to be able to continue to live in the town, but these have<br />
been sold to housing associations who have bought people in from outside.<br />
Any new development must be sympathetic to the town. There must be grass,<br />
trees, space for children to play <strong>and</strong> gardens. Too many 3 storey houses are<br />
being built <strong>and</strong> the mix of houses within developments is not good.<br />
The design of any future developments should take into account the town<br />
architecture <strong>and</strong> not be given to permissions to build drab, dreary estates. The<br />
proposed estate should be spread out between lots of small developers who can<br />
build quality homes!!<br />
The area towards Brokenborough up Park Road, regularly flood <strong>and</strong> is<br />
unsustainable for development without substantial work to drain the l<strong>and</strong>. Is this<br />
feasible cost wise? Also, will roads be able to cope with extra cars etc. is a large<br />
number of houses are built in Malmesbury, where will the children go to school?<br />
Where will people work? Will the doctors be adequate for such a potentially large<br />
increase in Malmesbury residents?<br />
Is the infrastructure an important part of potential development? Malmesbury<br />
roads are already small <strong>and</strong> congested with traffic <strong>and</strong> we have a lack of parking.<br />
‘Address climate change’, ‘minimise the risk of flooding’, ‘dem<strong>and</strong> on<br />
infrastructure <strong>and</strong> services’. How do building 200+ extra houses square with the<br />
above? Up to 400 extra jobs needed, not in Malmesbury, so 400 extra return car<br />
journeys to/from Swindon/ Bristol/ Gloucester. Any building produces the<br />
propensity to flooding – more roofs, more roads, more driveways – water runs off<br />
into the Avon, not soaking into the soil. Where are the extra (local) school places/<br />
hospital beds (!!)/ dentists? Another ‘consultation exercise’ but all input will be<br />
ignored I suspect.<br />
More attractive housing with more space, I don’t think that all the lots have been<br />
sold at Fil<strong>and</strong>s – in other words, more like that in Sherston. Why do we have to<br />
put up with Persimmon Homes, whose idea of a regional office is a lego-style<br />
barn? How about some diversity?<br />
There seems to be a large focus on housing: preferred option; alternative option<br />
(which becomes reality). How about proposed employment, education <strong>and</strong><br />
entertainment options?<br />
(1) Yes. (4) Yes. (7) Yes. (8) Yes. (9) Yes. (11) Yes.<br />
(5) More houses, more flooding. (2) & (9) Type of houses being built at present<br />
not suitable for historical town (8). Schools already too small.<br />
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Play & open spaces – the current plan indicates development over the long<br />
st<strong>and</strong>ing cricket field. How does this enhance the play <strong>and</strong> open spaces policy?<br />
Urgent need for affordable housing.<br />
If you over populate our town, no one will want to live here – the characteristics<br />
that draw people here will be lost <strong>and</strong> it will become an ugly ghost town. The<br />
fabulous schools will be crammed <strong>and</strong> people will be commuting as there won’t be<br />
enough jobs. The ‘community’ will have disappeared.<br />
These ‘issues’ sound hollow when the key element of this presentation is building<br />
yet more houses in a small town already choked with traffic. The building of so<br />
many houses is utterly in contradiction to the sustainability issues identified here.<br />
Where recent developments have taken place, little consideration seems to have<br />
been given to improving our community. It has taken 15 years for the community<br />
to finally get the play area promised at Reeds Farm – <strong>and</strong> we had to fight for it. I<br />
feel very concerned about any more development in Malmesbury.<br />
Ban all cars from centre of town (except delivery etc.) Lay on constant electric<br />
small buses.<br />
(8) The fact that the development is on the edge of town will mean increased<br />
traffic into centre will affect historic environment.<br />
This town is being spoilt by over-development. Where will all jobs come from?<br />
More houses = more children. Where are they to be educated? The primary<br />
school is full with no further l<strong>and</strong> for available temporary classrooms?<br />
Housing please with the best possible heating efficiency <strong>and</strong> energy efficiency.<br />
Footpaths <strong>and</strong> bicycle routes through Reeds Farm to Finl<strong>and</strong>s development.<br />
Further housing development, especially in outlying parts of the town of<br />
Malmesbury will increase the use of the car. This will adversely affect nos.<br />
6,7,8,9, 11 of your sustainability objectives.<br />
Infill developments on Old Alex<strong>and</strong>er Road <strong>and</strong> Park Road are making this main<br />
artery to school extremely dangerous for pedestrians if we cannot safely walk<br />
in our town, how does that fit in with the sustainability <strong>and</strong> climate change<br />
agenda.<br />
Too many houses for a small town, the schools will be too small <strong>and</strong> there will be<br />
too many cars!<br />
Malmesbury already has so many new houses. I feel that a priority for this town<br />
should be a proper ‘youth’ centre <strong>and</strong> skate park.<br />
(5) There is already flooding in low lying areas. More housing will just increase the<br />
problem of flooding. (15) Poor public transport from Malmesbury to other local<br />
towns. (16) There seems to be less <strong>and</strong> less of a vibrant economy in Malmesbury<br />
over the last 5 years.<br />
The word is quality! Persimmons are not providing this. Agree entirely!<br />
The provision of education in Malmesbury is very important. The primary school is<br />
full, there should be no more housing developments in Malmesbury.<br />
If we pursue social housing there needs to be support for the communities. This is<br />
not Poundbury!<br />
(10) What’s your definition of affordable housing?? Is it for people to get on to the<br />
property ladder, given assistance, or is it council housing?<br />
Efficient doesn’t mean piling people on top of each other!<br />
To generate energy locally.<br />
(8) Priority! Agree! (10) No more housing – Malmesbury already spoiled– losing<br />
its unique character.<br />
Develop quality housing in Station Yard.<br />
By building houses in outlying parts of the town, you are increasing car use – this<br />
does not fit with your sustainability agenda.<br />
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Poster ten – Initial options<br />
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The preferred option at the back of Reeds Farm is an annual feeding ground in<br />
the winter for flocks of fieldfare <strong>and</strong> redwing. Once more our wildlife is being<br />
marginalised.<br />
If houses continue to be built in Malmesbury, facilities will struggle <strong>and</strong> small<br />
market town will lose much of its character, to allay people’s potential fears it<br />
would help if there was an agreed limit to growth, a green belt where no<br />
development would take place.<br />
You cannot build housing without planning infrastructure. We will need: new<br />
schools, transport links to Kemble, parking provision, another supermarket, preschools<br />
<strong>and</strong> employment.<br />
The option areas to the west of Malmesbury are bisected by Park Road ending at<br />
Back Bridge, the boundary of AONB. This road is critical for access if any houses<br />
get built <strong>and</strong> floods regularly! I should know, I live there. EA maps not particularly<br />
accurate. Photo evidence available.<br />
Malmesbury has enough problems with parking <strong>and</strong> facilities as it is. Schools are<br />
full already. I feel it is wrong to impose new housing <strong>and</strong> expect Malmesbury to<br />
soak up all the extra people.<br />
Is there going to be a local pub etc. to try to get the community together more.<br />
Malmesbury is already too big. Parking in town is often difficult with the result that<br />
people do not bother to stop. With additional housing, the schools will need to be<br />
extended to cater for more children! Extra houses add to the flood plain.<br />
What about the covenant that any building already existing on Finl<strong>and</strong>s road must<br />
have a clear view of the Abbey. Will this be upheld?<br />
Where are people coming from to fill these houses <strong>and</strong> where do they work? Are<br />
the amenities going to be improved to cope with this influx? What about the<br />
already over-stretched infrastructure?<br />
What if Dyson closes down? Where are jobs coming from?<br />
Reeds Farm must never be directly linked to the Finl<strong>and</strong>s Road or it will become a<br />
dangerous rat run <strong>and</strong> children will be killed.<br />
Can you explain how Malmesbury will cope with these houses seeing as it is a<br />
small market town?<br />
These plans will be a copy of Finl<strong>and</strong>s estate – it does not work with the social<br />
element not from Malmesbury – so why the need for more? I live there <strong>and</strong><br />
Persimmon conned us into buying a house on a council estate. Malmesbury<br />
hasn’t the infrastructure to cope with these plans. Not needed.<br />
There is a covenant relating to any housing on Finl<strong>and</strong>s Road must have a clear<br />
view of the Abbey.<br />
Reeds Farm must not be directly linked to Finl<strong>and</strong>s Road, by road, pedestrian<br />
links are fine. Reeds Farm would become a short cut to Fil<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> it would<br />
change the estate.<br />
No more 3 storey housing in Malmesbury blocking light <strong>and</strong> views from<br />
established housing.<br />
River valleys within / on edges of Malmesbury should protected from possible<br />
development.<br />
You don’t need more houses when you’ve got enough anyway <strong>and</strong> you are<br />
hurting the environment.<br />
The river valleys must not be developed especially the low lying area behind<br />
Tetbury Hill Gardens.<br />
Facilities (schools, health-care, care home) already too small for present<br />
population.<br />
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Concerned that Reeds Farm will become extremely busy as people will use it as a<br />
drive through.<br />
If you build houses on small industrial sites, e.g. Station Yard, where is industry to<br />
be located?<br />
There must never be an out of town supermarket in Malmesbury –need to protect<br />
our High Street.<br />
Another 200 houses! Please give a thought to the ageing population. A 2yr<br />
waiting list in Athelstan Care home. No definite plans yet for an extra care home<br />
on the old Burnham House Site. Will another school be built also??<br />
Reeds Farm is a very special estate where children play safely in the numerous<br />
cul-de-sacs. It must not become a short cut up to Fil<strong>and</strong>s.<br />
Poster eleven – Initial options comprised<br />
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No mention of proposed Burnham House retirement flats<br />
What guarantees doe we have that development will be quality, not crowded?<br />
The current housing estate near Dyson is appallingly designed, with no thought as<br />
to the layout. Any new development should be better thought out?<br />
Copy of maps <strong>and</strong> info to every houses in Malmesbury – in the letterbox <strong>and</strong> free<br />
to householder. Has impact of development been modelled into flood planning –<br />
less absorption? Where <strong>and</strong> when will the new schools be built? Primary <strong>and</strong><br />
secondary? Will current primary serve new areas? New one for White Lion Park?<br />
Need convincing that Malmesbury needs 200 new homes. Isn’t this Prescott-ism?<br />
A few years ago a strategy was agreed for the number of new homes to be built in<br />
Malmesbury – that number was almost immediately exceeded! Now the proposals<br />
are for yet more! Traffic, parking, building on the flood plains are already real<br />
problems in our town. These proposals will only increase the present problems.<br />
No amenities on Fil<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> proposed new building site.<br />
Sherston is a large village – but has had to accommodate a large amount of new<br />
build housing in the last 5 years already. What is meant by ‘modest’.<br />
If less than say 30 units over rest of plan period may be acceptable. Larger scale<br />
development should not be promoted. ‘Brownfield’ first.<br />
Schools are already at capacity. Where will the children go to school from these<br />
extra 200 houses?<br />
We should be improving the sites we already have. i.e. Fil<strong>and</strong>s –no play area, no<br />
dog walking areas, no shop for emergencies – milk <strong>and</strong> bread!! Already school is<br />
full. Families growing quickly.<br />
Lack of suitable sites for small <strong>and</strong> medium sized businesses at affordable prices<br />
needs addressing.<br />
The most recent developments (Fil<strong>and</strong>s/ Lucent) have not been integrated –<br />
infrastructure has not caught up with this increase in population. We cannot cope<br />
with more.<br />
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Further residential development in a town not geared for increased employment<br />
opportunities only leads to further road travel which the town cannot sustain.<br />
How do you plan to ensure accessibility when the planned area for development<br />
is on the edge of the town?<br />
Need pubs/ clubs/ shops in Fil<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> expansion area.<br />
No more houses needed, no employment, no traffic boom, schools already<br />
overfull, no shops, risk of flooding, call a halt!!<br />
Have you considered that the l<strong>and</strong> to the north of Malmesbury preferred for<br />
development is not well related to the retail centre, recreational facilities or<br />
healthcare facilities? Pedestrian links down Tetbury Hill are very poor. There is a<br />
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danger you will create a separate community who are dependent on cars <strong>and</strong> are<br />
not part of the town.<br />
I have concerns about the infrastructure of the town – if more houses how we<br />
manage with: car parking, shops, doctors, schools, pubs, policing, fire <strong>and</strong><br />
emergency?<br />
Alternative housing options – how you can include the river <strong>and</strong> floodplain area<br />
Back Bridge eastwards along the river amazes me! This area should be afforded<br />
protected status <strong>and</strong> not be included in any alternative housing options.<br />
I personally don’t think that Malmesbury or the surrounding area needs any more<br />
housing! The schools are already full with families moving into the new Fil<strong>and</strong>s<br />
estate. Houses are being built in front of the school <strong>and</strong> the town is too small to<br />
cope. Let’s just see if Fil<strong>and</strong>s can sell first.<br />
(1) not sufficient infrastructure to add additional housing. (2) no current<br />
employment opportunities for more people. (3) will further deface the tourist<br />
attraction of the town. (4) not enough retail outlets for more people. (5) invasion of<br />
green belt on to existing farml<strong>and</strong>. (6) will produce more commuters. (7) although<br />
council are indicating preferred option of 200 extra houses - could be changed to<br />
1000.<br />
One area of green open space (Fil<strong>and</strong>s sports field) has been covered in concrete<br />
<strong>and</strong> houses. There should be absolutely no mention made of ‘alternative’ option<br />
for development on the site to the east of the town, presently a cricket ground <strong>and</strong><br />
pasture.<br />
The infrastructure of Malmesbury – doctors/ dentists/ schools – is not equipped<br />
for this scale of development. We shall end up with a ‘new town’ which is not part<br />
of Malmesbury,<br />
We are warned of more flooding with climate change. Not nearly enough<br />
consideration. Type of housing planned? What provision for older people who do<br />
not want apartments but small bungalows, with some garden space? Whole<br />
scheme is flawed.<br />
Increasing the opportunities for people to live <strong>and</strong> work in the same place only<br />
applies if you increase the number of work opportunities. So far this is imbalanced<br />
<strong>and</strong> building more houses will only increase the number of commuters!!!<br />
It does not increase the opportunities to live <strong>and</strong> work in the same area. Where<br />
will the extra employment come from? Also, Malmesbury Primary School is full<br />
<strong>and</strong> the secondary school is nearly at capacity.<br />
Issues to be addressed – what has been done to consider these? Will work be<br />
done before the end of this consultation period or is this presented as a fait<br />
accompli <strong>and</strong> other developments managed around it?<br />
Ok to more houses if there are increased facilities for the youth <strong>and</strong> facilities for<br />
safe cycling <strong>and</strong> walking.<br />
Any new development needs to be designed to the highest eco-st<strong>and</strong>ard. The<br />
Abbey Height development is aesthetically very poor <strong>and</strong> far too many houses<br />
crammed in with insufficient green space <strong>and</strong> open areas.<br />
It would seem sensible to evaluate the most recent developments<br />
(Fil<strong>and</strong>s/Lucent) before moving forward. Have they been successful – did they<br />
achieve your aims – do local people live in them – where are people who live<br />
there working?<br />
How have you arrived at your figures for required dwellings? You talk in terms of<br />
dwellings but what rise in population would this lead to? How many school, preschool,<br />
childcare places will be needed – where is the planning for this?<br />
Don’t flatten forests for nothing, no money. What Malmesbury needs is peace!!<br />
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R<strong>and</strong>om<br />
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No one has considered facilities to accompany new development, e.g. schools <br />
new families require these. Also, including sewerage system. People living here<br />
don’t feel they are part of town. In particular, Fil<strong>and</strong>s site doesn’t have facilities<br />
<strong>and</strong> is not integrated with town. Inevitably, problems occur which require police<br />
involvement. Hullavington new town could have been a better option – lost<br />
opportunity.<br />
Site surveys should be done to find out who lives there – have they moved in from<br />
local area or further afield. People need to be able to move ‘up the ladder’. Bigger<br />
houses required <strong>and</strong> annexes for relatives.<br />
People do not use public transport. I travel on almost empty buses all the time.<br />
Hear Hear!<br />
Transport<br />
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Already many traffic problems in this town – building of more houses means more<br />
cars <strong>and</strong> people – the whole of Malmesbury is being spoilt by type of property<br />
being built – totally out of character.<br />
Issues: - (1) parking; (2) road safety – increased traffic through town: Gloucester<br />
Road <strong>and</strong> Abbey Row; (3) infrastructure – no more primary school capacity; (4)<br />
flood plain development.<br />
We need a bus service which gets car owners out of their cars. Andy buses<br />
mostly empty. We need availability, easy access, low fare, get on <strong>and</strong> ride buses<br />
– small ones.<br />
More houses need more gull time employment, otherwise CO2 goes up.<br />
Traffic management for the top end of Tetbury Hill. A sheer bend opposite<br />
“Wimst” Close is dangerous bend for children cross the road to school. Better<br />
signage or gateway treatment.<br />
Parking is a major issue for Malmesbury already. Trying to find a parking place<br />
means more emissions.<br />
Tetbury Hill Hill traffic has increased because of the increase in new houses. The<br />
road surface is poor in Tetbury Hill. I can see Tetbury Hill being the main route<br />
into the centre of Malmesbury which is a big concern, especially with another 200<br />
houses in the pipeline.<br />
Existing road systems through the town cannot cope now. Road works for repairs<br />
are very frequent due to the ancient road system. What has happened to plans for<br />
heavy traffic to bypass Malmesbury. More houses, more cars, more congestion.<br />
Need to provide social infrastructure, mini market, small shops, takeaway, pub? in<br />
any new northern development around Fil<strong>and</strong>s.<br />
Please, please, please no more traffic through town – can all road links be to the<br />
bypass!!!!<br />
Can we now assume that the proposed building of more homes will be the last<br />
before Malmesbury becomes lost forever?<br />
There is a need for cross country links, i.e. between Malmesbury <strong>and</strong> Tetbury.<br />
Problems in town occur at narrow spots, along Bristol <strong>and</strong> Foxley Roads.<br />
Any plans for cycle paths?<br />
Access points for new development should not be an extension from existing<br />
housing estate (Reeds Farm).<br />
We need safe cycle <strong>and</strong> pedestrian routes but there is no room on current roads –<br />
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how will you overcome this?<br />
Tetbury Hill is a busy road <strong>and</strong> gets lots of parking at school time <strong>and</strong> funeral<br />
times. This week not be a safe route to school.<br />
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How will the preferred option of houses be accessed – Tetbury Hill is a dangerous<br />
road – no pedestrian access, no crossing. Reeds Farm is relatively safe area – if<br />
access is given to extra housing area, it will no longer be a safe walking area.<br />
Current Fil<strong>and</strong>s development has serious planning shortcomings – what<br />
confidence that anything new will address the essential issues.<br />
Access to proposed new site should not go through Reeds Farm. It will become a<br />
motorway. Where is the infrastructure (schools, doctor’s surgeries, etc.) to meet<br />
growth in population?<br />
Malmesbury currently has inadequate parking for the current housing stock.<br />
Practical solutions need to be devised about how any significant numbers of<br />
vehicles can be accommodated … on a Saturday morning in the town!!<br />
Junction of 4014 <strong>and</strong> A429 is currently no right turn travelling from Cirencester<br />
South. If the development comes to fruition, then a roundabout would be required<br />
to stop cars travelling to the roundabout <strong>and</strong> back to the junction. Also note that<br />
this junction is an accident black spot (opposite Garden Centre).<br />
How will the traffic be dealt with at the Junction of the B4014 <strong>and</strong> A429?<br />
Is climate change a religion now? You have to cater for cars! Don’t pretend!<br />
How can you do this building houses so far out from the centre of town with a<br />
totally inadequate transport service?<br />
What will happen to the Junction of A429 <strong>and</strong> B4014 if the preferred option goes<br />
ahead?<br />
New houses built do not have enough area which will be important for the future,<br />
i.e. growing our own food. Allotments are all very well but you need transport to<br />
get to them <strong>and</strong> parking. Better use can be made of the l<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Are their plans to integrate cycle routes linking new developments to town centre<br />
<strong>and</strong> schools?<br />
Yes, I agree – If you are discussing new houses, therefore more cars <strong>and</strong> still<br />
want to reduce parking for locals? Young people need to get around easily!<br />
People, especially young people need better access to other local towns <strong>and</strong><br />
villages for work/ entertainment.<br />
Transport is a big problem for young people to <strong>and</strong> from villages. To encourage<br />
use of public transport, I would suggest incentives (e.g. bus pass).<br />
Kemble is our nearest railway station yet no bus services between Malmesbury<br />
<strong>and</strong> Kemble. Can we have a bus service to our nearest station?<br />
We need public transport to local hospitals, e.g. RUH <strong>and</strong> GWH etc. We have no<br />
access at present.<br />
Desperate need for cycling provision – particularly Tetbury Hill – slow traffic down<br />
pavements too narrow.<br />
Transport in <strong>and</strong> out of these areas are of paramount importance. Otherwise the<br />
town centre dries.<br />
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Transport to Kemble Station from Malmesbury.<br />
Transport to the surgery at present doesn’t work. Needs to be looked at. Can take<br />
1½ hour to get there by bus. Very difficult for non-drivers <strong>and</strong> the elderly. Here,<br />
here! Try to get a town bus after 5pm!<br />
Building 200 more houses will result in reduced safety on our roads! Park Road<br />
<strong>and</strong> its recent Kingfisher Mill site is a prime example – as is the proposed<br />
development at the Hawthorns on Park Road.<br />
Build a new town at Lyneham! Available at a knock-down price from 2012. Fill<br />
your boots!<br />
You cannot build housing without planning a community! Where are people<br />
educated, where are people entertained, are there sufficient leisure facilities,<br />
where’s the nearest pub/ shop? Computers unable to interact in community life,<br />
do not help a town grow.<br />
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Increasing housing in Malmesbury will not reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It<br />
will increase them as there is no room for significantly more employment in the<br />
towns. People will travel elsewhere to work. Not sustainable!<br />
There is incompatibility between increased walking/ cycling <strong>and</strong> increased road<br />
traffic. Part of the problem is large trucks <strong>and</strong> large buses on very small/ narrow<br />
minor road. Possible solution – keep trucks to main routes. Use small buses on<br />
minor roads.<br />
Bring back Malmesbury railway <strong>and</strong> route.<br />
So you expect people to cycle down the hill <strong>and</strong> up the hill into town <strong>and</strong> then<br />
reverse with heavy bags of shopping!!<br />
Almost every point on this board contradicts what you’re trying to do to our<br />
community: (1) supporting growth! How will extra housing with no increase in work<br />
opportunities benefit economic growth; (2) tackling climate change! People will<br />
have to use their cars to travel to Swindon etc; (3) Safety! More cars on the road!!!<br />
(4) Opportunities! What local jobs? (5) More traffic for local communities, not<br />
less!!!<br />
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Malmesbury workshop notes<br />
18 November 2009<br />
List of attendees <strong>and</strong> organisations (where given)<br />
Name<br />
Frances Goldstone<br />
Jennifer [unreadable]<br />
Jessica [unreadable]<br />
Patrick Goldstone<br />
Adam Clemo<br />
Martyn [unreadable]<br />
Kingsley<br />
Steve<br />
[unreadable] Jennings<br />
Jim Thomas<br />
Ann Cornelious<br />
Bryn Howells<br />
Paul Dove<br />
Jacky Thomas<br />
Rosie Nicholas<br />
Hannah Dickerson<br />
Eddie Golding<br />
Andrew Wilson<br />
Caroline [unreadable]<br />
W.A. Sykes<br />
Graham Thorne<br />
Peter Crocker<br />
John Matthews<br />
Maggie Beggs<br />
John [unreadable]<br />
Jane Mouncay<br />
Organisation<br />
MRNT<br />
Malmesbury resident<br />
Malmesbury resident<br />
Malmesbury resident<br />
Malmesbury resident<br />
Malmesbury Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />
[unreadable] Malmesbury<br />
CPRE<br />
Westlea HA<br />
Greensquare Group, Swindon<br />
Malmesbury Town <strong>Council</strong> <strong>and</strong> MVCAP<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Wildlife Trust<br />
Malmesbury School<br />
Malmesbury School<br />
Malmesbury School<br />
Malmesbury School<br />
Civic Trust<br />
Residents Association<br />
Minety Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Minety Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Sherston Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Malmesbury School<br />
[unreadable] <strong>and</strong> Cleverton Parish<br />
<strong>Council</strong><br />
[unreadable] <strong>and</strong> Cleverton Parish<br />
<strong>Council</strong><br />
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Data Appendices<br />
Number of blue dots on strategic objectives:<br />
Objectives<br />
1. To address for climate change 3<br />
2. To provide for long term economic growth 1<br />
3. To meet <strong>Wiltshire</strong>’s housing needs 1<br />
4. To secure appropriate infrastructure <strong>and</strong> services 2<br />
5. To enhance the vitality <strong>and</strong> viability of town centres 1<br />
6. To encourage safe accessible places 2<br />
7. To promote sustainable forms of transport 2<br />
8. To protect <strong>and</strong> enhance the natural environment 2<br />
9. To safeguard <strong>and</strong> promote a high quality environment 0<br />
10. To minimise the risk of flooding 4<br />
Group A<br />
(To be read in conjunction with hard copy of map showing housing <strong>and</strong> employment<br />
options for Malmesbury – points marked in red on map).<br />
Priorities<br />
To address climate change (5)<br />
To promote sustainable forms of transport (3)<br />
To protect <strong>and</strong> enhance the natural environment (4)<br />
To minimise the risk of flooding (1)<br />
To enhance the vitality <strong>and</strong> viability of town centres (2)<br />
Involving the community in development to ensure they are appropriate.<br />
Economic viability<br />
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Late night cheap transport for young people. People from villages to Malmesbury<br />
but also out into the villages from Malmesbury, e.g. buses at 8pm. Parents have<br />
to support young people doing things at school in the evenings.<br />
£46 million spent on public transport – free for elderly but many could afford £1 for<br />
a trip. Big subsidy of buses.<br />
Issue of buses too large for lanes (52 seater) needed for mornings <strong>and</strong> afternoon<br />
for schools but smaller ones needed during day.<br />
- Can we follow the American model of specific school buses with volunteers<br />
driving them <strong>and</strong> smaller buses provided by bus companies.<br />
Allocate the free bus pass to be used within certain times.<br />
Concern that commuters will leave here but work outside <strong>Wiltshire</strong>. Drive out <strong>and</strong><br />
go to Tesco in Tetbury.<br />
Preference for more jobs in area – manufacturing.<br />
No competition in town for supermarkets.<br />
Need something to encourage people to come in <strong>and</strong> use the town, e.g. a<br />
vegetable shop or something to catch attention, e.g. the Woolsack Race at<br />
Tetbury.<br />
Money back from traders for parking when you shop. Needs to be something<br />
majority of shops will support. Area Board will support if majority of people<br />
support.<br />
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Leisure<br />
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Nothing to do in Malmesbury. Cinema club has additional money. Need to let<br />
people at school know. Publicity at school because Area Board want young<br />
people to use cinema<br />
Somewhere to go, e.g. café downstairs closes early. Somewhere to hang out.<br />
- Youth club divides the school – not always people get on together.<br />
- Facility in town would be good but transport in from villages.<br />
- Need for premises away from school for young people to use.<br />
- Would be popular if advertised. Private but fun not supervised but not at<br />
school.<br />
How can we be sure the development benefits Malmesbury? ( + 200 houses)<br />
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School inadequate for population. Additional development will make it<br />
overcapacity.<br />
Certain age of people moving in impacts education – is there an issue of phasing.<br />
Every development has just delivered houses not schools, or other infrastructure.<br />
Small town centre, issue of size.<br />
Nurden Garden Centre expansion, e.g. Post Office sorting moved out of town to<br />
Nurden site. Move out Hyams Auto from centre to Nurden site planning will<br />
need to allow these to relocate.<br />
Move industry from Station Yard to out of town <strong>and</strong> re-use that area.<br />
What about moving fire/police/ambulance to behind Persimmon Homes?<br />
Link road across but as soon as bypass will open up the area for development/<br />
infill.<br />
Should we have a planning policy to protect specific green areas in Malmesbury,<br />
e.g. River Valley (road must be maintained).<br />
View of Abbey on any approach. Height limitations on developments. [Proposal]<br />
(Area marked on hard copy of map of housing <strong>and</strong> employment options).<br />
Link road would remove traffic from town centre <strong>and</strong> Reeds Farm out of<br />
Malmesbury.<br />
Don’t want four storey town houses maximum of 2 storey (Priority).<br />
Issue of density of houses on the area people living too close together.<br />
Don’t want to join the “Red Block” onto existing Reeds Farm they should go out to<br />
main road. (Pedestrian <strong>and</strong> cycle access through Reeds Farm only) (Priority).<br />
If the Red Block is developed then the junction Fil<strong>and</strong>s Road should be redesigned<br />
by Nurden’s (slip road or lights suggested) (roundabout).<br />
Close off front entrance of Nurdens if you agree to develop the l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> traffic<br />
would enter site from B road.<br />
What can we do to get people out of cars?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
1 taxi firm doesn’t always run.<br />
Boomerang has gone – need a night service recognise that Boomerang is too<br />
expensive.<br />
Using 10/12 seater buses not big buses.<br />
Community bus driven by volunteers – retired population who are still fit <strong>and</strong><br />
healthy.<br />
Extend library hours by using volunteers.<br />
Station Yard should be enhanced, e.g. footpaths extended right down to river runs<br />
into muck. Use a footbridge across river. Could Station Road become the second<br />
town centre. Larger retail units – possibly supermarket?<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Old school site been sold – what do we want to happen there (Burton Hill House<br />
School).<br />
Country Hotel/ conference centre – concern about building things in grounds.<br />
No building in grounds.<br />
Possibly apartments in main building.<br />
Training centre in grounds/ conference centre (connections to motorway).<br />
M&S Food <strong>and</strong> Clothing??<br />
Car park at Station Road must not pass to private ownership, there must be<br />
shared use (Priority).<br />
Within package you could change the whole use of the area to retain public<br />
parking but allow retail etc.<br />
Police station should be in centre of town – visible policing.<br />
Backbridge Farm to west should not be developed (red cross through it) (Priority).<br />
Envisage to be allocated in long term.<br />
Can we be sure that if we build new estates it must be low level lighting so as not<br />
to pollute the sky line.<br />
Table<br />
Concern of issues relative to flooding.<br />
Grey areas have or this time are prone to flooding.<br />
Climate change is a cross cutting issue for the town.<br />
Appropriate infrastructure required especially linked to viability of town.<br />
Sustainable transport – especially around the town – using this long stay car park.<br />
Climate change – don’t know how bad or soon, but will address local sustainability<br />
issues.<br />
Minimise risk of flooding.<br />
Ensure ‘top line’ in design <strong>and</strong> sustainability issues – build modern, not retro<br />
styled properties – homes, fit for purpose.<br />
Cost of housing should be reflected in a lowering of l<strong>and</strong> price.<br />
Current new developments have few local facilities.<br />
Need to ensure new developments have good local facilities on site. Especially –<br />
Dyson Factory side (NE).<br />
Town bus – Reeds Farm doesn’t provide an access route – it is a safe area –<br />
don’t want to make it unsafe. But good for pedestrians/ cyclists.<br />
Need to provide cycle parking in town centres <strong>and</strong> cycle routes into town – inc.<br />
from outlying villages <strong>and</strong> cycleways into town.<br />
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Table two<br />
Discussion one:<br />
Objectives<br />
1. To address for climate change 3<br />
2. To provide for long term economic growth 1<br />
3. To meet <strong>Wiltshire</strong>’s housing needs 1<br />
4. To secure appropriate infrastructure <strong>and</strong> services 2<br />
5. To enhance the vitality <strong>and</strong> viability of town centres 1<br />
6. To encourage safe accessible places 2<br />
7. To promote sustainable forms of transport 0<br />
8. To protect <strong>and</strong> enhance the natural environment 2<br />
9. To safeguard <strong>and</strong> promote a high quality environment 0<br />
10. To minimise the risk of flooding 2<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Minimise risk of flooding – is ‘minimise’ strong enough? We should not develop in<br />
the floodplain! EA have ‘no teeth’ to deny planning apps.<br />
Promote sustainable transport; get people cycling/ walking, promote smarter<br />
choices, e.g. car share etc., links to Kemble should be promoted.<br />
To secure appropriate infrastructure – broadb<strong>and</strong>/ home working, provision of<br />
renewable energy sources, providing dual housing/ employment through planning.<br />
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Discussion two<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Town bus to health centre.<br />
Fear of dormitory status <strong>and</strong> little social infrastructure promotes private car.<br />
Walking- pedestrian safety is paramount (Tetbury Hill).<br />
Dem<strong>and</strong> manage transport to centre via community bus.<br />
Future benefits to Malmesbury.<br />
- Affordable housing to meet needs of local; ensuring local take up is difficult.<br />
- Open space within new development; street scene within development.<br />
- Housing construction out of character; all looks the same, formulaic build,<br />
soulless.<br />
- Better yet, removal of town hall car park in-line with policy such as park <strong>and</strong><br />
ride.<br />
Purple group<br />
Discussion one<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Objectives to be looked at together, rather than in isolation. Each one to impact<br />
on climate change.<br />
2 - Economic growth – is there adequate employment opportunities to be with the<br />
increased levels of housing? Without it, increased commuting.<br />
4 – (Infrastructure) – is there adequate space in existing schools for the increased<br />
population <strong>and</strong> shops.<br />
6 + 7 – improved sustainable transport links especially cycle routes. This would<br />
help create safer, more accessible places.<br />
10 – any development needs to account for the increased overl<strong>and</strong> flow <strong>and</strong><br />
minimise the risk of flooding to new <strong>and</strong> existing developments (housing).<br />
Top 3 objectives:<br />
- 1st = 4<br />
- 2nd = 8<br />
- 3rd = 9<br />
What is needed to achieve the top three objectives?<br />
Objective four<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Buses, cycling, schools, shops, access to doctors.<br />
Protection of the [unreadable ~ aquifer?].<br />
Enhanced bus provision to key services.<br />
Improved cycling <strong>and</strong> walking routes – cycle network for the town.<br />
Objective eight<br />
<br />
<br />
Safeguard the river.<br />
To retain existing field boundaries.<br />
Objective nine<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Park area, large green space.<br />
Views? Aesthetic quality. Existing views of fields will be lost impact on Reeds<br />
Farm.<br />
Pedestrian <strong>and</strong> cycle link through Reeds Farm, including buses, including green<br />
spaces – motor vehicles prohibited.<br />
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<br />
Sustainable housing with solar panels, stored rainwater for flushing waste (links<br />
with climate change – building above minimum planning regulations).<br />
Discussion two<br />
How can we make sure future development benefits Malmesbury?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Growth at a sensible, sustainable rate will ensure that there is a flow of children to<br />
sustain a secondary school in the town.<br />
New employment to give opportunity for jobs for the increased population.<br />
Provision of a town bus service (smaller bus) to service the area. More regular<br />
service across the day.<br />
Possible negative impacts – additional employment does not guarantee additional<br />
jobs for the people of Malmesbury.<br />
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Chris Minor’s Group<br />
Discussion one<br />
Currently not sustainable.<br />
Capacity of schools – issue.<br />
Parking within the town – issue.<br />
Need to tackle current issues.<br />
Need to ensure we capture planning gain.<br />
Unique town (Hill Top).<br />
Issues with streets coping with development.<br />
Conservation area very important.<br />
Limitation is present because of the hill.<br />
Very important to safeguard the built environment.<br />
Capacity of sewer system issue within the town.<br />
Lack of employment opportunities.<br />
Where will people work within Malmesbury.<br />
Can Malmesbury actively attract new employers.<br />
How do we attract business into Malmesbury?<br />
Retail offer attracts people into the town.<br />
Need to safeguard the retail offer.<br />
Public transport – town bus works well.<br />
Alternative to parking within the town.<br />
High levels of out-commuting.<br />
Not likely to have a viable opportunity.<br />
Oversized village? Difficult to accommodate new development.<br />
Not geographically possible to exp<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Malmesbury operating as a dormitory town.<br />
Tourist Information Centre footfall very large; abbey, museum, town.<br />
Increase tourism signposts for tourism.<br />
Pedestrianisation of town.<br />
[unreadable] etc. perhaps not present.<br />
Conservation area could be more strongly enforced.<br />
We need to strike a balance between conservation <strong>and</strong> development.<br />
Housing need – young people accommodation for them.<br />
Affordable housing need.<br />
Number of people using public transport.<br />
Need to ensure st<strong>and</strong>ards for climate change.<br />
Discussion two<br />
Open space – children’s play area.<br />
Need plenty of open space.<br />
Education.<br />
Clear development brief.<br />
Youth facilities – need more – skateboard park.<br />
Better road linkages – A429/ Tetbury road junction.<br />
Linkages between new development needs to be carefully planned.<br />
Density?<br />
Space for education – new school?<br />
Heritage management <strong>and</strong> conservation.<br />
Big issue with traffic going through the town.<br />
Social infrastructure very important.<br />
We also need sheltered accommodation need to live near families.<br />
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Cohesive community requires full spectrum of ages.<br />
Need to think about the elderly people.<br />
Size of properties are not big enough.<br />
Design quality needs to be improved.<br />
Requirements for affordable housing should be linked to local residents –<br />
postcode restrictions.<br />
Prevent additional sales for affordable housing high need for young people.<br />
Need very strong s106 agreements.<br />
How do we use our current housing stock more wisely?<br />
Affordable housing should be pepper-potted, spread through development.<br />
Location <strong>and</strong> level of growth<br />
Cannot accommodate growth; lack of capacity in housing, transport <strong>and</strong> health.<br />
Issue of Lyneham?<br />
Should plan for Lyneham.<br />
Need to take account of growth of population.<br />
Need to have the infrastructure in place within the town before the development.<br />
Burton Hill site could potentially accommodate housing development.<br />
200 too much – we should have less on the site.<br />
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4.68 Marlborough community area<br />
4.69 Headline statistics<br />
Key issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities<br />
Supporting 2<br />
Supporting with conditions 1<br />
Objecting 1<br />
General comments 1<br />
How much we expect the community area to change by <strong>2026</strong><br />
Supporting 1<br />
Supporting with conditions 2<br />
Objecting 1<br />
General comments 0<br />
Strategic site allocations<br />
Supporting 3<br />
Supporting with conditions 4<br />
Objecting 3<br />
General comments 3<br />
Other comments relating to this community area<br />
Supporting 1<br />
Supporting with Conditions 2<br />
Objecting 0<br />
General Comments 11<br />
Total number of comments relating to Marlborough: 36<br />
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4.70 Issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities: comments<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Support the phrase, 'The area's potential for tourism has arguably not been fully<br />
taken advantage of.'<br />
Important to recognise the significance of protecting the town’s l<strong>and</strong>scape context.<br />
The fact that the A346 is still classed as a national Primary Route adds to the<br />
traffic problem by attracting heavy vehicles, although most of the road from<br />
Salisbury to Swindon is unsuitable for this designation.<br />
There is an acute affordable housing need, exacerbated by a low level of<br />
completions.<br />
Need to address out-commuting <strong>and</strong> reinforce the high level of self-containment.<br />
Marlborough has a limited employment offer, exhibiting less self containment<br />
compared to Devizes.<br />
Marlborough has significant concentrations of shops <strong>and</strong> services which are<br />
served by a number of local <strong>and</strong> national bus routes.<br />
Marlborough provides less potential for employment growth but maintains a<br />
strong service <strong>and</strong> retail function which requires protection.<br />
Issues of severance between a number of satellite villages <strong>and</strong> the centre of<br />
Marlborough must be recognised.<br />
The Chiseldon to Marlborough railway path (National Cycle Route 482) offers an<br />
excellent opportunity to improve non-motorised access to Marlborough from<br />
villages in the A342 corridor.<br />
Marlborough’s location within an AONB <strong>and</strong> being within easy reach of Avebury<br />
has the potential to benefit economically if sufficient accommodation is available<br />
<strong>and</strong> walking <strong>and</strong> cycling links are improved.<br />
The physical, historic <strong>and</strong> AONB constraints to the future expansion of<br />
Marlborough Town could indicate a need to accommodate housing requirements<br />
within the smaller towns <strong>and</strong> larger villages.<br />
Marlborough sits at the top of the River Kennet SSSI <strong>and</strong> so any growth could<br />
have an impact upon it.<br />
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4.71 Change <strong>and</strong> delivery: Comments<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Chiseldon to Marlborough railway path should be upgraded to enable greater<br />
use by walkers <strong>and</strong> cyclists.<br />
Marlborough’s strategic location within the North Wessex Downs AONB should be<br />
promoted.<br />
Wider improvements to walking <strong>and</strong> cycling routes, particularly to Avebury, the<br />
Vale of Pewsey <strong>and</strong> onwards to Stonehenge should take place.<br />
Agreement that it is unrealistic to plan for significant strategic growth at<br />
Marlborough.<br />
Support a proportionate level of growth which supports local employment <strong>and</strong><br />
seeks to retain local services.<br />
Concern that the expected changes relate solely to Marlborough town <strong>and</strong> not to<br />
the overall Marlborough community area.<br />
Whilst the principle of boundary extension is acceptable the proposed density<br />
would result in over-development, a lack of space for l<strong>and</strong>scaping <strong>and</strong> excessive<br />
urbanisation.<br />
Development within Marlborough town could impinge upon the AONB setting of<br />
the southern boundary of the town.<br />
Smarter measures <strong>and</strong> interventions should be made to encourage reductions in<br />
car use.<br />
It is appreciated that responding to needs is a challenge in an area with sensitive<br />
l<strong>and</strong>scapes, including the North Wessex Downs AONB, development should not<br />
be overly constrained at the expense of equally important social <strong>and</strong> economic<br />
objectives (i.e. those identified above <strong>and</strong> in our specific comments on issues <strong>and</strong><br />
opportunities).<br />
4.72 Strategic site options: comments<br />
The comments can be summarised as:<br />
The preferred strategic site option is unlikely to impact directly on Savernake<br />
Hospital which is sited on the A4 on the outskirts of the town. However, we need<br />
to ensure that this level of development coupled with the committed sites for<br />
housing <strong>and</strong> employment are supported by appropriate community <strong>and</strong> healthcare<br />
infrastructure in the form of GP services <strong>and</strong> sustainable transport links.<br />
Need to ensure any development incorporates a high quality walking <strong>and</strong> cycling<br />
network. Street layouts should maximise priority to pedestrians <strong>and</strong> cyclists.<br />
Provision should be made for cycle parking including dwelling design to ensure<br />
safe storage.<br />
Important to have a drop off point for school children at the top end of the<br />
proposed strategic site close to the footpath which passes the front of the old St<br />
Johns School building .<br />
Would like to see a further allocation at Chopping Knife Lane for up to 220 homes.<br />
Density must be reduced otherwise the proposed strategic site will unacceptably<br />
impinge upon the AONB setting of the southern boundary of the town.<br />
Need to thoroughly assess constraints including the North Wessex Downs AONB.<br />
An exceptionally well designed scheme is required given the AONB.<br />
Difficult to determine the water <strong>and</strong> waste water/sewerage infrastructure needs at<br />
this stage. In general terms it is easier to provide infrastructure for a small number<br />
of large clearly defined sites than it is for a large number of smaller less defined<br />
sites.<br />
Savernake tunnel is an important bat roost. Although resourcing constraints have<br />
meant that it has not been designated as a SSSI per se, it meets our criteria for<br />
SSSI designation, <strong>and</strong> as such, in the context of this consultation should be<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
treated as a SSSI. It seems likely that the proposed development will lead to a<br />
higher level of disturbance<br />
The preferred option is close to Savernake Forest SSSI. This site may be<br />
adversely affected by the allocation in a number of ways including atmospheric<br />
pollution from increased traffic effecting the lichen interest of the wood, cat<br />
predation <strong>and</strong> recreational disturbance affecting the woodl<strong>and</strong> bird interest,<br />
recreation (dog walkers) prejudicing attempts to restore grazing on the slopes<br />
above the business park, <strong>and</strong> the removal of <strong>and</strong>/or the burning in situ of dead<br />
wood, affecting the invertebrate interest of the wood. This may render this site<br />
unviable in terms of gaining planning permission.<br />
The preferred option falls within a Strategic Nature Area. Any development<br />
proposals should deliver the Strategic Nature Area objectives.<br />
The proposed site could potentially be phased so it meets local dem<strong>and</strong> over a<br />
long period.<br />
The proposed housing locations are shown to overly the Inner Source Protection<br />
Zone (SPZ1) for a public water supply abstraction (Marlborough). As a<br />
consequence this area is very sensitive, <strong>and</strong> if it is proposed to take this preferred<br />
option forward, a hydro geological assessment indicating the potential risk to<br />
groundwater is likely to be required.<br />
It is possible to realise opportunities for sustainable development, in response to<br />
significant local needs, in a way which is sensitive to Marlborough’s l<strong>and</strong>scape<br />
through high quality design, including strong l<strong>and</strong>scape <strong>and</strong> buffer planting within<br />
<strong>and</strong> on the edge of a scheme.<br />
4.73 Settlement hierarchy: comments<br />
<br />
<br />
Not convinced that the town contains the necessary retail, employment, services<br />
or facilities to sustain very much development <strong>and</strong> the l<strong>and</strong>scape <strong>and</strong> topography<br />
limit development opportunities as acknowledged by <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong>.<br />
Although Marlborough offers less potential for employment growth it still acts as<br />
an important service <strong>and</strong> employment centre <strong>and</strong> exhibits a high level of self<br />
containment. Therefore we also consider that Marlborough should also be<br />
considered to be a Policy B Settlement.<br />
4.74 Housing distribution: comments<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Given Marlborough’s role <strong>and</strong> function as a Policy B settlement <strong>and</strong>, crucially, the<br />
lack of affordable housing, the council should consider how a much higher level of<br />
growth could be allocated at the town.<br />
As an alternative the burden of development should be shared between<br />
Marlborough <strong>and</strong> the smaller towns <strong>and</strong> larger villages such as Aldbourne <strong>and</strong><br />
Ramsbury.<br />
Would like to see a revised spatial distribution of growth, increasing the proportion<br />
of development to those areas that need it most <strong>and</strong> where the opportunities exist<br />
for sustainable <strong>and</strong> self-contained development at Marlborough.<br />
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4.75 Marlborough community area: respondents<br />
CPRE <strong>Wiltshire</strong><br />
Highways Agency<br />
Planning <strong>and</strong> Local Government Natural<br />
Engl<strong>and</strong><br />
Thames Water Property Services<br />
The Hills GroupSustrans<br />
Environment Agency (Wessex Area)<br />
North Wessex Downs AONB<br />
Savernake Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
The Crown Estate<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Wildlife Trust<br />
Individuals<br />
Mr Christopher Gorringe<br />
4.76 Marlborough community area: notes from exhibitions <strong>and</strong> events<br />
Marlborough workshop<br />
24 November 2009<br />
Attendance<br />
Name<br />
Organisation<br />
Alex<strong>and</strong>er Wilson<br />
Marlborough Town <strong>Council</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
Community Transport (EKDCT)<br />
R. B. Hicklin CPRE<br />
John Kirkman<br />
CPRE<br />
Sergeant Ben Braine<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Police<br />
Joan Davies<br />
Savernake Parish <strong>Council</strong> (but not<br />
specified on signing in sheet)<br />
Jo Curson<br />
Greensquare Group<br />
Cllr Chris Humphries<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />
Cllr Jemima Milton<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />
Rich Pitts<br />
Marlborough Town <strong>Council</strong> (but not<br />
specified on signing in sheet)<br />
Michael Edmonds<br />
Baydon Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Janice Pattison<br />
Berwick Bassett <strong>and</strong> Winterbourne<br />
Monkton Parish <strong>Council</strong> (but not<br />
specified on signing in sheet)<br />
Guy Loosmore<br />
Marlborough Town <strong>Council</strong> (but not<br />
specified on signing in sheet)<br />
Cllr Peggy Dow<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />
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The following relates to discussion 1 on objectives from the Marlborough workshop.<br />
Attendees were asked to place blue stickers against their top three objectives. Both<br />
groups placed these on the laminated A4ish cards. As they had to be reused for a<br />
subsequent exhibition, the results are recorded below.<br />
Objectives<br />
Group<br />
1<br />
Group<br />
2<br />
Total<br />
1. To address climate change 1 0 1<br />
2. To provide for long term economic growth 3 6 9<br />
3. To meet <strong>Wiltshire</strong>’s housing needs 3 1 4<br />
4. To secure appropriate infrastructure <strong>and</strong> services 4 2 6<br />
5. To enhance the vitality <strong>and</strong> viability of town centres 2 3 5<br />
6. To encourage safe accessible places 1 0 1<br />
7. To promote sustainable forms of transport 3 4 7<br />
8. To protect <strong>and</strong> enhance the natural environment 3 1 4<br />
9. To safeguard <strong>and</strong> promote a high quality environment 1 3 4<br />
10. To minimise the risk of flooding 1 0 1<br />
Group one (Andrew Maxted <strong>and</strong> transport planner)<br />
Marlborough workshop notes<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Need sustainable transport for a viable town centre. Accessibility is a particular<br />
issue for younger people (pre driving age).<br />
Joined up integrated transport required.<br />
Lessons from Cumbria on preparedness for climate change. Up river woodl<strong>and</strong><br />
reduces properties risk to flooding.<br />
Climate change should be considered in relation to all other objectives. Need<br />
building control st<strong>and</strong>ards for housing (CO2 etc).<br />
Issues with affordable housing/ e.g. for local key workers (fire-fighters etc). This is<br />
especially an issue in the rural villages.<br />
Marlborough has good vitality/ but some shops are being lost (focus on visitors<br />
<strong>and</strong> tourists not for locals).<br />
Need small workshops to assist local firms.<br />
Cost of car parking is a major issue affecting local firms/ there are no sustainable<br />
alternative forms of travel. Need long stay car park on the edge of town for<br />
employees. Not to detract from town centre. Also insufficient capacity overall.<br />
Need more flexible interpretation of planning policy to support local jobs for<br />
example supporting local Bed <strong>and</strong> Breakfast guest houses. Some have been<br />
refused due to a lack of sustainable travel options/ damaging to local economy.<br />
Need improved digital network for rural areas/ rural economy/ home working/ <strong>and</strong><br />
supporting local economy. E.g. if work at home may use local shops more. Also<br />
good for climate change objectives etc.<br />
In relation to additional housing/ needs to be mixed with different types of tenure<br />
including catering for special needs.<br />
Need new road plan for the Salisbury Road area/ pre-development/ capacity<br />
issues on 2 roundabouts.<br />
New road needed through preferred option to A345/ need drop off point for<br />
school.<br />
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George Lane/ remove parking/ but it performs a traffic claiming role so maybe<br />
better to keep.<br />
School transport issues “nightmare as a parent”/ Need to present non car<br />
alternatives/ <strong>and</strong> overspill parking needed at recreation ground.<br />
Need community/ local hospital/ 1 hour to Chippenham/ or Swindon (<strong>and</strong> long<br />
wait when arrive).<br />
Need transport to Marlborough from rural catchment/ not necessarily buses.<br />
Need play facilities to be incorporated into new development early on to avoid<br />
NIMBY opposition.<br />
Out of town supermarket ‘ridiculous’/ although would service new development<br />
without the need to go into town. New supermarket should be in the town centre/<br />
accessibility/ support vitality of high street/ supermarket needed as no low cost<br />
convenience stores. Vauxhall Garage would be good site/ central/ near parking/<br />
could walk to town centre etc.<br />
Group two (J. Sherry <strong>and</strong> A. Lee)<br />
Discussion one: objectives<br />
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Question about the order in which the objectives are presented. Are there<br />
priorities already? JS answered that the group should ignore the current order,<br />
<strong>and</strong> tell us the order they would like.<br />
LAs are required to produce strategy. Energy efficiencies of housing stock within<br />
LA boundaries. Look at benchmarks of other LAs to see what has been done <strong>and</strong><br />
could then take this forward.<br />
There are really powerful things that <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong> could do with regards to<br />
climate change.<br />
Can’t factor in climate change if we don’t know what it is – don’t know how<br />
weather will change.<br />
JS mentioned regulatory requirements regarding climate change.<br />
Minimising the need for travel:<br />
- Would like to see Marlborough as a carbon neutral town. This will require<br />
looking at new developments – making them as efficient as possible.<br />
- This relates to transport. Marlborough has problems with HGVs/congestion<br />
problems.<br />
Affordable housing – there is obviously a need in this area. Taking account of<br />
climate change puts up the cost of housing.<br />
- But BedZed provides an example of development where the cost was not put<br />
up despite incorporation of ‘green’ measures.<br />
The wording of objective 1 is wrong: should be about moving to a low-carbon<br />
economy rather than focusing on climate change.<br />
Want to build housing with low cost – both in terms of price <strong>and</strong> running cost.<br />
Needed for all housing – not just affordable housing.<br />
What exactly is meant by affordable housing? Need to redefine what affordable<br />
means in this context.<br />
- If you have a low income, you should be able to have a home you can own.<br />
- Variety of things – also relates to rented income.<br />
JS: There is a statutory definition of affordable housing. We need to provide<br />
housing in villages so that people can buy a house when they grew up.<br />
When new house is built – should be a link with the village – so young people can<br />
stay in that village.<br />
Missing objective? Jobs (the ‘economic growth’ objective is not specific enough<br />
about jobs).<br />
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Reality = we are more fluid than other counties – this means more transport <strong>and</strong><br />
more movement. Statistics for number of people travelling into county to work<br />
(Berkshire).<br />
Can’t force companies to move to <strong>Wiltshire</strong>. JS: We want to give people the<br />
opportunity to work here.<br />
Point of view of families – if people can live <strong>and</strong> work in same village – can then<br />
easily pick up children at the end of the day.<br />
Question about how <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong> collects information from communities<br />
about what they want. Answer (JS) – we are doing it now.<br />
How much of planning is led by national policy? JS: We are led by national<br />
guidance. There was a draft RSS, the government then increased the housing<br />
figures. But the figures came from the Local Authorities originally.<br />
Information gathering – village plans – lengthy process – many villages were<br />
appalled that they had to draw up a plan. Therefore need another way of<br />
collecting views of the community. Not much rural representation tonight.<br />
One lady on the table was from Savernake – a very rural area. Have lost rural<br />
economy.<br />
Issue with Pewsey – not within community area – but is linked. JS: There are links<br />
between all the community areas.<br />
Local residents want jobs <strong>and</strong> houses – able to access without driving, decent<br />
school & hospital. ‘Creation of community’ is key.<br />
Need to create companies to create jobs. Is that the role of <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong>?<br />
JS: <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong> has an economic role, but can’t force people to provide jobs.<br />
Objective 2 should read “long term sustainable economic growth”.<br />
People want to see vitality in the town centre.<br />
In the US it is the culture to move to the job – not so here.<br />
The objectives overlap – sustainable housing can contribute to the climate change<br />
objective.<br />
Economic growth is beyond our powers. JS: but we can facilitate economic<br />
growth by identifying the right type of jobs that we need to provide.<br />
One person made a point about the selection of objectives using blue stickers: the<br />
climate change objective is taken as read, so this one was not selected.<br />
How can we address these issues in the communities (e.g. the 250 new<br />
dwellings)?<br />
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Rural village – gentrified over the years – economic driver in life of village.<br />
JS: How do we turn development into an advantage?<br />
Villages should not be swamped. Relax allocation rules – too rigid at present.<br />
Housing figures are very specific figures. It seems that housing is driving the<br />
whole agenda.<br />
What is the basis for the 44,400 new homes?<br />
JS: The need for the new homes is driven by population – the nature of the<br />
population – choosing to live alone. New form of planning is not just about<br />
housing – housing <strong>and</strong> jobs in balance.<br />
Issue with council Depot site. JS: Not changing any existing allocations at<br />
present.<br />
Why do people want to come to Marlborough – because it is a nice place to work.<br />
Need to get people to come to work in Marlborough without using their cars<br />
More efficient local transport is needed.<br />
Park <strong>and</strong> ride scheme.<br />
JS: In 20 years time petrol <strong>and</strong> diesel may not be available any longer.<br />
Technology may find solutions.<br />
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Rail link should be brought back to Marlborough – what about villages?<br />
Aerospace: working on personalised transport system – technology is there, but<br />
the will is not there.<br />
Wiggly Bus Scheme development – could integrate with railway – may not be selffunding.<br />
May be a cost, but need to invest.<br />
The example of rapid transit in Hong Kong was mentioned – but high density is<br />
needed for a rapid transit system.<br />
At present bus services are provided by private companies, <strong>and</strong> a profit is<br />
therefore required.<br />
Improved bus system is needed. Marlborough/Pewsey/Bedwyn so people can get<br />
to the railway station.<br />
Local approach – small electric cars – car share idea – don’t belong to anybody.<br />
Still need to be parked. Parking is an issue.<br />
Employment l<strong>and</strong> in villages is an issue – not swamping villages.<br />
Start up businesses – need to sign lease – need short leases. Affordable<br />
business premises are needed.<br />
Parking charges in Marlborough are higher than elsewhere. Low wage town.<br />
Need way of reducing traffic.<br />
Example of Irel<strong>and</strong> in attracting high quality employment – need this in<br />
Marlborough.<br />
Problem with Marlborough Business Park – leases are assumed to be quite<br />
expensive.<br />
Many jobs are provided by global companies – which can then move away.<br />
Therefore we need to encourage micro-businesses <strong>and</strong> provide people to work in<br />
them – educated <strong>and</strong> trained with relevant skills. Worried about education levels<br />
in the area.<br />
Swindon are planning to have free WiFi access by a certain target date.<br />
Need to make sure that Marlborough is connected to broadb<strong>and</strong> (e.g. G4).<br />
Issue of masts – but attitude is changing.<br />
Change concept from subsidised housing/transport – change to community<br />
investment.<br />
Broadb<strong>and</strong> is needed across <strong>Wiltshire</strong> as economic platform.<br />
Firms in Marlborough have moved out because they couldn’t exp<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Need small companies – which are part of supply chain – therefore less<br />
vulnerable.<br />
Marlborough has selling point – that there is high quality of life.<br />
Swindon – university is needed.<br />
Marlborough is a nice place to live – therefore needs leisure facilities, green<br />
space, tourism is important in the area.<br />
No big hotels in Marlborough.<br />
Natural beauty of countryside = important draw.<br />
Need high quality hotels – to bring in big spenders.<br />
Regulations – end up leading to not being able to do anything. Need to think<br />
outside the box <strong>and</strong> come up with ‘unthinkable’ even if this goes against<br />
government policy.<br />
JS: Plan should reflect government guidance <strong>and</strong> local community views.<br />
Problems with the preferred option:<br />
- Bat sanctuary<br />
- Water extraction point<br />
- Environmental protection<br />
JS: Map of preferred option not intended to show precise boundaries –not set in<br />
stone.<br />
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Waste: still using l<strong>and</strong>fill in this area – not using any of the innovative solutions for<br />
waste. Pilot plant in west Swindon is already running.<br />
Preferred option: Road to link across to new school – to link with Pewsey Road.<br />
To help alleviate issues at George Lane.<br />
Started process – but so huge <strong>and</strong> important therefore this one meeting is not<br />
enough.<br />
The <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>2026</strong> document should include a plan in between – linking<br />
overarching strategy to detailed section on the community area.<br />
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4.77 Melksham community area<br />
4.78 Headline statistics<br />
Key issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities<br />
Supporting 1<br />
Supporting with conditions 3<br />
Objecting 1<br />
General comments 8<br />
How much we expect the community area to change by <strong>2026</strong><br />
Supporting 0<br />
Supporting with conditions 3<br />
Objecting 3<br />
General comments 7<br />
Strategic Site Allocations<br />
Supporting 0<br />
Supporting with conditions 4<br />
Objecting 9<br />
General comments 13<br />
Other comments relating to this community area<br />
Supporting 2<br />
Supporting with conditions 6<br />
Objecting 2<br />
General comments 13<br />
Total number of comments relating to Melksham: 75<br />
* Melksham Community Area Partnership also provided the results of a survey. This survey was carried out in January 2010,<br />
<strong>and</strong> 157 people took part. The results of the survey are summarised in appendix 5<br />
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4.79 Issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities: comments<br />
Support for the identified key issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities for future employment<br />
growth, helping to provide a good balance between housing <strong>and</strong> jobs.<br />
Melksham Town <strong>Council</strong> agrees that levels of out-commuting need to be reduced,<br />
<strong>and</strong> that more employment should be encouraged in Melksham. The Town<br />
<strong>Council</strong> also agrees that the town is reliant on a single employer, which could lead<br />
to a huge impact on the town if this were to disappear.<br />
Town Plan welcomed providing it helps deliver a stronger retail centre.<br />
Melksham Town <strong>Council</strong> agrees that regeneration of the town centre is an issue.<br />
Persimmon supports the objective to promote Melksham's role as a market town.<br />
Support for Wilts <strong>and</strong> Berks Canal restoration through Melksham.<br />
The Town <strong>Council</strong> supports the Wilts & Berks canal, dependent on which route is<br />
agreed.<br />
Agreement that there is a need for a greatly improved rail service at Melksham,<br />
<strong>and</strong> that there would be a big advantage in more trains stopping at Melksham.<br />
Support the move by <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong> to safeguard l<strong>and</strong> around the station.<br />
All public transport needs to be improved.<br />
Train services need to be exp<strong>and</strong>ed considerably, the station should be improved,<br />
<strong>and</strong> bus services should also be exp<strong>and</strong>ed, with more regular services to<br />
elsewhere in the county.<br />
Bus timetabling should be improved between Melksham <strong>and</strong> Bath.<br />
Question as to whether Melksham should have its employment base enlarged,<br />
given current high vacancy rates, shrinking retail area, <strong>and</strong> high out commuting.<br />
Disagreement with the statement that “there is currently a good range of facilities<br />
within Melksham”: there is no Minor Injury Unit, <strong>and</strong> the town has recently lost its<br />
hospital <strong>and</strong> job centre, as well as numerous shops.<br />
Disagreement with the statement that “possible development of a new leisure<br />
centre” could improve provision of facilities further: this will only be the case if the<br />
new facilities are better than those at the Christie Miller Centre. Moving the<br />
swimming pool to Woolmore Farm would result in less community use as it would<br />
be less easy to access.<br />
Bridle paths <strong>and</strong> cycleways need to be increased to be a safe route to the new<br />
school.<br />
Need better cycle links through the town. More bridleways needed.<br />
Issues around road safety <strong>and</strong> new school – particularly regarding the A350.<br />
Poor access to the new Asda store for pedestrians.<br />
Improvement of walking <strong>and</strong> cycling links to minimise traffic should be added to<br />
the identified issues. Particular issue in that access to the new secondary school<br />
by cyclists is poor <strong>and</strong> needs improving.<br />
Proposed restoration of the Wilts <strong>and</strong> Berks Canal offers opportunity to deliver<br />
safe walking <strong>and</strong> cycling links within the town <strong>and</strong> with surrounding settlements.<br />
More cycleways through town centre. Centre of town is big issue for cycling.<br />
More funds need to be spent on creating a better cycleway network for Melksham.<br />
A safe footway should be provided from Berryfield to the new school to encourage<br />
children to walk/cycle to school.<br />
Upkeep of public footpaths is an issue.<br />
Pavements are filthy (dog’s mess).<br />
Still no barriers on pavements – too expensive?<br />
The proposed Kennet <strong>and</strong> Avon Canal link to R. Avon needs to be identified.<br />
Canal is an attraction. Should we do more on the river front?<br />
The Town <strong>Council</strong> is keen to see improvements to the river area.<br />
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The Environment Agency states that there are implications for protected species if<br />
the restoration of the Wilts <strong>and</strong> Berks canal goes ahead.<br />
No agreed route for canal – issue with Berryfields.<br />
Canal is a waste of money.<br />
Build/develop new canal with marina <strong>and</strong> moorings.<br />
With regard to highway capacity, adequate dem<strong>and</strong> management <strong>and</strong><br />
containment must be constructed prior to any future development.<br />
The issue of increased traffic congestion on the A350 as a result of development<br />
should be addressed.<br />
Support for development of link to A350 from Bowerhill, although this would<br />
require provision of an alternative site for a possible future village green.<br />
Serious consideration should be given to extending the new A350 to link up with<br />
Lacock or Beanacre.<br />
The Chamber of Commerce <strong>and</strong> Melksham Railway Development Group state<br />
that Melksham has an excellent link (via the A350) with the main dual carriageway<br />
network, <strong>and</strong> there are opportunities to strengthen the link with the M4 through<br />
work around Chippenham.<br />
Issue of through route for HGVs in the town centre.<br />
Road works through town centre have caused difficulties due to length of time<br />
they have taken.<br />
Do not want to encourage lorries on A350.<br />
Concern that extra housing will cause extra traffic <strong>and</strong> congestion, which are<br />
already issues on the A350 at peak periods.<br />
School traffic causes issues, particularly in the wet. School buses would help.<br />
Lorry park – feasibility study has been commissioned into moving it. No proper<br />
provision in current area used near police station.<br />
If eastern ‘bypass’ is built, main traffic route to the M4 would be via Lacock.<br />
A better link is needed between Bradford on Avon <strong>and</strong> the motorway. Lots of<br />
Bradford traffic comes through Melksham at present.<br />
Most people drive. Very few people walk or cycle. Especially in villages.<br />
Should provide infrastructure to satisfy what people want, not what they should<br />
want.<br />
Just having a Town Plan will not necessarily lead to regeneration.<br />
If there is no town centre improvement then more housing will turn Melksham into<br />
a dormitory town.<br />
Serious decisions are needed to improve the town centre, including the pulling<br />
down of Avon Place, <strong>and</strong> the removal of other buildings. A modern, covered<br />
arcade with well-known names should be provided in the centre.<br />
There should be proper mention of the need for improvements to the physical<br />
fabric <strong>and</strong> infrastructure of the town, including renovation of the town centre.<br />
Concerns that Melksham town centre will become less used unless employment<br />
is brought into the town.<br />
Some of the 1960s developments would benefit from a facelift, which would help<br />
to attract people into the town centre to shop.<br />
Current imbalance in retail provision – lots of takeaway outlets <strong>and</strong> cheap shops<br />
but few quality retail outlets. This should be addressed (Melksham Without Parish<br />
<strong>Council</strong>).<br />
Rail service needs to connect well with Paddington/Bristol line.<br />
Should be more mention of potential benefits of improvements to Melksham<br />
station, <strong>and</strong> there is a need for a shuttle bus to take people to the station <strong>and</strong><br />
town centre.<br />
An improved town bus service is needed. Links with the Greater Bath bus network<br />
also need to be considered.<br />
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Need public transport. Bus services are poor <strong>and</strong> should be improved – there<br />
should be regular reliable buses to Bath/Devizes <strong>and</strong> Trowbridge/Chippenham.<br />
Railway station should be moved to behind the new housing development on<br />
Beanacre Road, <strong>and</strong> the line dualed to Westbury, with service improvements.<br />
The Chamber of Commerce <strong>and</strong> Melksham Railway Development Group suggest<br />
that provision of an hourly TransWilts train service will be significant for<br />
Chippenham <strong>and</strong> Trowbridge, as well as Melksham.<br />
Transport links are important to create a sustainable centre.<br />
More trains may lead to more dormitory status, but need more facilities for people<br />
who do commute.<br />
Trains would help businesses relocate to Melksham.<br />
More trains <strong>and</strong> variety of bus service destinations.<br />
Better bus services will increase job opportunities.<br />
Melksham is only a little smaller than Chippenham – can we have a station <strong>and</strong><br />
service like this please?<br />
Please introduce a Wilts Train between Chippenham-Melksham <strong>and</strong> Trowbridge.<br />
Increasing train services to serve commuters would increase viability of town’s<br />
businesses <strong>and</strong> keep roads less busy <strong>and</strong> improve air quality.<br />
Restore train link to Bath – would reduce car use, pollution <strong>and</strong> congestion.<br />
Salisbury to Chippenham (through Melksham) rail link desperately needed to<br />
provide transportation through the county.<br />
Transport link-ups are needed (taxi rank at rail station, bus stopping at station<br />
etc).<br />
Bus <strong>and</strong> coach travel will be cheaper <strong>and</strong> more efficient than train travel.<br />
More buses to local villages.<br />
There should be a more regular train service for Melksham <strong>and</strong> trains should<br />
inter-connect with services to larger towns of Salisbury, Swindon <strong>and</strong> Bath.<br />
More planning is needed to provide the town with an integrated transport system.<br />
Support for <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong> securing l<strong>and</strong> at the station for future development.<br />
Cllr Richard Gamble states that improvements to the railway station <strong>and</strong> to train<br />
services would greatly benefit the town. The council has recently purchased l<strong>and</strong><br />
adjacent to the station to ensure that such improvements can be made.<br />
More frequent rail services needed, especially to Chippenham, Trowbridge, <strong>and</strong><br />
Bath.<br />
The Chamber of Commerce <strong>and</strong> Melksham Railway Development Group provided<br />
detailed suggestions for improvements to bus routes <strong>and</strong> frequencies (including<br />
suggestions for associated road improvements which would be required),<br />
suggestions for a new route for the National Cycle Route 4, <strong>and</strong> suggestions for<br />
additional walking routes.<br />
Shopper’s bus would be good.<br />
Better transport links needed.<br />
Melksham Town <strong>Council</strong> states that businesses should be encouraged to use<br />
existing empty shops rather than build new ones. The right sort of shops should<br />
be encouraged to create a good mix. Melksham currently has a number of small<br />
specialist shops, <strong>and</strong> there is little room for larger stores to come in. A strategy is<br />
needed for retail for the town centre, <strong>and</strong> there needs to be better provision whilst<br />
supporting the smaller shops. An argument could be made for business rates to<br />
be set locally by <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong>.<br />
Melksham Town <strong>Council</strong> state that existing companies should be encouraged to<br />
develop their existing sites, rather than being forced to move to Chippenham or<br />
Trowbridge if they wish to exp<strong>and</strong>.<br />
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If Cooper Tires is to close by <strong>2026</strong>, then Melksham Town <strong>Council</strong> states that the<br />
site should be used for mixed use development, comprising mainly employment<br />
l<strong>and</strong>, followed by housing <strong>and</strong> retail, with housing being on the water front.<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> state that more thought should be given to the<br />
potential issues arising if Cooper Tire <strong>and</strong> Rubber were to close. This should<br />
include addressing what type of industry could use the same skills base, so that<br />
the Core Strategy can encourage these types of industrial into the town.<br />
Planning for when Cooper Avon Tires goes.<br />
The Environment Agency suggests that river corridor enhancement should be<br />
added to the list of issues/opportunities.<br />
Concern about loss of free parking as a result of the Market Square<br />
redevelopment. Suggestion that replacement free parking could be provided at<br />
Lowbourne Car Park. This would ease difficulties arising due to on-road parking<br />
around the Manor School, <strong>and</strong> could ease traffic flow issues on Church Street.<br />
Retention of in-town parking helps retain trade.<br />
Summer car park should be provided at Countrywide Roundabout, on l<strong>and</strong><br />
between electricity substation <strong>and</strong> river. Footbridge over river to link with town<br />
centre.<br />
Improve (free) car parking to encourage people into town.<br />
Ease of car parking. More free car parking to encourage in-town trade.<br />
Melksham has a good supply of car parking compared to Devizes.<br />
Parking issues lead to congestion in the town centre. Peripheral parking would be<br />
good. Central car park should not be free for an hour, whilst peripheral car parks<br />
should be free for an hour. Should allow cars to flow to the town, but not through<br />
the town.<br />
There should be medical provision in Melksham for as many as possible of the<br />
basic diagnoses, tests, <strong>and</strong> treatments.<br />
The Town <strong>Council</strong> states that there is a need for better services (doctors services,<br />
Minor Injuries Unit, First Aid Station), <strong>and</strong> also a better spread of doctors services<br />
(currently all located in the south east of the town). Particularly important given<br />
the planned growth in the town.<br />
The Town <strong>Council</strong> raised a concern that the new school will be too small to meet<br />
dem<strong>and</strong>: education planning needs to reflect strategic planning.<br />
The Town <strong>Council</strong> does not support the move to place all recreational facilities on<br />
one site at the new secondary school. Christie Miller should not be replaced<br />
unless an equivalent facility of the same size <strong>and</strong> quality was constructed. It is<br />
more sustainable for the Blue Pool to remain in the centre of the town. The<br />
existing astro turf at George Ward School should be retained.<br />
Infrastructure <strong>and</strong> services needed.<br />
More primary schools needed.<br />
People should not have to travel out of town to get first aid.<br />
Three doctors’ surgeries are currently all located together, not evenly around the<br />
town, <strong>and</strong> are over-subscribed.<br />
Lack of facilities for young people.<br />
Atworth residents rarely use Melksham facilities. Often travel to Bradford on Avon,<br />
Trowbridge etc.<br />
People currently travel to Devizes cinema. 100-300 people come to the monthly<br />
cinema – not enough to sustain a full time cinema.<br />
Entertainment facilities are currently mainly private. Assembly Hall is main public<br />
site.<br />
Town needs good size park <strong>and</strong> country walks.<br />
Any major development almost depends on an 'act of faith' in the area <strong>and</strong> in the<br />
works to be carried out. Surely, such faith is part of the work of development.<br />
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The Chamber of Commerce <strong>and</strong> Melksham Railway Development Group identify<br />
a number of areas of l<strong>and</strong> which provide opportunities for development:<br />
- Expansion of Bowerhill industrial estate to A350, further to old Semington<br />
Road, <strong>and</strong> possibly to the south of Berryfield.<br />
- Areas to north east <strong>and</strong> east of Melksham suitable for residential<br />
development.<br />
- An area to the North West of the river / South East of the railway line with l<strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> (re)development potential.<br />
- The area around the railway station is suitable for development into a<br />
transport hub.<br />
- Additional l<strong>and</strong> above flood level to the North of current development but to<br />
the South of Beanacre.<br />
- L<strong>and</strong> to the West of the A350 Semington bypass <strong>and</strong> to the south of the A365<br />
Devizes Road - between the town <strong>and</strong> the industrial area of Bowerhill.<br />
The Town <strong>Council</strong> identifies employment, affordable housing, housing need, <strong>and</strong><br />
services as key issues in Melksham.<br />
Steeple Ashton Parish <strong>Council</strong> notes that, although Steeple Ashton is within the<br />
Melksham Community Area, it is more closely aligned with Trowbridge. The<br />
Parish <strong>Council</strong> has concerns about increases to the level of traffic on the A350 as<br />
a result of development of the preferred option at Trowbridge. Steeple Ashton<br />
Parish <strong>Council</strong> would wish that Green Lane should remain unsurfaced, <strong>and</strong> not<br />
bring more traffic to the unclassified Ashton Road between Stony Gutter <strong>and</strong><br />
Hilperton.<br />
We are lucky to have the employment area at Bowerhill.<br />
Melksham has attracted some prestigious employers (e.g. Knorr Bremse).<br />
Local jobs needed for local people.<br />
Need ‘quality’ jobs.<br />
Need more permanent jobs.<br />
Tourism <strong>and</strong> retail jobs should be provided in the town centre.<br />
Perhaps need to think about smaller scale economy – mix is needed with family<br />
<strong>and</strong> partnership businesses.<br />
Portfolio of different types of jobs needed both in <strong>and</strong> out of town.<br />
Town centre is important but should think about jobs peripheral to the town.<br />
Community needs more jobs, but more jobs will not revitalise the town centre.<br />
Promotion of the town <strong>and</strong> having sites available are important with regard to SO2<br />
(economic growth).<br />
Provide space for employers to grow.<br />
What can the council do to influence house builders to raise the local skill set?<br />
Disagreement with the idea that local employment should be the aim (as stated by<br />
another respondent).<br />
More business <strong>and</strong> industry should be encouraged into town <strong>and</strong> the industrial<br />
estate.<br />
Need to safeguard employment l<strong>and</strong> so not reliant on one major employer.<br />
Too many houses, little industry.<br />
Melksham’s central position in the county is ideal for its transport links to<br />
encourage mixed use industry <strong>and</strong> for leading high street chain stores to bring in<br />
visitors from surrounding towns. Companies seeking out premises in town should<br />
be given every encouragement to do so.<br />
Retail provision should be made on the south or east of the town (e.g.<br />
Tesco/warehouse stores).<br />
Historic town centre unable to cope with number of shoppers.<br />
Little scope in town centre to create new shopping facilities.<br />
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First priority in town centre should be to fill empty shops before creating new<br />
ones.<br />
Town centre has suffered over the years.<br />
Need to change perception of Melksham as an industrial town – possibly use<br />
Market Place.<br />
May be tourism opportunities – tapping into flow of visitors to Bradford on Avon<br />
<strong>and</strong> Lacock. Should utilise canal/river for this. Think about what attracts people to<br />
Bradford on Avon. Need complete package of tourist features. Melksham is<br />
ideally placed as centre from which to explore.<br />
Bring the market back. Should have a marketing strategy for the town centre.<br />
Possibility for antique shop? Honiton is a good example of specialist shops/cafes.<br />
Rents in town centre too high.<br />
Need shops first, then car parking.<br />
What’s in the town centre to entice young families?<br />
Retail: Need to look at why people are leaving Melksham to go to Curry’s. No<br />
where to put a large shop at present – larger retailers would want a car park.<br />
Leekes brings people into town without having a detrimental effect on the town<br />
centre – Melksham could fight out of town shops at Trowbridge, but with its own<br />
out of town shops like Leeks.<br />
Natural turnover of shops e.g. due to the internet.<br />
Melksham town centre has coped well with the recession due to independent<br />
retailers. It could not sustain larger stores.<br />
Important to have links between businesses so that people can visit multiple<br />
shops on one outing.<br />
Should develop Melksham more in the middle, so people can drive to the centre<br />
<strong>and</strong> walk around.<br />
Bowerhill post office will be reopened soon. It is well used.<br />
Regeneration of Melksham’s town centre is a must, <strong>and</strong> employment<br />
opportunities. Must have useful bigger shops.<br />
Need to ensure we draw people into the town centre rather than sending them out<br />
to Trowbridge/Chippenham.<br />
More help needed to bring retailers to the town.<br />
Town centre has been allowed to change to charity shops/takeaways/estate<br />
agents. Lower business rates would help alleviate this problem.<br />
More variety of shops in Melksham.<br />
Shopping precinct is a disaster – even Halifax closing.<br />
Nothing at present to draw in customers (especially men).<br />
Weatherspoons would be useful.<br />
Problems with current range of shops (too many takeaways)<br />
Wilkinsons is excellent, as Woolworths used to be.<br />
Peacocks, factory shop, Boots <strong>and</strong> Superdrug are OK. Leekes <strong>and</strong> Countrywide<br />
are OK, but not in town.<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> state that Melksham Town <strong>Council</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> agreed that Melksham needed a more<br />
comprehensive retail centre <strong>and</strong> that shops on the fringes of the town should be<br />
well connected via good footpaths <strong>and</strong> cycleways.<br />
Much building work has been bodged, detracting from protected buildings.<br />
Melksham Forest offers opportunity for putting the forest back.<br />
There are problems with affordability of housing for certain employment<br />
categories.<br />
Existing affordable housing has been put in car-dependent locations.<br />
Criteria for affordable housing – single people too.<br />
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Natural environment: nature reserve behind Sainsbury’s needs promotion. Quality<br />
of spaces is important. Importance of spaces between development. Creative<br />
design of flood mitigation measures.<br />
4.80 Change <strong>and</strong> delivery: comments<br />
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Support for the strategy for the town centre to achieve greater self-containment<br />
over time.<br />
Support for addition of affordable housing within Atworth parish.<br />
Agreement that Steeple Ashton should require only limited infill development to<br />
meet local needs. There are particular access problems in the village due to C<br />
class roads (Steeple Ashton PC).<br />
The package as a whole works well for the sensible development of the area<br />
(Melksham CAP).<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Wildlife Trust has concerns about the statement that “the A350 provides<br />
an important north/south route adjacent to Melksham but there is limited highway<br />
capacity around the town, which will need to be addressed”. Concern that this<br />
statement provides a green light for a bypass. <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Wildlife Trust therefore<br />
objects.<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> states that all current formal sports pitches <strong>and</strong><br />
informal open space should be retained.<br />
Established residential gardens <strong>and</strong> small green spaces should be protected from<br />
development (Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong>).<br />
Melksham Railway Development Group <strong>and</strong> the Chamber of Commerce state that<br />
there is support in the town for economic <strong>and</strong> commercial growth.<br />
Melksham Community Area Partnership states that Atworth Parish <strong>Council</strong> would<br />
like to know where development in Atworth is proposed.<br />
Need quantification of the term ‘moderate development’ in relation to Atworth. A<br />
large development would not be welcome.<br />
All new building should be sustainable <strong>and</strong> built to higher than required st<strong>and</strong>ards.<br />
Consideration should be given to a sensible road development (a particular issue<br />
is identified regarding congestion at the Countrywide roundabout <strong>and</strong> along the<br />
Chippenham road).<br />
Consideration should be given to an eastern bypass to link the new Semington<br />
bypass <strong>and</strong> the A3102 Calne Road. This relates to a particular issue of<br />
congestion in the town centre, <strong>and</strong> competition for space between pedestrians<br />
<strong>and</strong> lorries/buses.<br />
Transport <strong>and</strong> access considerations for sustainable growth:<br />
Limited road building is needed (link Bowerhill to A350, dual A350 past<br />
Chippenham, rearrange town centre car parking), Improve the rail service, revise<br />
local bus services to give an integrated public transport system (Melksham CAP).<br />
The Highways Agency stated that development at Melksham is unlikely to have a<br />
direct impact on the Strategic Road Network.<br />
A350 link for Bowerhill, linked to employment development.<br />
An eastern bypass may help to alleviate traffic issues, but would it just move<br />
problems elsewhere?<br />
Missing section of road by Cereal Partners towards Westinghouse Way needs<br />
high priority.<br />
Object to any eastern bypass, or part of it. Where is the public enquiry?<br />
The Wilts <strong>and</strong> Berks Canal corridor should be delivered in parallel to<br />
improvements to the A350 within the lifetime of the core strategy.<br />
Improvement should be made to the Kennet <strong>and</strong> Avon Canal towpath within the<br />
plan period.<br />
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There should be improvements to the walking <strong>and</strong> cycling network in Melksham<br />
within the plan period, to ensure there is a real choice of transport modes.<br />
The Core Strategy or a Town Plan should include clear requirements for<br />
developers to contribute to community benefits through Section 106 agreements.<br />
The local (town <strong>and</strong> parish) councils should be involved in drawing up the S106<br />
agreements. (Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong>).<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> states that there should be no further housing<br />
or industrial development in Melksham without comprehensive supporting<br />
community facilities. All physical <strong>and</strong> social infrastructure should be designated to<br />
Melksham prior to any new development taking place.<br />
There is a need for more formal pitches <strong>and</strong> a wider range of leisure facilities<br />
(including youth facilities) if the town is going to exp<strong>and</strong>. Facilities at the Christie<br />
Miller centre should be retained <strong>and</strong> exp<strong>and</strong>ed. (Melksham Without Parish<br />
<strong>Council</strong>).<br />
A Minor Injury Unit is required to replace Melksham hospital. (Melksham Without<br />
Parish <strong>Council</strong>).<br />
The Highways Agency stated that any development should be supported by an<br />
appropriate level of infrastructure, <strong>and</strong> sustainable transport links to the town<br />
centre. A Transport Assessment <strong>and</strong> Travel Plan would be required.<br />
Many people regularly play Bowls at the Christie Miller Centre, <strong>and</strong> would be<br />
looking for somewhere else to play should the centre close. Facilities could<br />
possibly be provided at the new school.<br />
Play areas <strong>and</strong> other community facilities needed, not just roads.<br />
The Town <strong>Council</strong> would like to see more recreational l<strong>and</strong> provided to the north<br />
of the town. There is also a possibility of recreational space between Bowerhill<br />
<strong>and</strong> the A350.<br />
Need to provide more affordable housing (also links with sustainability<br />
requirements).<br />
History in Melksham of l<strong>and</strong> allocated (e.g. for health purposes) but ultimately not<br />
utilised.<br />
Infrastructure <strong>and</strong> services should come first, but who pays?<br />
Playing fields for Bowerhill.<br />
Leisure development – dual use with school. Relocation of existing facilities –<br />
Christie Miller <strong>and</strong> Blue Pool (current leisure review).<br />
Infrastructure has to be a big consideration <strong>and</strong> should come first.<br />
Could the new school <strong>and</strong> facilities be open to community use outside school<br />
hours?<br />
Would like to see a leisure centre on the road between Melksham <strong>and</strong><br />
Trowbridge.<br />
What happens when the Sports Centre closes? Is it moving to the school site? If<br />
so, what will happen to the golf course?<br />
Entertainment? Leisure Centres? Or do we have to travel for those?<br />
Retain multiple facilities at Christie Miller <strong>and</strong> full replacement if building closes.<br />
GP practices are currently focussed on the town centre: it would be sensible to<br />
have a wider spread of surgeries as the town exp<strong>and</strong>s outwards.<br />
New schools should be placed in new centres of population.<br />
Leisure facilities can be provided on l<strong>and</strong> between the A350 / A365 junction to the<br />
south of the town <strong>and</strong> the industrial side of Bowerhill (Melksham CAP).<br />
There should not be coalescence between Berryfield or Bowerhill <strong>and</strong> Melksham.<br />
Separate identities should be retained. (Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong>).<br />
Green belt should be left between Melksham <strong>and</strong> Bowerhill (Melksham CAP).<br />
Melksham Town <strong>Council</strong> state that the buffer zone between Melksham <strong>and</strong> the<br />
surrounding villages (including Bowerhill) should be retained.<br />
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Historic setting of the Spa should be protected. (Melksham Without Parish<br />
<strong>Council</strong>).<br />
A review of all existing historic sites is needed, in order to ensure that sites such<br />
as The Spa are not lost or spoilt before being formally designated as conservation<br />
areas.<br />
Employment development should not just consist of large storage units which lead<br />
to increased HGV traffic <strong>and</strong> provide few local jobs (Melksham Without Parish<br />
<strong>Council</strong>).<br />
Larger <strong>and</strong> medium sized retail units should be provided to encourage companies<br />
such as Wilkinsons <strong>and</strong> Curry’s to come to the town (Melksham Without Parish<br />
<strong>Council</strong>).<br />
Need to exp<strong>and</strong> the retail base – possibly through redevelopment of the Avon<br />
Place precinct (Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong>).<br />
Serious consideration should be given to the creation of a new pedestrian precinct<br />
between Church Street/High Street <strong>and</strong> the Lowbourne roundabout. This may<br />
also need to involve developing town car parking.<br />
Want Melksham to grow, rather than maintaining the status quo which may lead<br />
to stagnation <strong>and</strong> decay (Melksham CAP).<br />
Would like consultation on proposed changes to the Market Place by Mouchel<br />
Parkman.<br />
East Melksham Consortium state that additional housing will add to the<br />
regeneration of the town <strong>and</strong> assist in sustaining town centre shops <strong>and</strong> services.<br />
The East Melksham Consortium suggests that a larger East Melksham Strategic<br />
Site will help address some of the affordable housing needs <strong>and</strong> general market<br />
dem<strong>and</strong>s of the town <strong>and</strong> its surrounding rural hinterl<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Request that the core strategy should recognise importance of existing <strong>and</strong> future<br />
retail uses within towns, alongside the focus on employment sites. Whilst the<br />
'railway cluster' is described as being part of a 'predominantly industrial zone'<br />
which follows the A350, there should be recognition of the established retail<br />
businesses that also occupy this area of Melksham <strong>and</strong> which are important local<br />
employers <strong>and</strong> integral to the town's local economy. The intensification of the<br />
railway cluster area of Melksham in the future, for both retail <strong>and</strong> other<br />
employment uses, will be important to the future consolidation <strong>and</strong> growth of<br />
Melksham's local economy - should be reflected in future policy drafts.<br />
The Chamber of Commerce <strong>and</strong> Melksham Railway Development Group set out a<br />
vision for Melksham which includes the following aspects (they acknowledge that<br />
many of these elements are included within the <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>2026</strong> document):<br />
Expansion of the Bowerhill industrial area, potential further residential expansion<br />
to the north east of Melksham, mixed use development in the area from the river<br />
to the station <strong>and</strong> beyond, encourage a wide range of independent shops <strong>and</strong><br />
eateries in the town centre, with potential, waterside development to link with the<br />
railway area, New leisure complex to south of A365, east of A350 (including<br />
cinema, sports facilities, restaurant,<br />
Updated integrated public transport network, including bus services which take in<br />
key developments <strong>and</strong> improved rail service, development of the area around<br />
the railway station (particularly <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong> l<strong>and</strong>) as a transport hub,<br />
retention of ‘green belt’ <strong>and</strong> leisure areas. The Conigre Mead Nature Reserve, the<br />
King George V area, <strong>and</strong> the green 'strip' out along the course of the Clacker's<br />
brook should all be preserved, - Rearrange car parking in the town centre to<br />
encourage long stay parking in those car parks with access issues, <strong>and</strong> short<br />
stay parking elsewhere.<br />
The above adjustments would lead to Melksham becoming a vibrant <strong>and</strong> largely<br />
self-sustaining community with reduced commuting (although commuting by<br />
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private <strong>and</strong> public transport would be much easier). This is preferable to<br />
maintaining the status quo, which would lead to stagnation of the town.<br />
Do not want Melksham to become a dormitory town.<br />
Need to think about balance between local facilities in new developments <strong>and</strong><br />
effect on diluting the town centre.<br />
Need for local outlets within community too (not just town centre).<br />
Westbury View/Dorset Crescent risk of flooding due to planned development (east<br />
Melksham urban extension).<br />
Need high quality street architecture <strong>and</strong> maintenance, <strong>and</strong> litter picking. Issue<br />
around the number of organisations involved.<br />
Facilitate lower business rentals to attract employers.<br />
How about becoming a Walkers are Welcome (WAW) town?<br />
Development in Melksham should focus on town centre development <strong>and</strong><br />
employment. Further housing development should follow this.<br />
Without employment before housing, the effect of inevitable increase in traffic will<br />
be detrimental to the environment. (Another person disagreed with this comment).<br />
Employment should be available before new homes are built.<br />
Great care must be given to planning the Cooper Tires site, if it is expected that<br />
they will move out of Melksham within the plan period.<br />
Melksham is a market town? Why don’t we have a market again in the Market<br />
Place?<br />
The Town <strong>Council</strong> raises concerns about flooding of attributing brooks<br />
(particularly Clackers Brook). A sustainable drainage system should be included<br />
in the current building programme, <strong>and</strong> any development up to <strong>2026</strong>, so there is<br />
no impact on l<strong>and</strong> further downstream.<br />
Existing companies should be encouraged to remain in the Melksham area <strong>and</strong> to<br />
exp<strong>and</strong>.<br />
If Cooper Avon were to leave, site should be used for a mix of housing <strong>and</strong><br />
industrial development.<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> state that Melksham Town <strong>Council</strong>, Melksham<br />
Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> <strong>and</strong> Melksham Chamber of Commerce agreed to support<br />
a new section of road between Dorset Crescent <strong>and</strong> Heather Way [assume this<br />
refers to Heather Avenue]. This could be used by both buses <strong>and</strong> cycles <strong>and</strong><br />
improve public transport east of Melksham.<br />
The Blue Pool should remain in the centre of the town, <strong>and</strong> that the Christie Miller<br />
Sports Centre should not be replaced unless an equivalent facility of the same<br />
size <strong>and</strong> quality was offered.<br />
Recreational l<strong>and</strong> should be allocated to the north of the town.<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> state that Melksham Town <strong>Council</strong>, Melksham<br />
Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> <strong>and</strong> Melksham Chamber of Commerce agreed that a<br />
Minor Injury Unit was needed for the town, especially in view of its planned<br />
extension.<br />
4.81 Strategic site options: comments<br />
Persimmon support the proposed strategy for Melksham Community Area, in<br />
particular the identification of the preferred options at the south east of Melksham.<br />
Support mixed use development on l<strong>and</strong> to the north <strong>and</strong> east of The Spa, residential<br />
development on l<strong>and</strong> to the south of The Spa roundabout, <strong>and</strong> employment<br />
development in two phases on l<strong>and</strong> to the south of the A435/north of the Bowerhill<br />
industrial estate.<br />
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WPB Planning state that the future needs of Melksham should be fully restricted<br />
to the preferred option area.<br />
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Melksham Without PC supports the existing employment development as shown<br />
in mauve block on the map <strong>and</strong> the potential employment sites shown on the east<br />
side of the A350 Semington - Melksham Diversion. The western boundary of<br />
employment l<strong>and</strong> should be Semington Road.<br />
Melksham Without PC supports the existing industrial allocations surrounding the<br />
Countryside Farmers roundabout.<br />
Melksham Without PC supports the extension of employment l<strong>and</strong> northwards<br />
along the railway line.<br />
Site 267 would be a natural location for employment l<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Site 266 is ideally situated as a strategic site for housing <strong>and</strong> mixed use.<br />
The East Melksham Consortium commend the proposed Preferred Strategy for<br />
Melksham, but suggest that it is essential that more effective use is made of the<br />
existing opportunity at East Melksham Strategic Site (see further comments<br />
below).<br />
Melksham Town <strong>Council</strong> supports employment development to the south of<br />
Melksham adjoining the A350, but better transport links should be provided<br />
between Hampton Park <strong>and</strong> the town centre.<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> supports an extension of industrial<br />
development along the railway line <strong>and</strong> between new Broughton Road <strong>and</strong> the<br />
River Avon. This area could also offer retail <strong>and</strong> town car parking opportunities.<br />
Northern part of preferred option links well to the area already permitted for<br />
development.<br />
There should be no development on the rural buffer between Melksham Town<br />
<strong>and</strong> Bowerhill inclusive of the l<strong>and</strong> adjacent to Pathfinder Way <strong>and</strong> Western Way.<br />
The buffer zone between Melksham <strong>and</strong> Bowerhill needs to be retained, <strong>and</strong><br />
there should be no development on the buffer between Melksham <strong>and</strong> Bowerhill.<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> states that the reason given for development to<br />
be located between Melksham <strong>and</strong> Bowerhill (that it is a good location for access<br />
to the new school) contradicts the recent decision to allow housing development<br />
on the existing George Ward School site, which is the other side of town.<br />
Objection to development on the fields either side of Park Road [assume this is<br />
referring to Pathfinder Way] leading up to Bowerhill from the roundabout. This<br />
area should be preserved as green space. Traffic concerns. Present level of<br />
development is unattractive.<br />
The Town <strong>Council</strong> do not support development between Pathfinder Way <strong>and</strong><br />
Western Way.<br />
Residents of Bowerhill are keen to remain a separate entity to Melksham, <strong>and</strong> are<br />
concerned that the proposed development between Melksham <strong>and</strong> Bowerhill will<br />
merge the two areas, which they are opposed to.<br />
CPRE <strong>Wiltshire</strong> states that the employment allocation seems to be high.<br />
Suggested allocations to the east of the A350 should be held in reserve, <strong>and</strong> only<br />
brought forward once other potential sites have been developed.<br />
Melksham Without PC objects to the preferred housing option adjacent Western<br />
Way <strong>and</strong> Pathfinder Way. House building between Bowerhill <strong>and</strong> the town is not<br />
supported.<br />
Bowerhill Residents Action Group objects to the fields on either side of Pathfinder<br />
Way Bowerhill being planned for residential development. Rural buffer should be<br />
safeguarded – important to keep Bowerhill separate from Melksham.<br />
Don’t like infill between Melksham <strong>and</strong> Bowerhill.<br />
Don’t support infill between Bowerhill <strong>and</strong> Melksham.<br />
Historically l<strong>and</strong> between Bowerhill <strong>and</strong> Melksham has always been a rural buffer.<br />
Need to keep Bowerhill <strong>and</strong> Melksham separate. No new houses are needed on<br />
Western Way – exp<strong>and</strong> east, not south.<br />
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Melksham Town <strong>Council</strong> states that there should be no more housing to the south<br />
of the eastern distributer road.<br />
The two sites south of the main road to Devizes should not be used for housing<br />
due to road safety issues <strong>and</strong> in order to maintain Bowerhill as a distinct<br />
community.<br />
Site 1025 is located to the north of the Bowerhill employment area <strong>and</strong> would be a<br />
natural location for employment l<strong>and</strong>. Should not be used for housing.<br />
The Chamber of Commerce <strong>and</strong> Melksham Railway Development Group mention<br />
criticism of the proposed development to the south of the A365 <strong>and</strong> west of<br />
Mallory Close [between Melksham <strong>and</strong> Bowerhill].<br />
The Spa should be preserved as a future conservation area. There should not be<br />
any housing development behind <strong>and</strong> right up to the back gardens of the Spa, or<br />
around the Spa to spoil its setting.<br />
Melksham Town <strong>Council</strong> states that there should be no housing behind the Spa<br />
(objection to the preferred option).<br />
Melksham Town <strong>Council</strong> states that the Spa should be preserved as a future<br />
conservation area, <strong>and</strong> no housing should be built immediately behind it.<br />
Bowerhill Residents Action Group are concerned that development on l<strong>and</strong><br />
behind the Spa will ruin the historic setting.<br />
Preferred option is a threat to the historic setting of Melksham Spa. English<br />
Heritage was very concerned about development at the back of the Spa when the<br />
new school was being planned.<br />
To build housing on the narrow strip between the school <strong>and</strong> the Spa behind the<br />
conservation area would be very controversial.<br />
The Chamber of Commerce <strong>and</strong> Melksham Railway Development Group mention<br />
criticism of the proposed development on l<strong>and</strong> behind The Spa.<br />
Employment development west of Semington Rd <strong>and</strong> south of Berryfield.<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> state that Melksham Town <strong>Council</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> agreed that there should be no industrial<br />
development in the area west of Semington Road <strong>and</strong> south of Berryfield.<br />
The Town <strong>Council</strong> do not support employment development west of Semington<br />
Road <strong>and</strong> south of Berryfields.<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> states that Semington Road should form the<br />
western boundary of Bowerhill <strong>and</strong> Berryfield Industrial Park. No industrial<br />
development west of this road.<br />
Keevil Parish <strong>Council</strong> objects to the preferred option. More consideration should<br />
be given to the alternative proposals.<br />
Concern that retail in Melksham is moving west, housing east <strong>and</strong> employment<br />
south – therefore shops will not be easily accessible on foot.<br />
Issues of getting to the town centre from the preferred option by foot or cycle.<br />
Development on preferred option would be on opposite side of town from all the<br />
shops.<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> state that Melksham Town <strong>Council</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> agreed there should be no industrial<br />
development in the triangle of l<strong>and</strong> between Pathfinder Way <strong>and</strong> Western Way.<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> state that Melksham Town <strong>Council</strong>, Melksham<br />
Chamber of Commerce <strong>and</strong> Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> agreed that there<br />
should be no more industrial development along the river (l<strong>and</strong> north <strong>and</strong> west of<br />
Countrywide Farmers roundabout) but that this area should be used for parking<br />
for the town with a footbridge over the River Avon.<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> state that Melksham Town <strong>Council</strong>, Melksham<br />
Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> <strong>and</strong> Melksham Chamber of Commerce agreed industrial<br />
development should take place between the existing Bowerhill Industrial Park <strong>and</strong><br />
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A350 <strong>and</strong> between A350 Diversion <strong>and</strong> Semington Road (although Melksham<br />
Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> wishes to exclude Golf Course, as set out below).<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> does not support development of the Golf<br />
Course behind the Christie Miller Sports Centre as this recreational l<strong>and</strong> is part of<br />
the Christie Miller Sports Centre which the PC wishes to see retained <strong>and</strong><br />
improved.<br />
Melksham Town <strong>Council</strong> does not support employment development near the<br />
SEB site: the l<strong>and</strong> should be used as a country park/car park, with a connecting<br />
footbridge to the town centre.<br />
CPRE <strong>Wiltshire</strong> state that some of the recent commercial buildings have been<br />
very large with a small workforce: this is not the best use of l<strong>and</strong> in Melksham.<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> supports the alternative proposed employment<br />
l<strong>and</strong> south of the caravan park <strong>and</strong> adjacent to the Sewage Works.<br />
L<strong>and</strong> south of Bowerhill (particularly sites 1005 <strong>and</strong> 1006) should be considered<br />
for employment development: the soon to be adopted Swift Way offers a viable<br />
link with Melksham.<br />
Prefer commercial use on the frontage of A350/A365 rather than housing.<br />
Melksham Town <strong>Council</strong> mentions plans in the core strategy to have more<br />
housing north of Snarlton Lane.<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> has concerns over the way in which sites have<br />
been selected. Some sites which logically follow on from existing housing have<br />
not been considered at all (e.g. l<strong>and</strong> north west of S<strong>and</strong>ridge Common). Other<br />
sites appear to have been put in the plan simply because the l<strong>and</strong> is owned by<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong> or the l<strong>and</strong> owner has indicated that they would be willing to sell.<br />
Berryfield <strong>and</strong> Semington Road Action Group object to the potential future<br />
employment site identified on l<strong>and</strong> south of Berryfield Brook (to the east of<br />
Semington Road). The group has concerns about potential increased traffic on<br />
Semington Road, light pollution, loss of Grade 1 agricultural l<strong>and</strong>, increased flood<br />
risk (Berryfield Brook <strong>and</strong> the River Avon are both close to the site) <strong>and</strong> the<br />
impact on plans to restore the Wilts <strong>and</strong> Berks canal. The group also highlighted<br />
existing unoccupied units to the east of Semington Road, <strong>and</strong> raised concerns<br />
about industrial development overwhelming the existing settlement, <strong>and</strong><br />
undermining the separate identity of Berryfield <strong>and</strong> Semington Road.<br />
Object to allocation of Upside site as merely an employment site - should be<br />
mixed use.<br />
Many of the sites marked on the map as being "available" for future development<br />
are in fact already built on <strong>and</strong> fully developed, meaning that the actual allocation<br />
for Melksham is much reduced (map showing potential employment sites on page<br />
94 of the Strategic Sites background paper).<br />
An employer in Melksham has concerns over where they would be able to find<br />
l<strong>and</strong> for future development, <strong>and</strong> would like to see different lots allocated around<br />
the town so that diversity is introduced.<br />
Area to south west of Melksham is a logical infill.<br />
Bowerhill is developed enough already – some industrial sites there are slow to<br />
let.<br />
Increased density of development at Bowerhill does not fit well with the older part<br />
of Bowerhill.<br />
The housing development on the road to Calne [A3102] is far too big.<br />
Site 648 should be included in the preferred housing <strong>and</strong> mixed use options, <strong>and</strong><br />
should have been included in the SA (for further details see comment by Mark<br />
Chard <strong>and</strong> Associates).<br />
Objection to proposed housing site as Townsend Farm, to the south of the town,<br />
would be preferable. The allocation of Townsend Farm <strong>and</strong> the use of the Bath<br />
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Road employment as a mixed use regeneration sites would meet the 400<br />
dwellings the strategy is looking to deliver.<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> objects to either employment l<strong>and</strong> or residential<br />
l<strong>and</strong> being allocated north of Boundary Farm, adjacent to Western Way on the<br />
south west side of Melksham. Western Way forms a clear boundary between the<br />
town <strong>and</strong> the countryside, this site is highly visible from Western Way, <strong>and</strong><br />
development would mar the countryside amenity of this area with its rural<br />
farmsteads of Boundary Farm <strong>and</strong>Westward Farm.<br />
Would rather north Melksham for preferred option (forest area).<br />
Prefer the grey area to the north east of the preferred option.<br />
Development should go immediately to the north of the eastern extension instead.<br />
An alternative option would be to the north, for which the access would be via<br />
Woodrow Road. Transport would be difficult.<br />
Development ought to be north of S<strong>and</strong>ridge Road, opposite l<strong>and</strong> already<br />
designated for development.<br />
Melksham Railway Development Group <strong>and</strong> Chamber of Commerce state that<br />
there are other areas which would be practical for further housing or employment<br />
development, which do not appear to have been fully considered. It is also noted<br />
that there are subtle differences between the maps of the sites identified by<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong> as potential sites, <strong>and</strong> that some of these areas would probably<br />
be impractical to develop.<br />
Additional site (which was promoted through the SHLAA) should be considered<br />
alongside the preferred option (need to look up details of the site). The site is<br />
opposite already planned housing development (south of S<strong>and</strong>ridge Common) to<br />
the east of Melksham.<br />
L<strong>and</strong> on Semington Road Melksham should be included in the proposed southern<br />
urban extension (further detail is included in the response from Simon<br />
Richardson).<br />
Atworth Business Park should be allocated as a future employment site.<br />
How about joining up all the gaps between the houses in Beanacre? Room for<br />
300+.<br />
Why has l<strong>and</strong> north of A3102 not been considered?<br />
The Wilts & Berks Canal Partnership has identified a number of sites adjacent to<br />
the canal restoration where housing development would provide an economic<br />
opportunity <strong>and</strong> would wish that the sites are considered. The proposed sites<br />
include some areas of l<strong>and</strong> which are within alternative options 1 <strong>and</strong> 3. Additional<br />
l<strong>and</strong> is suggested to the south <strong>and</strong> north east of Melksham, <strong>and</strong> on the riverside<br />
area of the Cooper Tires site.<br />
Industrial development has been proposed on Grade A agricultural l<strong>and</strong> to the<br />
south. Why has industrial development not been considered on other l<strong>and</strong>, e.g.<br />
between Bowerhill <strong>and</strong> the road to the west.<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> suggests that the alternative l<strong>and</strong> north of the<br />
A3102, between the A3102 <strong>and</strong> Woodrow Road, should be developed instead<br />
(however the parish council notes that this was not supported by Melksham Town<br />
<strong>Council</strong>).<br />
The Kennet <strong>and</strong> Avon Canal Trust note that the preferred option for development<br />
should not impinge on the canal, providing that development does not extend<br />
further south than the current line of development in Bowerhill. Care should be<br />
taken to ensure that the size of individual industrial buildings is compatible with<br />
open aspect when viewed from the canal.<br />
Bowerhill Residents Action Group state that, if the fields either side of Pathfinder<br />
Way are developed, then bus services between Bowerhill <strong>and</strong> the town centre<br />
must be improved.<br />
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If it is decided to build on the fields either side of Pathfinder Way then Bowerhill<br />
Residents Action Group would expect a S106 agreement to secure community<br />
benefits for residents of Bowerhill, rather than general improvements to the<br />
Melksham area.<br />
Suitable infrastructure should be provided in the areas where development is<br />
planned (e.g. roads, public transport, recreation, healthcare <strong>and</strong> education).<br />
New development should be linked to the town centre, to encourage residents to<br />
visit the centre.<br />
CPRE <strong>Wiltshire</strong> state that the preferred option should be phased, as recent<br />
developments have not been matched with facilities in the town centre.<br />
Every house should have parking for at least two vehicles, since people will<br />
continue to use cars whether or not public transport is improved.<br />
The preferred strategic site option needs to include a high quality walking <strong>and</strong><br />
cycling network, including links to the town centre <strong>and</strong> the Wilts & Berks Canal<br />
<strong>and</strong> the Kennet & Avon Canal. Street layouts should maximise priority for<br />
pedestrians, cycle parking should be provide, <strong>and</strong> smarter measures should be<br />
used to encourage reduced car use.<br />
A walkway from proposed new development of housing behind the Spa to enable<br />
children to walk to school would be excellent.<br />
Seend Parish <strong>Council</strong> highlights the need to consider the extra traffic generated<br />
by the proposed development: no provision is made for this in the report.<br />
The Spa should become a conservation area in view of the l<strong>and</strong> allocated for<br />
future development. In the proposal there are no new green recreational areas in<br />
Bowerhill for people to walk to avoid heavy road traffic. Having parkl<strong>and</strong> around<br />
the historical Spa area creates a buffer between developments.<br />
Seend Parish <strong>Council</strong> raises concerns that very little account has been taken of<br />
the need to provide facilities <strong>and</strong> services to support the proposed development.<br />
The area has seen a large amount of housing development, <strong>and</strong> there now needs<br />
to be an emphasis on services for social, commerce <strong>and</strong> transport as well as<br />
hospital <strong>and</strong> minor injury facilities. Substantial investment (local government <strong>and</strong><br />
private) is needed to provide these.<br />
Concern that there is overlap on the map between the preferred option <strong>and</strong> area<br />
set aside for open space around the new school. Would like assurance that<br />
proposed open space around the school will not be lost.<br />
Proposed housing to the east should be linked to the town centre by a spine road,<br />
<strong>and</strong> should not be orientated around a developer-funded Melksham eastern<br />
bypass. The need for a bypass should decrease if the vision comes into effect,<br />
<strong>and</strong> there are fewer HGVs on the roads by <strong>2026</strong>.<br />
Preferred option is on much used green space. Local people would need to have<br />
alternative spaces.<br />
Where are the jobs? It is easier to plan the houses than the future jobs.<br />
Where will the new families work?<br />
Phasing of new housing <strong>and</strong> work is essential.<br />
Concern over where the jobs will be coming from to support the extra housing,<br />
particularly in the current economic climate, <strong>and</strong> with the <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>2026</strong> report<br />
identifying that Cooper Avon could be at risk.<br />
Concerns about providing employment <strong>and</strong> housing development in the same<br />
area. Are there examples to suggest that combining employment <strong>and</strong> housing<br />
development in the same area is likely to be successful?<br />
Location of distributor road round new development.<br />
Access to the preferred option – between the old A350 <strong>and</strong> the Semington-<br />
Melksham diversion? Site looks isolated, with entry via an industrial estate.<br />
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More detailed mapping of the preferred option site should be provided. The actual<br />
site could accommodate more than 400 dwellings. The current evidence base<br />
does not acknowledge the full extent of the preferred option site, <strong>and</strong> this should<br />
be rectified. The housing yields are artificially low <strong>and</strong> do not represent an efficient<br />
use of l<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Mapping should include details of access to the site/road links.<br />
Flood plains are included in the Chippenham <strong>and</strong> Trowbridge maps, but not in the<br />
other plans.<br />
It would be helpful to include a map showing all the green open space <strong>and</strong> pitches<br />
in each community area.<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> has concerns about the depiction of the new<br />
school site on the map. The map should indicate which l<strong>and</strong> belongs to the new<br />
school, <strong>and</strong> which l<strong>and</strong> is being allocated for community open space <strong>and</strong> pitches.<br />
The community l<strong>and</strong> should have separate access <strong>and</strong> parking from the school.<br />
How will Wilts <strong>and</strong> Berks canal restoration wind its way through the proposed<br />
industrial estate extension south of Berryfield Park?<br />
Map not up to date? Part of potential future employment site already developed<br />
(Cereal Partners).<br />
There needs to be more explanation of where the employment l<strong>and</strong> is.<br />
In the short term the most effective way to provide housing at Melksham would be<br />
to increase the density at the existing East Melksham Strategic Site (Persimmon<br />
homes).<br />
The Town <strong>Council</strong> state that the houses planned for Snarlton Lane/Snowberry<br />
Lane area need to come under boundary of Melksham Town <strong>Council</strong> rather than<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong>.<br />
The emerging Core Strategy should make clear that the East Melksham Strategic<br />
Site will be expected to accommodate an additional 160 dwellings over <strong>and</strong> above<br />
the current level of development, as part of the overall provision for Melksham<br />
(East Melksham Consortium).<br />
Environment Agency comments<br />
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The Environment Agency has no objection to the preferred housing option on<br />
flood risk grounds, providing that surface water drainage issues are addressed.<br />
There is a water course to the west of the site, so surveying would be needed to<br />
determine which species are present. This watercourse would also need to be<br />
considered in FRA.<br />
The Environment Agency has no objection to the proposed employment l<strong>and</strong> on<br />
flood risk grounds.<br />
The Environment Agency stated that SFRA Level 2 might be required for<br />
alternative option 1 (to the north east of Melksham) if development is planned<br />
near of within Flood Zone 2/3. Surveying of minor water courses on the site would<br />
also be required (with regards to biodiversity).<br />
The Environment Agency stated that SFRA Level 2 would probably not be<br />
required for alternative option 3 (to the south of Melksham) provided that<br />
development could be located in Flood Zone 1. Protection of Berryfield Brook<br />
would be required, including a suitable buffer between potential development <strong>and</strong><br />
the watercourse.<br />
The Environment Agency stated that foul <strong>and</strong> water supply infrastructure capacity<br />
needs to be assessed as part of the SA.<br />
Section on the A350 could be used for high quality business development.<br />
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Hallam L<strong>and</strong> Management/Bloor Homes control the l<strong>and</strong> to the east of Melksham,<br />
to the south of the existing committed urban extension, <strong>and</strong> believe that circa 400<br />
dwellings should be located here regardless of whether the other preferred option<br />
sites are allocated for residential/employment use. If more housing were required<br />
then this site could potentially be increased, or densities increased to deliver<br />
more. Any figure of less than 400 dwellings would jeopardise the optimum design<br />
<strong>and</strong> transport strategy. The two other locations identified between Melksham <strong>and</strong><br />
Bowerhill would be far better locations for potential extensions to the existing<br />
employment l<strong>and</strong> at Bowerhill.<br />
The Core Strategy should acknowledge the need to identify a further supply of<br />
specific developable sites, in years 6 to 15 (We see no reason why this is not<br />
possible for years 11 to 15) in accordance with requirements set out in paragraph<br />
55 of PPS3.<br />
Any development should only take place on the town centre side of any roads<br />
acting as a bypass for the town.<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> would like the Local Centre l<strong>and</strong> at Hornchurch<br />
Road in Bowerhill to be allocated for community facilities <strong>and</strong> shops.<br />
Very few sites around Melksham are suitable for large scale retail uses, so should<br />
consider whether any of the other sites (e.g. employment sites on A350) would be<br />
suitable for large scale retail.<br />
Amount of l<strong>and</strong> shown for possible employment looks a lot, but how many jobs<br />
per acre with modern industry?<br />
Boundary between Melksham <strong>and</strong> Melksham Without – growth of town into<br />
Melksham Without – possibility of boundary review?<br />
Should be one Melksham – not With <strong>and</strong> Without.<br />
Bowerhill development could follow later if the gap were developed.<br />
4.82 Settlement hierarchy: Comments<br />
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Agreement that Keevil should be included in the policy of development restraint.<br />
Support for recognition of market towns such as Melksham as focal points <strong>and</strong><br />
service centres for their community areas, <strong>and</strong> support that these towns should<br />
accommodate sufficient new development to enable them to consolidate <strong>and</strong><br />
develop this service role.<br />
Persimmon endorses the identification of Melksham as a Policy B settlement as it<br />
is one of the largest market towns in West <strong>Wiltshire</strong>.<br />
The East Melksham Consortium welcomes the strategy which focuses<br />
development on market towns such as Melksham together with the strategically<br />
significant towns.<br />
The Town <strong>Council</strong> state that there are opportunities for smaller scale development<br />
in the surrounding villages, <strong>and</strong> the Town <strong>Council</strong> would support limited affordable<br />
housing development in the larger villages with facilities.<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> supports limited development in villages with<br />
good facilities to encourage affordable housing.<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> state that Melksham Town <strong>Council</strong>, Melksham<br />
Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> <strong>and</strong> Melksham Chamber of Commerce agreed to support<br />
limited housing development in the larger villages with facilities, providing this was<br />
for affordable housing.<br />
Melksham should be considered in the same category as towns such as<br />
Chippenham <strong>and</strong> Trowbridge, rather than alongside towns which have a much<br />
smaller population. Melksham should be allowed to grow as a complete<br />
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community, possibly sharing some services with neighbouring towns (Melksham<br />
CAP).<br />
Mark Chard <strong>and</strong> Associates state that Melksham should be included in SSCT<br />
status, due to its position between Chippenham <strong>and</strong> Trowbridge, <strong>and</strong> its road links<br />
to the M4.<br />
Melksham should not be relegated to being a poor cousin of Chippenham <strong>and</strong><br />
Trowbridge, especially as it has the prospect of 32,000 residents.<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> state that Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> Melksham Town <strong>Council</strong> discussed what size of town Melksham should be in<br />
the future. It is significantly larger than Malmesbury <strong>and</strong> Marlborough <strong>and</strong> should<br />
not be restricted by being grouped with smaller towns. Melksham has more in<br />
common with Chippenham <strong>and</strong> Trowbridge than places such as Malmesbury <strong>and</strong><br />
Bradford on Avon (note that this was not formally agreed just noted in the<br />
minutes).<br />
Development should be encouraged in the market towns, <strong>and</strong> not just in<br />
Chippenham <strong>and</strong> Trowbridge.<br />
Melksham should not be seen as a small town in terms of retail development.<br />
Glesson Developments suggest that Devizes, Calne, Melksham <strong>and</strong> Warminster<br />
should be identified in the core strategy as ‘primary’ Policy B settlements, being<br />
second only to the SSCTs. These towns carry out a primary function in terms of<br />
providing a concentration of business, public transport links <strong>and</strong> employment <strong>and</strong><br />
community facilities that meet the needs of the settlement <strong>and</strong> the surrounding<br />
area. (Further detail is included in the response)<br />
Melksham Railway Development Group <strong>and</strong> the Chamber of Commerce suggest<br />
that the proposals outlined in the consultation document will deprive the town of<br />
the strategic backing necessary to develop as a complete community. It is stated<br />
that there is support amongst the current population of Melksham for the town to<br />
grow as a ‘complete town’, rather than having jobs <strong>and</strong> commerce leached or<br />
drifting away from the town, with businesses unable to exp<strong>and</strong> in Melksham. The<br />
town should be allowed to grow, with good housing, jobs, education, <strong>and</strong> other<br />
services.<br />
Semington Parish <strong>Council</strong> expressed confusion as to where Semington sits: it is<br />
shown in the Trowbridge community area section complete with housing<br />
development already planned (affordable housing) but is also marked as ‘not<br />
suitable for development’ in the Melksham community area section.<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> has concerns that some facilities (such as a<br />
Minor Injury Unit <strong>and</strong> a Police Station) are needed in any population centre, <strong>and</strong><br />
should at least be provided in towns of 10,000 or more residents. These facilities<br />
should not therefore be limited to the strategically significant towns.<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> requests information about how the decisions<br />
have been made as to the level of facilities <strong>and</strong> services criteria being used to<br />
identify small towns <strong>and</strong> larger villages. Is there a threshold population figure?<br />
Shaw/Whitley combined have a number of facilities. Shaw needs affordable<br />
housing. Broughton Gifford has specialist facilities <strong>and</strong> would benefit from a small<br />
amount of development to support the village school.<br />
Holt is a good model for what a village should be like – can be both lived in <strong>and</strong><br />
worked in. However, it was also noted that lots of workshops in Holt have been<br />
lost.<br />
Village schools are threatened by demographics. Small number of new affordable<br />
houses could improve their viability.<br />
Importance of rural housing in the smaller settlements needs to be brought out in<br />
the strategy.<br />
Need for social housing in the smaller settlements.<br />
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4.83 Housing distribution: Comments<br />
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Melksham Without PC questions whether a further 400 dwellings should be<br />
allocated at Melksham, when the town is already expecting a 10.8% population<br />
increase over the period up to 2011 due to development already planned. This is<br />
a larger percentage population increase than that expected at Trowbridge,<br />
Westbury <strong>and</strong> Bradford on Avon.<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> does not support any extra housing for<br />
Melksham unless extra facilities are offered as well (particularly either a Minor<br />
Injury Unit or First Aid Station). Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> state that the<br />
parish council agrees with Melksham Town <strong>Council</strong> that 400 extra houses are far<br />
too many, but Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> will only support the construction<br />
of another 200 houses, as advocated by Melksham Town <strong>Council</strong>, as long as<br />
additional facilities are offered as well.<br />
Bowerhill Residents Action Group states that Melksham does not need any more<br />
houses. There are already 1000 houses planned without any increases in the<br />
facilities in the town (such as reopening the minor injuries unit, regular rail service,<br />
<strong>and</strong> a good cycleway network).<br />
The plans seem to indicate that Chippenham <strong>and</strong> Trowbridge will have most of<br />
the local facilities, whilst Melksham will have the most houses – there should be a<br />
better balance in each town (Bowerhill Residents Action Group).<br />
The Town <strong>Council</strong> feels that anymore housing would be excessive <strong>and</strong> a strain on<br />
current infrastructure. The report did not seem to take note of the 800-1000<br />
houses already planned for Melksham. Another 200 homes maximum would be<br />
enough before there is a change to the nature of the town. The current mix of<br />
social housing of 30% on new developments is adequate to keep the town<br />
vibrant.<br />
Concern that if Cooper Avon ever left the town, having so many extra houses<br />
would exacerbate the employment problem.<br />
Hellam L<strong>and</strong> Management <strong>and</strong> Bloor Homes suggest that Melksham could<br />
accommodate significant additional growth beyond that already committed, <strong>and</strong><br />
that the town is very well placed to deliver a large proportion of the strategic<br />
housing requirement for the county. It is stated that Melksham has a range of<br />
services <strong>and</strong> facilities (including a department store), is well connected by public<br />
transport, <strong>and</strong> is well located for employment opportunities, both within the town<br />
itself <strong>and</strong> in the nearby settlements of Chippenham <strong>and</strong> Trowbridge. Additional<br />
housing development would help address affordability issues, <strong>and</strong> would increase<br />
the population base to encourage a better retail offer in the town centre <strong>and</strong> more<br />
frequent train services. It is suggested that whilst the self-containment of<br />
individual settlements is an important consideration, in defining a spatial strategy<br />
it is equally important to look at the wider strategic context <strong>and</strong> to underst<strong>and</strong> how<br />
far residents are likely to travel for employment.<br />
Mark Chard <strong>and</strong> Associates state that Melksham has the potential for an<br />
increased housing allocation, due to its employment potential <strong>and</strong> access to the<br />
M4, Bath <strong>and</strong> Bristol.<br />
Don’t need any more development than the allocation already shown.<br />
More development of Chippenham, Trowbridge <strong>and</strong> Salisbury means less<br />
development of Melksham. This means more travel to the preferred towns –<br />
surely not desirable when you claim to reduce travel.<br />
Should be no more housing in Melksham until the infrastructure is in place.<br />
Fewer houses should be built.<br />
Bowerhill Resident’s Association states that Melksham does not need any more<br />
houses. There are already plans for an additional 1,000 homes without any<br />
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improvements to infrastructure (minor injuries unit, regular rail service, good<br />
cycleway network).<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> states that there should be limited additional<br />
housing growth during the plan period. Time should be allowed for the new<br />
residents at the development already planned to become part of the community.<br />
Melksham cannot cope with the 1450 dwellings already planned, even before the<br />
extra 400 dwellings are considered. There are issues with traffic <strong>and</strong> parking in<br />
the town centre.<br />
Should not build more houses when the employment opportunities have not<br />
increased. Transport would inevitably increase.<br />
Already high level of development planned in Melksham (including 270 extra<br />
dwellings on George Ward School site): should be a stronger focus on affordable<br />
housing rather than more housing in general.<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> state that a chart should be provided to show<br />
the proposed percentage increases in industrial base per town as well <strong>and</strong> size of<br />
the new l<strong>and</strong> allocations. It would also be useful to see the out-commuting rates<br />
per town so that real judgements could be made on whether proposals in the<br />
Core Strategy will actually make Melksham more sustainable.<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> is concerned that the strategy aims to develop<br />
Melksham at a faster rate than Bradford on Avon <strong>and</strong> Warminster, despite the fact<br />
that Melksham does not have basic facilities such as a First Aid Station.<br />
Melksham Community Area Partnership refers to objections to development at<br />
Brynards Hill in Wootton Bassett, <strong>and</strong> suggests that the core strategy should do<br />
more for Melksham, <strong>and</strong> less for Wootton Bassett, thus going along with the views<br />
of local residents.<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong> states that analysis of Table 4.2. indicates that<br />
Melksham has exp<strong>and</strong>ed at a faster rate than even Trowbridge since 2006. The<br />
balance is disproportionate to the town’s facilities or existing retail space to meet<br />
the predicted increase in facilities dem<strong>and</strong>. (A graph of this analysis is attached to<br />
the comment).<br />
Important to remember that inappropriate development elsewhere may be worse<br />
than it being located in Melksham.<br />
Attract industry/business to Melksham before adding housing. In Bowerhill,<br />
employment preceded housing. However there is a debate around which comes<br />
first, since an educated/skilled workforce is needed in order to attract employers.<br />
There is already planning permission for significant housing.<br />
Should create jobs alongside houses.<br />
Affordability of housing more important than numbers.<br />
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4.84 Melksham community area: respondents<br />
Organisations<br />
Atworth Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Bowerhill Residents’ Association<br />
Campaign for Better Transport<br />
CPRE <strong>Wiltshire</strong><br />
Environment Agency<br />
Hellam L<strong>and</strong> Management <strong>and</strong> Bloor<br />
Homes<br />
Hills UK Ltd<br />
LPC (Trull) Ltd, agent for John Sheate<br />
Melksham C AP<br />
Melksham Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
MMAT<br />
Persimmon Homes<br />
Seend Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Steeple Ashton Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
The Kennet <strong>and</strong> Avon Canal Trust<br />
Berryfield <strong>and</strong> Semington Road Action<br />
Group<br />
Braemon Holdings<br />
Chamber of Commerce<br />
East Melksham Consortium<br />
Gleeson Developments Ltd<br />
Highways Agency<br />
Keevil Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Mark Chard <strong>and</strong> Associates<br />
Melksham Railway Dev. Group<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />
Planning Potential Ltd<br />
Semington Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Sustrans<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Wildlife Trust<br />
Individuals<br />
Pauline Baker Mr Rod Eaton Cuncillor Richard Gamble<br />
Mr Sam Gompels Mr Mark Scott Mr Richard Revell, c/o<br />
Michael Kavanagh<br />
Duncan Hames Lucy Hatton Brian Jennings<br />
Harvey Paris Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Jenni Rivett<br />
David <strong>and</strong> Christine<br />
Vaughton<br />
David Wickham<br />
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4.85 Melksham community area: notes from exhibitions <strong>and</strong> events<br />
Melksham exhibition notes 26 November 2009<br />
Poster one - What is <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>2026</strong>?<br />
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Importance of rural housing in the smaller settlements needs to be brought out in<br />
the strategy.<br />
Need for social housing in the smaller settlements.<br />
Children should go to the Oak School by cycle <strong>and</strong> walking paths across the<br />
fields. Some footpaths are already in existence.<br />
How can you have long term economic growth <strong>and</strong> a sustainable future <strong>and</strong><br />
reduce carbon emissions?<br />
Poster three - How do we think <strong>Wiltshire</strong> will look in <strong>2026</strong>?<br />
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How about becoming a Walkers Are Welcome (WAW) town? Visitors come to<br />
stay in hotels <strong>and</strong> B&Bs because the path networks have been cared for <strong>and</strong> are<br />
accessible.<br />
More development of Chippenham, Trowbridge <strong>and</strong> Salisbury means less<br />
development of Melksham. This means more travel to the preferred towns: surely<br />
not desirable when you claim to reduce travel.<br />
Climate change is fuelled by what the sun is doing, not people. The climate has<br />
been changing for millennia before man existed.<br />
It is necessary to encourage development in the market towns, not just<br />
Chippenham <strong>and</strong> Trowbridge. Development in Melksham should focus on town<br />
centre development <strong>and</strong> employment, the latter to both encourage local growth<br />
<strong>and</strong> also guard against the withdrawal of Cooper Tires. Further housing<br />
development should follow the above.<br />
Should be one Melksham, not With <strong>and</strong> Without.<br />
How can you have more tourism <strong>and</strong> at the same time reduce car use?<br />
The first seven points are admirable – the problem is how you plan to implement<br />
them.<br />
Poster four - How do we deliver the vision for <strong>Wiltshire</strong>?<br />
Anthropogenic climate change is a myth created for control <strong>and</strong> regulation. It’s a<br />
non-problem.<br />
Bus <strong>and</strong> coach travel will be cheaper <strong>and</strong> more efficient than train travel.<br />
Car parking scheme that encourages use of outer car parks – as it is now, free 1<br />
hour parking in centre (behind Icel<strong>and</strong>) encourages traffic jams through the town.<br />
Make parking in centre all paid <strong>and</strong> outer parks 1 hour free (opposite of what it is<br />
now).<br />
Regeneration of Melksham’s town centre is a must <strong>and</strong> employment<br />
opportunities. Infrastructure surely has to be a big consideration, too. We must<br />
have more useful bigger shops <strong>and</strong> not keep missing out to towns either side of<br />
Melksham.<br />
More buses to local villages.<br />
Ease of car parking. More free car parking to encourage in-town trade.<br />
Without employment before housing, the effect of inevitable increase in traffic will<br />
be detrimental to the environment; local employment should be the aim<br />
(disagree with the above).<br />
Before more homes are built there should be employment! Also infrastructure<br />
first!<br />
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Infrastructure as a concept needs to be re-thought to be more climate-friendly, i.e.<br />
cycle paths etc.<br />
Not just the supply of energy, embodied costs of building materials, especially<br />
with commercial development, should be influenced, if not controlled.<br />
Poster eight - How does <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>2026</strong> expect Melksham to change?<br />
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The Canal is a waste of money.<br />
The town needs a good size park <strong>and</strong> country walks, never mind more <strong>and</strong> more<br />
building.<br />
The missing section [of road] – by Cereal Partners – towards Westinghouse Way<br />
needs high priority.<br />
Could the new school <strong>and</strong> facilities be open to community use outside school<br />
hours?<br />
More business <strong>and</strong> industry should be encouraged into town <strong>and</strong> the industrial<br />
estate.<br />
Improve train services <strong>and</strong> (free) car parking to encourage people into town.<br />
Build/develop new canal with marina <strong>and</strong> moorings<br />
It is expected that Cooper Tires will pull out of the Melksham site within the given<br />
timescale. Great care must be given to planning on this important site.<br />
I think we need to ensure we draw people into the town centre rather than send<br />
them out to Trowbridge/Chippenham. Train <strong>and</strong> bus services essential.<br />
There should be no more housing in Melksham until the infrastructure is in place.<br />
Are you satisfied that village primary schools remain viable under changing<br />
demographics? A small amount of affordable homes in villages with schools<br />
could help keep them open.<br />
The town centre has been allowed to change to charity shops/take-aways/estate<br />
agents by the powers that be. Lower business rates would be helpful to alleviate<br />
this problem.<br />
Melksham a market town? Why don’t we have a market again in the Market<br />
Place?<br />
More help [needed] to bring retailers into town.<br />
And less houses being built, <strong>and</strong> better transport links.<br />
Object to any eastern bypass, or part of it – where is the public enquiry?<br />
How about joining up all the gaps between the houses in Beanacre? (room for<br />
300+)<br />
Poster nine - How were the development options assessed?<br />
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Where are the jobs? It is easier to plan the houses than the future jobs.<br />
No houses to be built in the Rural Buffer between [Melksham] Town <strong>and</strong><br />
Bowerhill.<br />
Poster twelve - The preferred option<br />
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Housing should not be placed on the buffer area between the town of Melksham<br />
<strong>and</strong> the village of Bowerhill.<br />
Prefer commercial use on the frontage of A350/A365 rather than housing.<br />
Would also like to see a leisure centre on the road between Melksham <strong>and</strong><br />
Trowbridge (cinema/bowling, etc).<br />
No housing on buffer zone between Bowerhill <strong>and</strong> Melksham.<br />
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Infill development in the green corridors between Bowerhill <strong>and</strong> [Melksham] town<br />
<strong>and</strong> the town <strong>and</strong> the historic Spa is not welcomed. Development ought to be<br />
north of S<strong>and</strong>ridge Road, opposite l<strong>and</strong> already designated for development.<br />
What happens when the Sports Centre closes? Is it moving to the school site? If<br />
so, what will happen to the golf course?<br />
We need to keep Bowerhill <strong>and</strong> Melksham separate. No new houses are needed<br />
on Western Way – exp<strong>and</strong> east, not south.<br />
Agreed (with previous comment).<br />
Why has l<strong>and</strong> north of A3102 not been considered?<br />
Where will these new families work? We need to safeguard employment l<strong>and</strong>, so<br />
we aren’t reliant on one major employer.<br />
The housing development on the road to Calne is far too big!<br />
A walkway from new development of housing behind the Spa to enable children to<br />
walk to new school on Woolmore Farm l<strong>and</strong> would be excellent.<br />
Entertainment? Leisure centres? Or do we have to travel for those?<br />
Do not agree with housing or any development between Melksham <strong>and</strong> Bowerhill.<br />
“Green lung” should be retained.<br />
How will the Wilts <strong>and</strong> berks Canal regeneration wind its way through the<br />
proposed industrial estate extension south of Berryfield Park?<br />
Poster thirteen - Why is transport important?<br />
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You should not build more houses when the employment opportunities have not<br />
increased – transport would inevitably increase.<br />
Retain multiple facilities at Christie Miller <strong>and</strong> full replacement if building closes.<br />
More variety of shops in Melksham (lower business rates?).<br />
A3560 Countrywide Roundabout – put a summer car park with toilets on l<strong>and</strong><br />
between electricity substation <strong>and</strong> river. Footbridge over river to Riverside Walk –<br />
access to town centre Car park would serve river/canal – huge tourism impact.<br />
Restore the train link to Bath – only a small portion of the old line needs to be<br />
reinstated. Commuting to Bath by train would vastly reduce car use, pollution <strong>and</strong><br />
congestion.<br />
Salisbury to Chippenham (through Melksham) rail link desperately needed to<br />
provide transportation through the county.<br />
Also needed are transport link-ups (taxi rank at rail station, bus stopping at<br />
station, etc.).<br />
Melksham is only a little smaller than Chippenham. Can we have a station <strong>and</strong><br />
service like this, please?<br />
Increasing train services to serve commuters (i.e. not v. early <strong>and</strong> v. late) would<br />
both increase the viability of the town’s businesses <strong>and</strong> keep roads less busy <strong>and</strong><br />
improve air quality.<br />
Poster fourteen - What are the key transport changes in <strong>Wiltshire</strong>?<br />
<br />
Melksham station needs more trains. Please help introduce a Wilts Train<br />
between Chippenham-Melksham <strong>and</strong> Trowbridge.<br />
Melksham – general comments<br />
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Shops – high cost ladies’ clothes shops, estate agents (6 or 7), takeaways (too<br />
many), card shops, charity shops; “downgrade” shops (tattoos) exp<strong>and</strong>ing to large<br />
premises.<br />
Shopping precinct – disaster – even Halifax closing.<br />
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Wilkinsons – excellent, as Woolworths used to be.<br />
Weatherspoons? [would be useful]<br />
Peacocks, factory shop, Boots, Superdrug – OK.<br />
Nothing [at present] to draw customers in, especially men.<br />
Leekes, Countrywide - OK, but not in town.<br />
Too many houses, little industry.<br />
Much building work has been bodged, detracting from protected buildings.<br />
Pavements are filthy (dog’s mess).<br />
Still no barriers on pavements – too expensive?<br />
In Ibiza, immaculate, marble-type pavements are hosed down at night time [every<br />
night] [born in Melksham; lived there for 60 years; also lived in Bradford on Avon].<br />
Melksham Workshop Notes<br />
26 November 2009<br />
Attendance<br />
Name<br />
Atworth Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Charles Boyle<br />
<strong>Council</strong>lor Roy While<br />
Duncan Hames<br />
Gill Shell<br />
Green Square Group<br />
Len Turner<br />
Melksham Chamber of Commerce<br />
Melksham Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Mid <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Economic<br />
Partnership<br />
Peppercorn Orchard<br />
Prospective Parliamentary<br />
C<strong>and</strong>idate<br />
Richard Wood<br />
Sarah Cardy<br />
Teresa Strange<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />
Organisation<br />
Bowerhill Residents Action Group<br />
<strong>Council</strong>lor Jon Hubbard<br />
<strong>Council</strong>lor Steve Petty<br />
George McDonic<br />
Graham Ellis<br />
Jim & April Law<br />
Mary Jarvis<br />
Melksham Climate Friendly Group<br />
Melksham Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Pauline Helps<br />
Phil Bowley<br />
Richard <strong>Wiltshire</strong><br />
Rolf Brindle<br />
Shirley McCarthy<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Rural Housing<br />
Association Ltd<br />
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Discussion one – Objectives<br />
The following relates to discussion 1 on objectives from the workshop. Attendees<br />
were asked to place blue stickers against their top three objectives.<br />
Objectives<br />
Group Group Group Total<br />
1 2 3<br />
1. To address climate change 3 0 2 5<br />
2. To provide for long term economic growth 5 5 3 13<br />
3. To meet <strong>Wiltshire</strong>’s housing needs 0 3 3 6<br />
4. To secure appropriate infrastructure <strong>and</strong><br />
2 1 5 6<br />
services<br />
5. To enhance the vitality <strong>and</strong> viability of town 3 1 3 7<br />
centres<br />
6. To encourage safe accessible places 0 1 0 1<br />
7. To promote sustainable forms of transport 3 4 3 10<br />
8. To protect <strong>and</strong> enhance the natural<br />
2 4 1 7<br />
environment<br />
9. To safeguard <strong>and</strong> promote a high quality<br />
1 2 1 4<br />
environment<br />
10. To minimise the risk of flooding 1 0 1<br />
Group one<br />
Discussion one: Objectives<br />
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All are important, but the first one (Climate Change) does not fit with the plans.<br />
Long term economic growth is the most important.<br />
The risk of flooding should be high on the list.<br />
Number 5 (Vitality <strong>and</strong> Viability of Town Centres) should also apply to the rest of<br />
the area.<br />
The town centre is important, but we should also think about jobs peripheral to the<br />
town.<br />
We are lucky to have the employment area at Bowerhill.<br />
Local jobs are needed for local people, together with infrastructure <strong>and</strong> services.<br />
The historic town centre of Melksham is not able to cope with the number of<br />
people attracted to the shops.<br />
There is very little scope in the town centre to create new shopping facilities.<br />
The first priority is to fill the empty shops before adding new ones.<br />
People do not want Melksham to be a dormitory town.<br />
In terms of retail development, Melksham should not be seen as a small town.<br />
The town centre has suffered over the years, but employment possibly not.<br />
Our community is more of a problem than in the past. It needs more jobs, but<br />
more jobs will not revitalise the town centre at all.<br />
Retail in Melksham is moving west, housing east <strong>and</strong> employment south. Shops<br />
will not be easily accessible on foot.<br />
(Q. about RSS) Where does each of the towns sit in relation to each other? (JS)<br />
The focus in the RSS is on Chippenham <strong>and</strong> Trowbridge in the first instance, but<br />
with appropriate growth at the Market Towns, for example, there should be more<br />
growth in Melksham than in Bradford on Avon. The <strong>Council</strong> is interested in what<br />
sort of employment we are talking about.<br />
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Developing transport in Melksham is swings <strong>and</strong> roundabouts. Trains may lead to<br />
more dormitory status for Melksham, as more people commute by train. On the<br />
other h<strong>and</strong> we need more facilities for the people who do commute.<br />
(Melksham Climate Friendly) The first Objective should be above <strong>and</strong> beyond the<br />
others. Climate change impacts may mean there is no point in housing <strong>and</strong><br />
economic development, etc.<br />
Consider what economic development means, e.g. charity shops represent a<br />
positive recycling method.<br />
Think about the embodied costs of building materials. Getting old buildings up to<br />
good efficiency st<strong>and</strong>ards is more expensive than for new buildings.<br />
There is support for making old buildings more efficient.<br />
We must remember that inappropriate development elsewhere may be worse<br />
than it being located in Melksham.<br />
(JS) The strategy is to focus development on large centres.<br />
(Chairman) Some villages would support development in order to retain schools<br />
<strong>and</strong> develop a shop.<br />
Holt put forward as a model of what a village should be. Could be both lived in<br />
<strong>and</strong> worked in.<br />
Lots of workshops in Holt have been lost. Perhaps we should think about the<br />
smaller scale economy, with family <strong>and</strong> partnership businesses. A mix is needed.<br />
We need a good portfolio of different types of jobs both in the town <strong>and</strong> out of the<br />
town to achieve a balanced community.<br />
The provision of work from home units satisfies both economic <strong>and</strong> climate<br />
change objectives.<br />
Objective 2 (Economic Growth) should include “sustaining” what is already here.<br />
To what extent should we encourage tourism growth in Melksham? Tourism<br />
growth does not need or interfere with economic growth. Could tap into flow of<br />
visitors to Bradford on Avon <strong>and</strong> Lacock.<br />
We should utilise the river/canal for tourism.<br />
We should think about what attracts people to Bradford on Avon.<br />
Industrial development is indicated potentially across where the canal is. This<br />
should be considered <strong>and</strong> possibly incorporated.<br />
What sort of jobs should Melksham provide? – tourism <strong>and</strong> retail in the town<br />
centre.<br />
Need to change perception of Melksham as an industrial town. Possibly use<br />
Market Place.<br />
People won’t come for one minor tourist feature – need a complete package: full<br />
day/half day of things to do in Melksham.<br />
Melksham is ideally placed as a centre from which to explore.<br />
Put the forest back into Melksham Forest.<br />
Very few sites around Melksham are suitable for large scale retail uses.<br />
Therefore need to consider whether any of the other sites (e.g. employment sites<br />
on the A350) would be suitable for large scale retail.<br />
Do we want to replicate Chippenham or Trowbridge, or do we want a different<br />
flavour?<br />
Yes, but we need to look at why people are leaving Melksham to go to Currys.<br />
(Chair) Melksham needs to have more confidence – it should recognise what it<br />
has that is good.<br />
Should develop Melksham more in the middle, so people can then drive to the<br />
centre <strong>and</strong> walk around.<br />
But there is nowhere to put a large shop at present. Larger retailers would want a<br />
car park.<br />
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Melksham could be fighting against out of town shops at Trowbridge, but with its<br />
own out of town shops, like Leeks.<br />
Leeks brings people into the town without having a detrimental effect on the town<br />
centre.<br />
People who shop at big stores like Sainsbury’s need cars to take the goods home.<br />
Discussion two: How can we address these issues in the<br />
communities?<br />
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Industrial development is proposed on Grade A agricultural l<strong>and</strong> to the south.<br />
Why has industrial development not been considered or promoted on other l<strong>and</strong>,<br />
for example between Bowerhill <strong>and</strong> the road to the west.<br />
Bowerhill development could follow later if the gap were developed.<br />
(JS) Stressed that more work needs to be done on employment l<strong>and</strong>. There are<br />
issues with the l<strong>and</strong> at Bowerhill.<br />
There needs to be more explanation of where the employment l<strong>and</strong> is.<br />
The Parish <strong>Council</strong> has concerns about filling in the green buffer between<br />
Melksham <strong>and</strong> Bowerhill.<br />
There is also a threat to the historic setting of Melksham Spa.<br />
English heritage were very concerned about any development at the back of the<br />
Spa when the new school was being planned.<br />
To build housing on the narrow strip between the school <strong>and</strong> the Spa behind the<br />
conservation area would be very controversial.<br />
(JS) Why should we keep Bowerhill <strong>and</strong> Melksham separate?<br />
Historically it has always been thought of as a rural buffer.<br />
Development should go immediately to the north of eastern extension.<br />
(JS) no one has proposed this l<strong>and</strong> for development. This raises the question of<br />
whether it is deliverable.<br />
An alternative option would be to the north, for which the access would be via<br />
Woodrow Road. Transport would be difficult.<br />
(JS) Emphasised the proposal for 400 dwellings. Put forward the idea that some<br />
l<strong>and</strong> might not be needed if some houses were accommodated on other sites.<br />
Increased density of development at Bowerhill does not fit well with the older part<br />
of Bowerhill.<br />
Most people drive. Very few walk or cycle.<br />
Development on the preferred option site would be on the opposite side of town<br />
from all the shops, so people would have to drive to the town.<br />
A canal route (towpath <strong>and</strong> cycle path) could offer an alternative to driving.<br />
If an eastern “bypass” is built, the main traffic route to the M4 would be via<br />
Lacock.<br />
(JS) What about cycle routes through the new development?<br />
We need better links through the town.<br />
The equestrian industry is big in Melksham, therefore more bridleways are<br />
needed.<br />
You can get around Melksham, but you can’t get through it.<br />
(JS) Any burning issues?<br />
The rail service needs improvement. This would accommodate people who<br />
currently out-commute. There are two trains a day at present.<br />
The rail service needs to connect well with the Paddington/Temple Meads line.<br />
A better link is needed between Bradford on Avon <strong>and</strong> the motorway. Lots of<br />
Bradford traffic comes through Melksham at present.<br />
(JS) We hope that in future we will need to travel out of town less.<br />
Yes, but not everyone who works in Bath can afford to live there.<br />
(JS) We should look to public transport first.<br />
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But 80% of people use a car. Why are we saying cars last?<br />
(JS) Looking to the future, will people use cars as much in 20 years time?<br />
This is especially an issue in villages.<br />
Parking issues – the only free parking has moved to Church Street. Now all traffic<br />
comes into the town centre, which leads to congestion.<br />
Peripheral parking would be good, to intercept cars before they get into the town<br />
centre.<br />
Could walk or cycle into the town centre.<br />
We will have new technology, but we will still have cars, because that is the<br />
aspiration of youth.<br />
We should provide infrastructure to satisfy what people want, not what they<br />
should want.<br />
Out of town retail options <strong>and</strong> town centre would not survive without people using<br />
cars.<br />
Melksham has a good supply of car parking, yet Devizes is seen as a pretty<br />
market town. Devizes can’t offer free <strong>and</strong> easy parking. Melksham should sell<br />
itself as having good parking.<br />
Should change free 1 hour parking to the peripheral car parks.<br />
The central car park should not be free for an hour.<br />
- Support for this from around the table. Should allow cars to flow to the town, but<br />
not through the town.<br />
(JS) Should the A350 be dualled?<br />
The A350 is more important on the bit to the west of Melksham.<br />
An eastern bypass may help to alleviate traffic issues, but would it just move the<br />
problems elsewhere?<br />
Should possibly increase car parking on the A350, with a pedestrian link into the<br />
town.<br />
A shoppers bus would be good.<br />
Would like to see improved cycle links within the town. Dismayed that this is so<br />
far down the list for review.<br />
Group two<br />
Discussion one: Objectives<br />
Climate change<br />
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Need public transport.<br />
Spatial planning to reduce home-work distance.<br />
People often don’t live near work, especially where 2 in household working.<br />
Complex issues in home choice. Attention to housing stock needed.<br />
Energy efficiency of housing.<br />
Economic growth<br />
Attract industry/business to Melksham before adding to housing.<br />
(Debate) Which comes first, housing or jobs?<br />
In Bowerhill, employment preceded housing.<br />
But need (educated/skilled) workforce to attract employers.<br />
Not too far from the M4.<br />
Already planning permission for significant housing.<br />
A larger number of houses too soon would lead to in-migration, therefore a<br />
danger of out-commuting if jobs not created.<br />
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A big advantage would be more trains stopping:<br />
- agree<br />
- agree, would put Melksham back on the map<br />
- we do have A350<br />
- trains would help the environment<br />
- facilitating out-commuting<br />
- but would help business to relocate to Melksham<br />
Housing needs<br />
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Play areas <strong>and</strong> other community facilities needed, not just the roads.<br />
Affordable housing – particular need to meet sustainability requirements.<br />
What’s the right balance between local facilities in new developments <strong>and</strong> the<br />
effect on diluting the town centre?<br />
It seems we are putting all the housing on one side of Melksham <strong>and</strong> all the food<br />
shops on the other side.<br />
The consultation document misses the need to provide more affordable housing.<br />
Isn’t there 30% social housing in developments?<br />
It is by negotiation.<br />
There is less opportunity to negotiate away now.<br />
There is a stigma attached to the term “social housing”.<br />
There are problems with affordability of housing for certain employment<br />
categories.<br />
Need “quality” jobs.<br />
Melksham has attracted some prestigious employers, e.g. Knorr Bremse.<br />
Need a flexible approach.<br />
Infrastructure <strong>and</strong> Services<br />
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Always tags along behind.<br />
Should come first, but who pays?<br />
We have a history of l<strong>and</strong> allocated, e.g. for health purposes, but ultimately not<br />
utilised.<br />
Will need more primary schools.<br />
Village schools are threatened by demographics. A small number of new<br />
affordable houses would improve their viability.<br />
Town centre viability<br />
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Honiton – good example of specialist shops/cafes.<br />
Rents were reduced – how?<br />
Should we do more with the river front?<br />
What’s in the town centre to entice young families?<br />
Bring the market back.<br />
Through route for HGVs doesn’t help.<br />
Car parking?<br />
- that’s the last thing; we need the shops first<br />
Canal an attraction.<br />
Marketing strategy for town centre.<br />
Antique shop?<br />
Rents in town centre too high.<br />
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Safe places<br />
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Linked routes/overlooked routes.<br />
Walking routes – tie in with town promotion.<br />
Sustainable transport<br />
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Good if buses could get to the station.<br />
Only two crossing points over river.<br />
Bus service to RUH, Bath.<br />
Natural environment<br />
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Could we plant a wood?<br />
I have lived in Melksham for 25 years <strong>and</strong> I never knew there was a nature<br />
reserve (behind Sainsbury’s) – needs promotion.<br />
Importance of the spaces between development – we don’t like the infill between<br />
Melksham <strong>and</strong> Bowerhill.<br />
The quality of spaces is important.<br />
Creative design of flood mitigation measures.<br />
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Built environment<br />
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Existing affordable housing has been put in car-dependent locations.<br />
Need high quality street architecture <strong>and</strong> maintenance - otherwise becomes<br />
untidy.<br />
Problem with uncoordinated street scene <strong>and</strong> maintenance is the number of<br />
organisations involved.<br />
Litter-picking <strong>and</strong> maintenance.<br />
Flooding<br />
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Westbury View/Dorset Crescent risk of flooding due to planned development<br />
Discussion 2: How can we address these issues in the communities?<br />
Bowerhill is developed enough already.<br />
Some industrial sites there are slow to let.<br />
Prefer the grey area to the north east to the preferred option.<br />
Area to the south west of Melksham is a logical infill.<br />
There are issues of getting to the town centre from the preferred option by foot or<br />
cycle.<br />
Access to the preferred option (between the old A350 <strong>and</strong> the Semington –<br />
Melksham diversion? – site looks isolated, with an entry via an industrial estate.<br />
Map not up to date? Part of potential future employment site already developed<br />
(Cereal Partners).<br />
What can the council do to influence house builders to raise the local skill set?<br />
Don’t need any more development than the allocation already shown.<br />
The phasing of new housing <strong>and</strong> work is essential.<br />
More trains.<br />
Variety of bus service destinations.<br />
Facilitate lower business rentals to attract employers.<br />
Provide space for employers to grow.<br />
GROUP three<br />
Discussion one: Objectives<br />
Economic growth<br />
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Out of town vs. town centre locations.<br />
Creating more permanent jobs.<br />
Planning for when Cooper Avon Tires goes.<br />
Promotion of town <strong>and</strong> having sites available.<br />
Don’t support infill between Bowerhill <strong>and</strong> Melksham.<br />
The amount of l<strong>and</strong> shown for possible employment looks a lot, but how many<br />
jobs per acre with modern industry?<br />
Housing<br />
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Affordability of housing more important than numbers.<br />
However, residents often object to affordable housing - (NIMBYism) perception of<br />
the tenants.<br />
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Town centre<br />
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Road works through the town centre have caused difficulties due to the length of<br />
time they have taken.<br />
There is a natural turnover of shops, e.g. due to the internet.<br />
Important to have links between businesses so that people can visit multiple<br />
shops on one outing.<br />
Bowerhill post office will be reopened soon. It is well used.<br />
There is a need for local outlets within communities, too.<br />
Concern over separation of town centre <strong>and</strong> housing developments, leading to the<br />
need for car journeys.<br />
Melksham town centre has coped well with the recession, due to independent<br />
retailers. It could not sustain larger stores..<br />
Transport links are important to create a sustainable centre.<br />
Transport<br />
Train service is inadequate, bus service is quite good, but both need to be linked<br />
up <strong>and</strong> spaced out, e.g. two companies service the same route but run buses<br />
within minutes of each other. It would be better if they were spaced out to every<br />
30 minutes.<br />
Do not want to encourage lorries on the A350.<br />
Extra housing will cause extra traffic <strong>and</strong> congestion, which is already an issue on<br />
the A350 at peak periods.<br />
School traffic causes issues, particularly in wet weather. School buses would<br />
help <strong>and</strong> would help with parking. It needs to be affordable.<br />
Need to invest in order to change things.<br />
Better bus services will increase job opportunities.<br />
Infrastructure<br />
Doctors’ surgeries/first aid station – people should not have to travel out of town<br />
to get first aid. Currently 3 doctors’ surgeries are all located together , not evenly<br />
around the town, <strong>and</strong> currently over-subscribed.<br />
A350 link for Bowerhill, linked to employment development.<br />
Leisure development – dual use with school. Relocation of existing facilities –<br />
Christie Miller <strong>and</strong> Blue Pool (current leisure review).<br />
Boundary between Melksham <strong>and</strong> Melksham Without – growth of town into<br />
Melksham Without – possibility of boundary review?<br />
Playing fields for Bowerhill.<br />
Lorry park – feasibility study has been commissioned into moving it. Currently<br />
lorries are parking near police station – no proper provision in that area.<br />
Entertainment – mainly private. Assembly Hall is main public site.<br />
100-300 people come to monthly cinema – not enough for a full time cinema<br />
Devizes cinema is currently where people go.<br />
Atworth residents rarely use Melksham facilities. Often travel to Bradford on<br />
Avon, Trowbridge, etc.<br />
Lack of facilities for young people.<br />
No agreed route for canal – issue with Berryfields.<br />
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Flooding issues<br />
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Cycleways – would be a good link with canal – safe cycle route.<br />
More cycleways through town centre.<br />
Safe routes to new school – walking <strong>and</strong> cycling.<br />
Centre of town is big issue for cycling.<br />
Discussion two: How can we address these issues in the<br />
communities?<br />
<br />
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Would rather north Melksham for preferred option (forest area).<br />
Northern part of preferred option links well to the area already permitted for<br />
development.<br />
The preferred option is on a much used green space. Local people would need to<br />
have alternative spaces.<br />
Upkeep of public footpaths is an issue.<br />
Location of distributor road round new development.<br />
Criteria for affordable housing – single people too.<br />
Summary of Melksham CAP survey results<br />
Melksham Community Area Partnership (CAP) submitted the results of a survey as<br />
part of their consultation response to the <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>2026</strong> document. The survey was<br />
carried out by Melksham CAP in January 2010, with 157 people taking part. The key<br />
messages from the Melksham CAP survey are summarised below; the full survey<br />
report received from Melksham CAP is available to view upon request.<br />
Key statistics relevant to the <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>2026</strong> consultation<br />
Do you agree with the <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>2026</strong> vision?<br />
Agree with this vision: 71; disagree: 30<br />
Do you agree with the <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>2026</strong> strategic objectives?<br />
Agree with the strategic objectives: 82; disagree: 24<br />
If the rail service was improved would you use it?<br />
Yes: 70; No: 13<br />
Are the road networks adequate for you?<br />
Yes: 55; No: 27<br />
Are the cycle routes adequate for you?<br />
Yes: 32; No: 32<br />
Are there adequate shopping facilities in your area?<br />
Yes: 23; No: 49<br />
Do you have ready access to good public services?<br />
Yes: 42; No: 20<br />
Do you feel there is adequate infrastructure (the above services) in your area?<br />
Yes: 24; No: 44<br />
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Preferred housing <strong>and</strong> mixed use option<br />
Agree or strongly agree 14<br />
Disagree or strongly disagree 22<br />
No opinion 12<br />
Alternative housing <strong>and</strong> mixed use option<br />
Agree or strongly agree 12<br />
Disagree or strongly disagree 13<br />
No opinion 15<br />
Potential future employment sites<br />
Agree or strongly agree 37<br />
Disagree or strongly disagree 11<br />
No opinion 7<br />
Do you feel that extra housing provision would have a positive or negative effect upon the local<br />
area?<br />
Positive 23<br />
Negative 36<br />
No change to current 15<br />
Do you feel that extra industry would have a positive or negative effect on the local area?<br />
Positive 62<br />
Negative 7<br />
No change to current 8<br />
What kind of houses do you think should be built?<br />
Starter homes 2<br />
Affordable housing 36<br />
Social housing 12<br />
Family homes 48<br />
Retirement homes 18<br />
No preference 11<br />
Where in the Melksham area do you think the housing should be built?<br />
North 8<br />
East 11<br />
South 2<br />
West 4<br />
Mixture of areas 32<br />
Agree with proposed plan 13<br />
Summary of key messages<br />
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A summary of the key messages from the Melksham CAP survey responses is<br />
presented below. This summary focuses on those responses which are most relevant<br />
to the <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>2026</strong> consultation. The survey also included a number of questions<br />
regarding transport, <strong>and</strong> other general questions about the area which may not be<br />
specifically relevant to <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>2026</strong>.<br />
Issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities<br />
Employment<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Need more employment.<br />
There is sufficient employment for current community.<br />
Need to encourage local businesses.<br />
Very limited employment opportunities currently.<br />
Limited employment in Melksham so unlikely to be a reduction in the need to<br />
travel. More houses without employment or services will lead to more out<br />
commuting.<br />
Needs to be more local employment.<br />
Need to increase number of businesses – too reliant on Avon Tires.<br />
Melksham is dependent on one or two large employers.<br />
Retail<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Melksham needs more shops.<br />
Encourage local high street shopping.<br />
Melksham needs less takeaways.<br />
Town centre is dead.<br />
Lack of regeneration of the town centre.<br />
Too many fast food outlets.<br />
Not enough quality shops.<br />
Difficulties in buying certain items locally, such as shoes, clothing, sports<br />
equipment, hardware <strong>and</strong> electrical items.<br />
Facilities <strong>and</strong> services<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Needs more local amenities like doctors <strong>and</strong> dentists.<br />
Need more leisure <strong>and</strong> social activities.<br />
Need adequate health care facilities.<br />
Level of healthcare facilities should not be reduced to surrounding villages.<br />
Need more education facilities.<br />
Not enough leisure facilities.<br />
Lack of hospital facilities has resulted in additional travel.<br />
Lack of job centre <strong>and</strong> housing department.<br />
Loss of Minor Injuries Unit was a blow for the town.<br />
Lack of museum.<br />
Library should have been allowed to extend.<br />
GP services under pressure.<br />
Distance to nearest post office (<strong>and</strong> loss of post office in Bowerhill).<br />
No art or culture.<br />
Very poor broadb<strong>and</strong> speeds in rural areas around Melksham.<br />
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Public transport, <strong>and</strong> walking <strong>and</strong> cycling provision<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Needs a better bus service (e.g. more frequent services).<br />
Limited trains from Melksham.<br />
Station is on edge of town <strong>and</strong> is not accessible.<br />
Need to make public transport cost effective.<br />
Need better transport networks.<br />
Issues with train <strong>and</strong> bus services to e.g. Corsham <strong>and</strong> Bath.<br />
Poor public transport on Sundays.<br />
Issue of lack of clear information about public transport times etc.<br />
Service limitations in rural areas.<br />
Lack of cycle route<br />
Traffic/road capacity<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Issue with congestion on A350 - increase in housing/employment opportunities<br />
(particularly in Trowbridge) will add to this.<br />
Issues with potholes.<br />
Need better home parking so streets don’t get so restricted with on-street parking.<br />
Issue with heavy traffic in town centre.<br />
General comments<br />
<br />
West Wilts in general is becoming overcrowded.<br />
Change <strong>and</strong> delivery<br />
Dormitory town<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Concern that Melksham should not become a dormitory town.<br />
Need to allow development to take place in Melksham (e.g. of Countrywide) to<br />
reduce travel, <strong>and</strong> to enable every town to support its residents.<br />
Melksham needs significant levels of investment: will remain a commuter town<br />
until necessary infrastructure is in place.<br />
Employment<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
More businesses <strong>and</strong> industry should be encouraged to come to Melksham.<br />
Employment should be kept at Bowerhill <strong>and</strong> around the station.<br />
Can we attract more high-tech companies <strong>and</strong> increase the average pay levels of<br />
the area?<br />
More employment needed in Melksham specifically, but also in <strong>Wiltshire</strong><br />
generally.<br />
Need to retain local employment (Melksham is a very good employment town<br />
already) <strong>and</strong> encourage more.<br />
Need to attract larger employers in the new areas of development.<br />
Expansion of local jobs would reduce travel.<br />
Melksham should develop as much employment as possible, but commuting for<br />
better jobs is not necessarily bad.<br />
Retail/town centre<br />
<br />
More retail needed in town centre, other than supermarkets.<br />
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<br />
New shopping developments with adequate parking on the edge of town should<br />
be welcomed.<br />
Need improved retail core.<br />
Town centre requires improvement <strong>and</strong> investment.<br />
Pedestrinisation of the town centre could help encourage tourism.<br />
More retail businesses would bring more employment <strong>and</strong> local amenities.<br />
Old Woolworths store could become a market place.<br />
More thought needed towards retail development of the town centre. Proper retail<br />
study required.<br />
Change location of free car parking to reduce congestion.<br />
High Street could benefit from a face lift/rejuvenation.<br />
Would like better quality shops.<br />
Need to fill empty shops.<br />
Pull down precinct area <strong>and</strong> build a shopping mall in its place.<br />
Consider having a core shopping policy.<br />
Facilities <strong>and</strong> services<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Hospital needs to be reinstated with a Minor Injuries Unit.<br />
If more houses are built we need a hospital.<br />
A new, bigger sewage treatment plant will be required <strong>and</strong> should be located well<br />
away from the town.<br />
Would like to see a cinema, theatre, more restaurants, thrill-seeking activities (e.g.<br />
Go Ape), community sports pitches, improved play areas for children in<br />
Melksham.<br />
Melksham Forest needs a community hall.<br />
Water sports, outdoor gym, expansion of skate park, fishing lake would all be<br />
welcomed.<br />
Christie Miller is planned to be closed at some point: will it be replaced or<br />
updated?<br />
Concern that the Christie Miller will disappear – every effort should be made to<br />
retain it.<br />
Leisure centres should be eco-friendly exemplars.<br />
Concern about shortage of recreation space in Melksham.<br />
A small shop <strong>and</strong> pub in Keevil would be welcomed.<br />
Would be useful to have a council outstation in the town, perhaps located in the<br />
town hall.<br />
Services are not evenly spread throughout the community (e.g. primary schools<br />
<strong>and</strong> doctors).<br />
Would welcome a concert <strong>and</strong> arts venue, <strong>and</strong> museum.<br />
Would like to see more NHS dentists <strong>and</strong> doctors.<br />
Post office needed in Bowerhill.<br />
Public transport, walking <strong>and</strong> cycling provision<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Development of bus <strong>and</strong> train routes should be a priority.<br />
Better walkways to station.<br />
Extend public transport towards S<strong>and</strong>ridge Road.<br />
Local transport should be exp<strong>and</strong>ed <strong>and</strong> based more on buses <strong>and</strong> coaches, not<br />
rail.<br />
Bus services run by different companies should be staggered.<br />
Regular train service from Melksham to Trowbridge or Chippenham would assist<br />
in reducing journey time to place of work.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Cycleways might reduce the volume of vehicles to <strong>and</strong> from Melksham.<br />
Can we have bus service Bowerhill <strong>and</strong> town centre to station?<br />
Bus route connecting local villages to Melksham would be good.<br />
Level of public transport should not be reduced to surrounding villages.<br />
The railway station should be extended into a public transport (<strong>and</strong> taxi)<br />
interchange.<br />
Improvements needed to cycleways.<br />
More footpaths should be provided.<br />
Road network/lorry park<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Road network around town needs an upgrade.<br />
Melksham needs an eastern bypass.<br />
More thought needed towards highway capacity within <strong>and</strong> around the town.<br />
A350 link road to Bowerhill is required.<br />
Should turn King Street lorry park into a lido.<br />
The Lorry Park should be moved to Bowerhill Trading Estate. Is illegal in current<br />
location.<br />
Further detailed suggestions for potential improvements to the road network<br />
(including suggested traffic calming measures).<br />
Canals <strong>and</strong> rivers<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Agreement with restoration of canal to encourage tourism.<br />
The canal or river could be made a very attractive feature.<br />
Consider developing a marina in conjunction with the Wilts & Berks canal.<br />
Allow river/canal side amenities.<br />
Further detailed suggestions for improvements to make better use of the rivers<br />
<strong>and</strong> canals.<br />
Use rivers for energy production.<br />
Route of proposed restoration of Wilts & Berks canal should be safeguarded.<br />
The river <strong>and</strong> Clackers Brook should be recognised in the plans as green<br />
corridors for Melksham.<br />
The evidence supporting the theory that the Wilts <strong>and</strong> Berks canal will provide<br />
tourism <strong>and</strong> jobs in Melksham is very poor <strong>and</strong> based on incorrect statistics.<br />
Natural environment<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Would like to see a real park in Melksham.<br />
Better wildlife habitats.<br />
Keep open spaces between estates as far as possible.<br />
Maintain green corridors through <strong>and</strong> around new developments.<br />
General comments<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Local facilities, transport, carefully tuned parking should encourage people who<br />
work in Melksham to make use of local services, even if they don’t live there.<br />
Development of bus <strong>and</strong> train routes <strong>and</strong> enhancement of support services (such<br />
as hospitals) should be priorities.<br />
The 700+ houses planned for Melksham, <strong>and</strong> the down turn in local employment,<br />
will add to transport <strong>and</strong> global warming issues.<br />
Should get on with Riverside development.<br />
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<br />
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<br />
Infrastructure need to be re-thought to be more climate-friendly: e.g. cycle paths<br />
from the start, wildlife areas etc.<br />
Each area (Bowerhill, Shurnhold, Queensway, Berryfields, Forest etc) should be<br />
almost self-contained areas, each with their own community centre, park <strong>and</strong><br />
shops.<br />
Infrastructure as a concept should be rethought with environment as a main<br />
focus.<br />
Why not amalgamate the town <strong>and</strong> parish councils to have one council for<br />
Melksham.<br />
Stronger police presence needed in the town.<br />
Vision <strong>and</strong> strategic objectives<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Concern that Melksham will not benefit from the vision <strong>and</strong> that Melksham has<br />
been omitted from the vision.<br />
Concern that there will not be sufficient investment to achieve the vision.<br />
Unlikely to be a reduction in the need to travel. Should be trying to improve<br />
transport rather than trying to reduce it.<br />
Concern that past developments (for example in Chippenham) have created an<br />
imbalance which needs to be addressed before more houses are built.<br />
Vision should be written in plain English using simple words. The word<br />
‘settlements’ should not be used as it is retrogressive.<br />
Good quality affordable housing is more important that sustainable housing or<br />
‘carbon friendly’ buses.<br />
Disagreement with the focus on climate change <strong>and</strong> questions over the theory<br />
behind climate change.<br />
Endorsement of emphasis on sustainability.<br />
Support for the vision.<br />
Can see no reason for towns to become more self-contained.<br />
Three most important issues are population growth, development of pollution-free<br />
energy mechanisms, <strong>and</strong> re-use of all manufactured product materials when<br />
products reach end of their life.<br />
Local energy generation is not of any benefit: bulk supply is more efficient, reliable<br />
<strong>and</strong> cost effective.<br />
Melksham Climate Friendly Groups agree that climate change should be put first,<br />
<strong>and</strong> hope that drastic steps will be taken if needed.<br />
Concern that some of the strategic objectives conflict with each other.<br />
Don’t forget the villages.<br />
Concern that the strategic objectives are in the wrong order.<br />
Addressing climate change is not of primary importance to the residents of<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong>.<br />
Attempts to ‘encourage’ people not to travel are unlikely to work.<br />
The strategic objectives are not borne out in the council’s actions.<br />
Transport considered as convenient to the majority should have priority (80% of<br />
families in Melksham have access to one or more cars).<br />
The objectives should include something about the happiness <strong>and</strong> prosperity of<br />
people in <strong>Wiltshire</strong>.<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> council is the education authority <strong>and</strong> there should be a strategic<br />
objective relating to the provision of schools.<br />
Should be a strategic objective relating to waste management.<br />
Wording of strategic objective 1 is too woolly <strong>and</strong> needs tightening up.<br />
Investment in public transport is a waste of money.<br />
Strategic objective 2 should include the word ‘sustainable’.<br />
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Strategic objectives should include more about employment.<br />
Preferred strategic site allocation<br />
Support for preferred option<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
No problem with area proposed as long as infrastructure is provided.<br />
Accept that more housing is needed, <strong>and</strong> that preferred option is the ‘least worst’<br />
option for this.<br />
Glad that the preferred option plan shows the old rail line as the boundary of<br />
development to the south – would be very unhappy with any development beyond<br />
this line.<br />
Development sounds sensible.<br />
Support for expansion of Bowerhill Industrial Estate through infill development to<br />
the east of old Semington Road.<br />
Agreement that commercial development could be provided on the l<strong>and</strong> to the<br />
south of that adjoining Berryfield.<br />
The northerly half of the northerly red area is fine for housing development.<br />
L<strong>and</strong> for employment on either side of the A350 Semington-Melksham diversion<br />
(excluding the Christie Miller golf course) is well located to extend existing<br />
employment areas.<br />
Light industrial use around the Bowerhill Estate is underst<strong>and</strong>able.<br />
Development of some industry is a necessary evil <strong>and</strong> would seem best<br />
concentrated in the marked areas.<br />
Happy with proposals.<br />
Reasoning for Option 1 is sound, but infill between Melksham <strong>and</strong> Bowerhill will<br />
not be popular.<br />
Concerns about preferred option<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Conflict between the strategic objective to minimise flooding <strong>and</strong> proposals to<br />
build on existing flood plains (such as behind Spa Road).<br />
The proposed development area is in completely the wrong place.<br />
Disagrees with more housing on Bowerhill site.<br />
Buffer between Melksham <strong>and</strong> Bowerhill should be preserved as open<br />
space/green lung.<br />
Separate identity of Bowerhill should be retained.<br />
Development should not take place on the fields either side of Park Road<br />
[assume this refers to Pathfinder Way] leading from A365 roundabout to<br />
Bowerhill. These fields were designated as green space.<br />
Concern over extra traffic hazards as a result of development near Pathfinder<br />
Way, particularly in combination with Melksham Oak School traffic.<br />
L<strong>and</strong> south of the A365 is not suitable for housing. The road will split new<br />
residents from the town centre <strong>and</strong> inhibit the avoidance of the car for short trips.<br />
There should be no development in the rural buffer area at the Spa.<br />
Industrial development should not be considered on high grade agricultural l<strong>and</strong><br />
to the west of Semington Road.<br />
Concern about impact of extra housing located in Bowerhill <strong>and</strong> surrounding<br />
areas on the bottleneck of traffic from the A350 from Trowbridge through<br />
Melksham.<br />
Strongly disagree with all areas as the areas are prone to flooding.<br />
Concern about impact on infrastructure of the town.<br />
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<br />
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<br />
<br />
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<br />
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Employment development should not extend beyond Semington Road. L<strong>and</strong> to<br />
the west around Berryfield is high grade agricultural l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> should not be<br />
considered for development.<br />
Concern that public transport systems will be inadequate to cope with increased<br />
dem<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Concern about impact on roads. Adequate bypass or ring road is necessary.<br />
Concern about flooding.<br />
Concern about pressure on water/sewage system.<br />
Concern about road works.<br />
Concern over the use of Greenfield sites.<br />
Concern over the loss of green belt l<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Need extra facilities with extra housing i.e. doctors, dentists, hospitals (A&E).<br />
Healthcare infrastructure will be inadequate to cope with the housing increase.<br />
Road congestion is already a problem – concerns about increased congestion<br />
(<strong>and</strong> particular issue mentioned regarding road usage to/from the new school).<br />
Not enough facilities to support additional housing. Examples of infrastructure to<br />
be provided include: Primary Care Centre, possibly another school, cinema,<br />
bowling, national restaurant chains, improvements to public transport.<br />
Should be enough housing without building beyond the Savernake estate.<br />
Problems with drains (smells) in the area would need to be rectified.<br />
Question over where are the jobs for the new residents. Houses should be placed<br />
close to employment to reduce travel.<br />
Area should not just become somewhere to live – need to build communities.<br />
Too much housing <strong>and</strong> not enough infrastructure planned.<br />
Employment/retail development is on outskirts of town <strong>and</strong> will require transport.<br />
Plan shows limited planned employment space. Just look at the numbers of<br />
vacant property already available.<br />
There is no provision for infrastructure to be put in place before more housing <strong>and</strong><br />
industrial development.<br />
There is no emphasis placed on regenerating existing developed sites.<br />
Question about how employment growth will tie in with new housing build.<br />
Too much on the south east side <strong>and</strong> joining Bowerhill <strong>and</strong> Melksham.<br />
Concern that Melksham will become one large housing estate with no amenities<br />
<strong>and</strong> no green space.<br />
Pointless exp<strong>and</strong>ing residential areas without ensuring people use their local<br />
town.<br />
Concern that roads <strong>and</strong> railway are to the west, development is to the east.<br />
Concern that light industrial use of scrap yard by train station would require large<br />
scale decontamination <strong>and</strong> draining of the marsh.<br />
Preferred housing development by new school would be detrimental to<br />
environment, given the development that is already taking place at Snarlton Lane.<br />
Alternative sites/options<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Thought should be given to the capacity for more housing to the East.<br />
The alternative option [not specified which] is currently enjoyed by the immobile<br />
<strong>and</strong> elderly, <strong>and</strong> should not be developed.<br />
People in Melksham have much closer ties to Bath <strong>and</strong> Chippenham than they do<br />
to Devizes, so development should be concentrated on the northern side of the<br />
town.<br />
Why will nobody consider merging Melksham <strong>and</strong> Beanacre?<br />
L<strong>and</strong> to the west of old Semington Road (south of Berryfield) should be allocated<br />
for housing. Possibly also infill to north of Berryfield for additional housing.<br />
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Development is unacceptable between Melksham <strong>and</strong> Berryfield/Beanacre/Shaw.<br />
The 3 options fail to consider all possible sites. Not all undeveloped l<strong>and</strong> has been<br />
assessed.<br />
L<strong>and</strong> north of the A3102 (east of Burniston Park) should be considered.<br />
Alternative option to the north east of Melksham is not suitable for development<br />
as the road system into the town <strong>and</strong> around the east side is already under<br />
pressure.<br />
L<strong>and</strong> to the west of Countrywide farmers, between the railway line <strong>and</strong> Bradford<br />
on Avon road could be used for further commercial development.<br />
New Road Farm l<strong>and</strong> is good for development.<br />
Alternative housing is practical in the grey shaded areas, <strong>and</strong> in the area marked<br />
for industry adjoining Berryfield.<br />
Resident of Sherwood Avenue, <strong>and</strong> not in favour of Alternative Option 1 for<br />
housing <strong>and</strong> mixed use.<br />
Brownfield sites such as off the B3107 near Countrywide.<br />
Brownfield sites such as the car lot/petrol station opposite Awdry Avenue<br />
Infill area around proposed Wilts & Berks canal route.<br />
Scope for housing between Melksham <strong>and</strong> Berryfield.<br />
Brownfield sites <strong>and</strong> empty properties should be used for housing.<br />
Employment sites<br />
<br />
Future employment sites should be located to the north of the town, close to the<br />
railway station.<br />
Infrastructure requirements<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
All development would have a negative impact without proper planning.<br />
Lack of facilities (primary school, doctor’s surgery, dentist) north of the river.<br />
Footpath through new school fields from new development would relieve Spa<br />
Road.<br />
Footpath should be provided between Semington Road <strong>and</strong> Spa Road for school<br />
users.<br />
Doctor’s surgery needs improvements <strong>and</strong> relaying.<br />
Fields should be more open <strong>and</strong> should have stile access.<br />
Building on the preferred option should enable a weight restriction in the town<br />
centre <strong>and</strong> Lowbourne.<br />
New road should be built through the planned development to the east of the town<br />
to take pressure off the town centre.<br />
Question about where is the plan for the new hospital.<br />
Future employment development is fine, but concerned about large scale new<br />
housing putting too much strain on schools <strong>and</strong> Doctors.<br />
Inadequate road infrastructure <strong>and</strong> parking.<br />
Local bus service should be provided to be in place as soon as people move in to<br />
the new housing.<br />
Requests for further information<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Request for detail as to the access <strong>and</strong> density of the housing.<br />
Query as to the height of the new dwellings.<br />
Query as to why the Wilts & Berks canal is not shown on the map.<br />
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<br />
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<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
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Residential areas should grow in Bowerhill, Snowberry Lane area, Berryfields,<br />
Shurnhold [near station].<br />
Traffic <strong>and</strong> industry should be located as far away from the new school as<br />
possible.<br />
Detailed suggestions for mix of uses/aspirations in the Bowerhill area.<br />
Need to keep canal environment free of industry on the banks.<br />
The Cricket Pitch beside Avon Rubber on Lancaster Road should be preserved<br />
as green space.<br />
Keep part of Newtown Farm green.<br />
Should be a balance between housing <strong>and</strong> employment l<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Green area north of Hazelwood Road <strong>and</strong> Alder Way [to south of the railway<br />
cluster] needs to be protected from development.<br />
Development at the Sahara s<strong>and</strong> pit [S<strong>and</strong>ridge Hill, located to east of Melksham,<br />
not close to preferred or alternative options] would meet a lot of local opposition.<br />
The l<strong>and</strong> between Melksham <strong>and</strong> Bowerhill could be used for playing fields, with<br />
the fields to the west used for leisure/health.<br />
Possible adverse effects such as wildlife <strong>and</strong> drainage can be lessened with<br />
careful planning.<br />
Concern that developers never deliver all the planning gains promised.<br />
Development should not be considered on the flood plain.<br />
If development goes ahead, Melksham Town <strong>and</strong> Melksham Without Parish<br />
<strong>Council</strong>s should be combined.<br />
Concerned that Melksham should not have too much social housing that houses<br />
tenants from other towns.<br />
Concern over trends towards small gardens <strong>and</strong> 3 storey houses, which lead to<br />
crammed in development.<br />
Should be eco-friendly houses.<br />
Buffer between Atworth <strong>and</strong> Melksham should remain the same.<br />
Any new houses should incorporate solar panels <strong>and</strong> underground heat<br />
exchangers.<br />
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Settlement hierarchy<br />
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Development should not all be focussed on Chippenham <strong>and</strong> Trowbridge.<br />
Melksham is a critical gateway to both Salisbury <strong>and</strong> Trowbridge, <strong>and</strong> should not<br />
be overlooked.<br />
Concern about how the villages will be connected to the larger towns.<br />
Concern that the focus on ‘urban’ areas will be to the detriment of rural village<br />
communities.<br />
Other villages besides Atworth should be considered for limited development.<br />
Limited development could benefit Shaw/Whitley <strong>and</strong> Broughton Gifford.<br />
Concern that all the focus is on Melksham: should also involve villages <strong>and</strong><br />
include them in your thinking.<br />
Housing distribution.<br />
Ensure there is a need for additional housing before planning it.<br />
Melksham does not need more housing: it is already a dormitory town with<br />
nothing at its heart.<br />
Housing increases will lead to more commuter travel <strong>and</strong> less local usage, as it is<br />
easier to get to Trowbridge or Chippenham.<br />
Melksham has had a greater increase in houses since 2006 than Trowbridge, but<br />
without any commensurate increase in facilities. A further 400 dwellings is too<br />
many, <strong>and</strong> the number should be restricted to 200 at most.<br />
Too much housing.<br />
Additional housing should attract investment (employment <strong>and</strong> retail).<br />
Query about whether the 400 houses are for Melksham, or for the whole area?<br />
[from wording of Q in CAP survey].<br />
Question over ability to service more housing: against more than the 750 homes<br />
already planned.<br />
Large increase in housing in Melksham/<strong>Wiltshire</strong> is ill thought out. No new<br />
housing should be built until new facilities are made available to cope with the<br />
additional population.<br />
Can’t build another 400 homes with no amenities.<br />
Comments on the consultation material.<br />
Map is such poor quality as to render detailed comment impossible.<br />
Map is too small to actually see where in Melksham it is.<br />
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4.86 Pewsey community area<br />
4.87 Headline statistics<br />
Key issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities<br />
Supporting 4<br />
Supporting with conditions 2<br />
Objecting 0<br />
General comments 1<br />
How much we expect the community area to change by <strong>2026</strong><br />
Supporting 5<br />
Supporting with conditions 2<br />
Objecting 0<br />
General comments 4<br />
Strategic site allocations<br />
Supporting<br />
N/A<br />
Supporting with conditions N/A<br />
Objecting<br />
N/A<br />
General comments N/A<br />
Other comments relating to this community area<br />
Supporting 0<br />
Supporting with Conditions 0<br />
Objecting 0<br />
General Comments 0<br />
Total comments relating to this community area: 16<br />
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4.88 Issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities: comments<br />
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Need to address the limited self-containment of Pewsey through the provision of<br />
housing <strong>and</strong> jobs together.<br />
Important to recognise the importance of the AONB.<br />
Opportunities exist in villages such as Burbage <strong>and</strong> Great Bedwyn to secure<br />
affordable housing provision associated with wider development.<br />
The dissection of Upavon by the A342 <strong>and</strong> A345 is an issue.<br />
The Kennet & Avon Canal towpath offers an opportunity to improve tourism <strong>and</strong><br />
access to the countryside.<br />
Currently the towpath east <strong>and</strong> west from Pewsey is only usable by able walkers.<br />
The core strategy should consider proposals for long-distance walking <strong>and</strong> cycling<br />
routes between Avebury <strong>and</strong> Stonehenge.<br />
Tourism accommodation will need to be increased during the plan period.<br />
When assessing any rural community for residential developments there are likely<br />
to be issues to overcome, such as out-commuting.<br />
The core strategy must clearly set out the opportunities arising from future growth<br />
in locations like Pewsey, such as the need to provide affordable housing <strong>and</strong><br />
services.<br />
One of the main attractions of Pewsey is the access by train to London but an<br />
increase in inhabitants who are London commuters does little to help local traders<br />
<strong>and</strong> others serving the village.<br />
Several local shops are currently unoccupied.<br />
The Core Strategy needs to deliver safe cycle routes to East Chisenbury <strong>and</strong> the<br />
Woodbridge Inn.<br />
Pewsey should be recognised for the key role it plays as a service centre for its<br />
rural hinterl<strong>and</strong>.<br />
The Pewsey community area falls within the statutory height safeguarding zone<br />
surrounding Netheravon aerodrome.<br />
Pewsey has a substantial level of self-containment due to its provision of services,<br />
but also due to its sustainable links to other SSCTs by provision of public<br />
transport which allows movement within the rural area <strong>and</strong> for wider employment<br />
services.<br />
4.89 Change <strong>and</strong> delivery: comments<br />
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<br />
Any development in Pewsey village should be within the current development<br />
boundary.<br />
The Core Strategy fails to set out a clear Vision for <strong>Wiltshire</strong> - <strong>and</strong> especially for<br />
Warminster. It is not clear how the RSS requirements for housing will be<br />
translated into practice. This is a serious failing in the context of PPS12.<br />
Safeguarding the future of local shops <strong>and</strong> services by increasing usage will<br />
attract inward investment.<br />
Growth is essential to ensure the vitality <strong>and</strong> viability of the town.<br />
Important to deliver affordable housing to meet an acute <strong>and</strong> growing need.<br />
The idea of promoting Pewsey as a heritage village is worth considering.<br />
It makes sense to exp<strong>and</strong> housing in areas which can offer job opportunities <strong>and</strong><br />
in a predominantly farming area; this possibility is limited although some<br />
expansion in the industrial estate outside the village for clean <strong>and</strong> quiet industry<br />
might be encouraged.<br />
Much more coordination is required for a relevant local bus service.<br />
Pewsey village itself does not seem to have made up its mind on whether it<br />
wishes to remain a large village or develop into a small town.<br />
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If Pewsey develops into a small town, it could cause a great deal of disruption to<br />
surrounding villages with the consequent increase in traffic.<br />
Important to consider the delivery of employment l<strong>and</strong> within Pewsey.<br />
The main focus of growth within the community area should be at Pewsey, which<br />
will provide growth, to assist with maintaining existing services <strong>and</strong> the diversity of<br />
the settlement.<br />
Encourage developers to provide more live-work units within future developments.<br />
Strategic site options: Comments<br />
No strategic sites proposed within the Pewsey community area<br />
4.90 Settlement hierarchy<br />
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The town should be encouraged to develop <strong>and</strong> allocations should be made to<br />
build upon the facilities already in place to support its role as an important rural<br />
centre.<br />
The settlement hierarchy should not be the sole indicator used to determine<br />
housing distribution <strong>and</strong> location, particularly when considering growth at market<br />
towns.<br />
Agree with the 'larger village' category within which Pewsey has been placed as<br />
its services, retail <strong>and</strong> employment are limited, yet play a significant role in<br />
supporting the local rural economy <strong>and</strong> social infrastructure.<br />
Support the approach indentifying community areas. However the distribution of<br />
housing within the community areas must ensure growth is directed to the most<br />
suitable settlements capable of absorbing growth <strong>and</strong> ensuring self-containment<br />
is increased <strong>and</strong> the role of service centre is enhanced.<br />
The housing distribution must not be based on rolling forward historic trends in<br />
housing delivery.<br />
Focusing growth on Pewsey <strong>and</strong> reducing growth at surrounding villages will<br />
maintain the sustainability of the community area.<br />
The spatial strategy for the Pewsey Community Area should recognise the<br />
potential of Burbage <strong>and</strong> Great Bedwyn to contribute towards sustainable<br />
communities.<br />
It is considered that an alternative settlement hierarchy is adopted with Pewsey<br />
re-designated as a Policy B settlement.<br />
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4.91 Housing distribution<br />
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Concerned that if housing growth within the Pewsey Community Area is not<br />
centred on Pewsey the impact of development will be greater than if development<br />
is focused on a settlement with existing services, infrastructure <strong>and</strong> public<br />
transport.<br />
Pewsey could accommodate a significant proportion of <strong>Wiltshire</strong>’s housing<br />
requirement.<br />
Pewsey has l<strong>and</strong> available for development that is relatively unconstrained at the<br />
former Pewsey hospital site, comprising pdl <strong>and</strong> abutting the built edge of<br />
development. A provision of residential growth could help maintain Pewsey's<br />
existing employment <strong>and</strong> retail base whilst increasing the opportunity for people to<br />
live <strong>and</strong> work in the town by securing the economic future of the town.<br />
If development is focused many issues can be overcome, such as parking for rail<br />
users.<br />
Support growth to Pewsey <strong>and</strong> the provision of small scale housing allocations.<br />
Agreed that there should be no strategic housing or employment allocations within<br />
this area.<br />
The figure of 500 houses being delivered in the next sixteen years is high <strong>and</strong> if<br />
averaged out between the four communities it would be rather more than organic<br />
growth for Burbage, Great Bedwyn <strong>and</strong> Upavon. These three villages should be<br />
limited to small developments only.<br />
There are currently small site options in Pewsey which are within the development<br />
boundary which it is agreed could be developed. This would provide development<br />
l<strong>and</strong> for a significant number of the 200 required houses. The Whatley site is an<br />
example.<br />
If the objective of the Core Strategy is to achieve the 10 strategic objectives set in<br />
Section 2, then additional development should take place at Pewsey as it is a<br />
focal point <strong>and</strong> service centre for that part of <strong>Wiltshire</strong>.<br />
Pewsey lacks critical mass to accommodate significant amounts of housing <strong>and</strong><br />
employment growth.<br />
There is potential to accommodate <strong>and</strong> support sufficient new development on the<br />
former Pewsey hospital site.<br />
Dwellings (during the plan period) should be allocated to the Pewsey Community<br />
Area (more specifically Pewsey) to ensure that a critical mass in terms of<br />
population can be reached to maintain the viability of the existing services <strong>and</strong><br />
facilities that Pewsey currently benefits from.<br />
Greater provision should be given to Pewsey as it has a main line railway.<br />
Pewsey, being fully within the North Wessex Downs AONB, should only have<br />
allocations suitable to meet specific local need.<br />
Other settlements such as Burbage, Upavon <strong>and</strong> Great Bedwyn warrant a degree<br />
of protection from growth by limiting growth at these settlements, with only units to<br />
accommodate local needs at Shalbourne.<br />
Sites such as the former Pewsey hospital should be considered for sustainable<br />
residential development.<br />
No more housing growth for Pewsey.<br />
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Data Appendices<br />
4.92 Pewsey community area: Respondents<br />
Organisations<br />
Assistant Network Manager Highways<br />
Agency<br />
Clerk Haydon Wick Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Cooper Estates<br />
CPRE <strong>Wiltshire</strong><br />
Environment Agency (Wessex Area)<br />
Galliford Try Strategic L<strong>and</strong><br />
Lydiard Millicent Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
MoD<br />
North Wessex Downs AONB<br />
Parish Clerk Ham Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Pewsey Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Primegate Properties (Hooksouth) Ltd<br />
Purton Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Sustrans<br />
Swindon Borough <strong>Council</strong><br />
Thames Water Property Services<br />
The Hills Group<br />
The Kennet <strong>and</strong> Avon Canal Trust<br />
Wilcot & Huish Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Carter Jonas<br />
Community Area Partnership<br />
CPRE N Wilts <strong>and</strong> Swindon<br />
English Heritage<br />
Fisher German LLP<br />
Group Secretary Ramblers North East<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Group<br />
M J Gleeson Group plc<br />
NHS Swindon<br />
Oliver Canal Partnership<br />
Pewsey Community Area Partnership<br />
Planning <strong>and</strong> Local Government Natural<br />
Engl<strong>and</strong><br />
Ps <strong>and</strong> Qs<br />
SF Planning Link Ltd<br />
Swindon <strong>and</strong> Cricklade Railway<br />
Taylor Wimpey UK Ltd<br />
The Crown Estate<br />
The Hills Group<br />
Welbeck L<strong>and</strong> Limited<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Wildlife Trust<br />
Individuals<br />
Ann Orr-Ewing Diana Thombs Edward Raker<br />
Elizabeth Wilson Francis Sheppard George Axiotis<br />
George McDonic MBE John Rainbow Martyn Parrott<br />
Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Page Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs W Hunt Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs W Hunt<br />
Mr C Cornell Mr David Sweet Mr John Harmer<br />
Mrs C Spickernell Mrs Jane R. Smith Mrs Kate Robinson<br />
Mrs Sarah Foster<br />
Ms Sarah Higgins & Malcolm Neil Etheridge<br />
De La Haye<br />
R Williams Roy <strong>and</strong> Marion Hobbs S W Matthews<br />
S.A, P, E.A, <strong>and</strong> P Booy The Bowerman Family<br />
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4.93 Pewsey community area: Notes from exhibitions <strong>and</strong> events<br />
Pewsey workshop<br />
23 November 2009<br />
Attendees were asked to place blue stickers against their top three objectives. The<br />
groups placed these on the laminated A4ish cards. As they had to be reused for a<br />
subsequent exhibition, the results are recorded below.<br />
Objectives<br />
1. To address for climate change<br />
2. To provide for long term economic growth<br />
3. To meet <strong>Wiltshire</strong>’s housing needs<br />
4. To secure appropriate infrastructure <strong>and</strong> services<br />
5. To enhance the vitality <strong>and</strong> viability of town centres<br />
6. To encourage safe accessible places<br />
7. To promote sustainable forms of transport<br />
8. To protect <strong>and</strong> enhance the natural environment<br />
9. To safeguard <strong>and</strong> promote a high quality environment<br />
10. To minimise the risk of flooding<br />
Total<br />
Workshop attendees:<br />
Dr. James Raff (Great Bedwyn P.C.)<br />
Jane Brown (PEAT)<br />
Bob King<br />
Steve Humphries (Stanton P.C.)<br />
Ben Braine (<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Police)<br />
P Keers (Pewsey P.C.)<br />
Peter Deck (PCAP & Pewsey P.C.)<br />
Judith Deck (Tennis Club)<br />
Richard Fleet (Wilcot P.C.)<br />
Group discussion (Chris Minors <strong>and</strong> Mathew Pearson)<br />
Discussion one<br />
Top three objectives:<br />
4. To secure appropriate infrastructure <strong>and</strong> services.<br />
5. To enhance the vitality <strong>and</strong> viability of town centres<br />
2. To provide for long term economic growth.<br />
Infrastructure<br />
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Road quality throughout the villages is poor. HGV routes through the villages is<br />
part of this problem <strong>and</strong> is a general nuisance to both villages <strong>and</strong> any other road<br />
users (walkers/cyclists) as they feel unsafe.<br />
A number of the group felt that the lack of growth will further erode services, while<br />
others did not feel the lack of ‘strategic development’ was an issue <strong>and</strong> were<br />
happy with the level of development. There was widespread agreement that the<br />
support of small businesses <strong>and</strong> other services within the town centre must be<br />
maintained.<br />
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A number of employment <strong>and</strong> services in the town centre have gone for housing<br />
there is a need to protect what currently exists before Pewsey becomes nothing<br />
but a commuter town. There is also a lack of public transport in Pewsey for local<br />
commuters. Long distance commuters are well served but local people struggle<br />
for access to larger surrounding settlements <strong>and</strong> services.<br />
There is a general eroding of services <strong>and</strong> facilities <strong>and</strong> little in the way of<br />
innovative solutions to address or reverse this situation. A number of solutions<br />
were put forward including combining <strong>and</strong> supporting facilities in smaller villages<br />
<strong>and</strong> ensuring that business start ups <strong>and</strong> new ventures are given enough time to<br />
succeed.<br />
Marlborough <strong>and</strong> other surrounding education facilities need to provide for<br />
Pewsey beyond 16 <strong>and</strong> if the Pewsey secondary school is able to develop it will<br />
be important to try <strong>and</strong> bring sixth form <strong>and</strong> HE. However, some of the other<br />
schools are at breaking point – Bedwyn for example is over subscribed as pupils<br />
travel from Marlborough <strong>and</strong> development beyond the boundary of the community<br />
area needs to be considered.<br />
Town centre<br />
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While the amount of retail store in the town centre has actually stayed the same<br />
there was a feeling that the overall quality of retail had dropped.<br />
The protection of local services <strong>and</strong> facilities was not felt strong enough through<br />
council policies. However, it was agreed that there was an erosion of all services<br />
not just local services in Pewsey.<br />
It was generally suggested that rent <strong>and</strong> business rates were counter productive<br />
in rural areas. Kennet DC were able to entice start up businesses with favourable<br />
rates initially but there seemed to be longevity issue with profit margins especially<br />
when rates went back up.<br />
It was felt that more imaginative transport schemes could be very helpful in both<br />
giving more people access from surrounding communities <strong>and</strong> helping to support<br />
local businesses. Schemes need to create better public transport access at the<br />
appropriate times <strong>and</strong> also give alternative means of transport a serious options<br />
then people will be more people will be more open to using local facilities.<br />
It was felt that the level of facilities <strong>and</strong> retail options was much more consistent<br />
with the level of housing <strong>and</strong> employment development currently proposed. It is<br />
felt though that more employment in the town centre was need before housing<br />
sites come forward. It is important that the proposal for ‘mixed used’ on the Old<br />
Hospital site is retained as there is nothing to suggest that without the take up of<br />
employment l<strong>and</strong> Pewsey can accommodate new housing.<br />
There was widespread agreement that Pewsey should look to promote it self as a<br />
tourist destination as the natural idyllic countryside in the Vale had much<br />
marketable attraction as did the settlements themselves. However how this was<br />
achieved was dependant on rents <strong>and</strong> business rates being dovetailed with the<br />
ability of the right kind ‘tourist attracting’ business to prosper long term <strong>and</strong> give<br />
proper thoughts to Pewsey’s long term tourism <strong>and</strong> leisure offer.<br />
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Economic growth<br />
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There is l<strong>and</strong> available in Pewsey that has not been taken up <strong>and</strong> it is important<br />
that in the next development period Pewsey concentrates securing some inward<br />
employment investment. There was some discussion regarding the lack of<br />
appropriate business support, but there is a clear need to ensure that all<br />
employers are retained.<br />
There was a discussion about economies of scale <strong>and</strong> again while it was<br />
recognised that there was more limited development proposed for Pewsey, there<br />
seemed to be more of consensus that Pewsey would be better served by<br />
maintaining its current status than by attempting to ‘over exp<strong>and</strong>’ <strong>and</strong> ruin what<br />
people value about the character <strong>and</strong> appearance of Pewsey.<br />
Discussion two<br />
What infrastructure, services <strong>and</strong> facilities are needed to ensure future<br />
development benefits Pewsey?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The spatial strategy was discussed at length with a number of the parishes stating<br />
that they felt that the policies towards villages were overly restrictive. Unless a<br />
little more development was allowed in villages many will be left in ‘aspect’ for the<br />
next 20 years.<br />
There is also a big issue in the type of development coming forward across the<br />
CA. There are not enough housing for local people, while all agree there is a need<br />
for affordable units, this is not being met by the type of houses being developed,<br />
as well as other policies hindering this process. Examples of bad policies include<br />
too many smaller dwellings being combined. The integrity of current dwelling<br />
stock needs to be maintained for smaller families.<br />
While there was much support for extra schemes in regard to affordable homes, it<br />
was felt that often these homes were going to people from further a field in<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>and</strong> not truly local people who have lived <strong>and</strong> grown up in Pewsey or the<br />
surrounding villages. There have also been a number of developments that have<br />
been built without integrating into the local community. This has been because of<br />
people who the houses are sold/rented too are not local, <strong>and</strong> because of the poor<br />
design/location of the developments that sees them poorly integrated to the<br />
remaining community facilities/community.<br />
A number of developments have taken place without the necessary infrastructure<br />
improvements. An example of this is to the south of Pewsey near the flood zone<br />
where residents are continually struggle with flood <strong>and</strong> drainage issues. This <strong>and</strong><br />
other infrastructure issues need to be addressed before more development<br />
comes forward.<br />
Ultimately it was felt important that flexibility <strong>and</strong> decision making be given the to<br />
the parish council. <strong>Wiltshire</strong> should work with local people <strong>and</strong> groups <strong>and</strong> let<br />
them make the decisions regarding the type, size <strong>and</strong> location of future<br />
development in their villages.<br />
AOB<br />
.<br />
There was concerns raised over the lack of representation by some of the major<br />
bodies, such as the AONB <strong>and</strong> CPRE, who are major operators in the Pewsey<br />
Community area.<br />
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4.94 Tidworth <strong>and</strong> Ludgershall community area<br />
4.95 Headline statistics<br />
Key issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities<br />
Supporting 2<br />
Supporting with conditions 1<br />
Objecting 1<br />
General comments 1<br />
How much we expect the community area to change by <strong>2026</strong><br />
Supporting 0<br />
Supporting with conditions 3<br />
Objecting 9<br />
General comments 3<br />
Strategic site allocations<br />
Supporting 1<br />
Supporting with conditions 1<br />
Objecting 15<br />
General comments 4<br />
Other comments relating to this community area<br />
Supporting 2<br />
Supporting with conditions 0<br />
Objecting 6<br />
General comments 1<br />
Total no. of comments relating to Tidworth <strong>and</strong> Ludgershall: 54<br />
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Issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities: comments<br />
Need to address imbalance with existing military presence, which is dominant,<br />
with other, fresh development.<br />
Need for development of all types to improve the quality <strong>and</strong> facilities of the area.<br />
Housing development supported. However affordable element should....<br />
Support Drummond Park as a Housing Site.<br />
Support Castledown Business park as suitable employment site<br />
Affordability requirement should not be so high as to discourage developers<br />
Areas of Disagreement / Concern<br />
Potential for flooding in Tidworth needs addressing in planning policy.<br />
Housing development should be held back until Railway station is re-opened.<br />
4.96 Change <strong>and</strong> delivery: comments<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Development for civilian use could balance military presence.<br />
We need to create a thriving retail centre to stop outsourcing of goods from the<br />
major towns nearby; good retail shops will only come with a reasonable footfall to<br />
support it, which is why housing is so important.<br />
This is effectively a military area – how likely is it that a policy to balance military<br />
development with civilian uses will actually work?<br />
Additional troops to support the ‘Super Garrison’ will only widen the<br />
military/civilian imbalance <strong>and</strong> we question if 1,700 additional houses within the<br />
community area is sufficient? In the Halcrow Economic Strategy Report in 2004 a<br />
figure of 3,000 civilian houses was needed to balance the numbers <strong>and</strong> that was<br />
aimed mainly at Tidworth developments.<br />
Infrastructure Concern – capacity of A303 regarding development at Tidworth<br />
(Highways Agency).<br />
Infrastructure Concern – capacity of water treatment <strong>and</strong> sewerage in<br />
infrastructure in relation to development at Ludgershall (Southern Water).<br />
Are Tidworth <strong>and</strong> Ludgershall too small to allow significant growth? Is there<br />
degree of self containment / facilities too low for this? Concern that these<br />
locations inherently unsustainable in this <strong>and</strong> transport related respects.<br />
There is currently a requirement for some light industrial units, especially linked to<br />
retail <strong>and</strong> this requirement does not fit on the Castledown Business Park,<br />
especially as we are about to try <strong>and</strong> find an ‘anchor’ company to relocate to the<br />
area, hopefully office based.<br />
When the old medical depot (MSA) submits planning it is felt that a section of this<br />
application could fit this requirement. Any development between Castledown<br />
Business Park <strong>and</strong> within the Tidworth Town can only add to supporting a vibrant<br />
town centre.<br />
4.97 Strategic site options: comments<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Some support for Drummond Park as a housing development (with mixed use<br />
option. Past attempts to create employment development there have failed <strong>and</strong><br />
site is sustainably located for housing.<br />
Support need for more civilian housing, but plan doesn’t go far enough in<br />
quantum.<br />
Better sites exist in Tidworth than the ones selected (e.g. South or Railway <strong>and</strong><br />
East of Garden Centre).<br />
No major wildlife concerns, but impact on nearby designated sites needs to be<br />
watched. Ashdown Chalk SU24.12 is adjacent to the alternative site for Tidworth<br />
<strong>and</strong> Windmill Hill Down SU25.31 <strong>and</strong> Pickpit Hill SU25.32 are adjacent to the<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
alternative options for Ludgershall. Strong proactive policies are required to<br />
protect <strong>and</strong> enhance these sites.<br />
L<strong>and</strong>scape concerns regarding the AONB.<br />
Scale of development proposed will stretch infrastructure.<br />
Locating employment development close to A303 will encourage unsustainable<br />
transport, undermining Strategic Objective 7.<br />
Need to ensure social infrastructure keeps pace with development (schools,<br />
community facilities etc.).<br />
Response from EA regarding water (edited)<br />
All options proposed in Tidworth overly the Inner groundwater Source Protection<br />
Zone (SPZ1). We regard this area as very sensitive, <strong>and</strong> if it is proposed to take<br />
these options forward, a hydro geological assessment indicating the potential risk to<br />
groundwater is likely to be required. The findings of this should be included in the<br />
SA.. We are pleased that the tables (page 107 [Sustainability appraisal report<br />
appendices]) mention groundwater protection, but we consider this should be brought<br />
into the main SA document. We note, however, that these tables refer to the<br />
Groundwater Protection Policy (GP3) as if it were a designation. It is the Source<br />
Protection Zones that are the constraint (along with aquifers), GP3 is where you will<br />
find our policy <strong>and</strong>, for example, further details of the restriction to development in<br />
SPZs. We consider the text in the tables should be amended to reflect this.<br />
We note in the SA the likely requirement for a water cycle study, if significant<br />
development at these settlements is proposed. We recommend that this is done as<br />
early as possible. This is required to establish the capacity of the foul drainage <strong>and</strong><br />
water supply infrastructure serving Tidworth <strong>and</strong> Ludgershall, <strong>and</strong> should also identify<br />
infrastructure improvements … required, <strong>and</strong> how these would be delivered.<br />
The water cycle study should also consider the requirements under the Groundwater<br />
Regulations 2009, because the sewage treatment works serving Tidworth <strong>and</strong><br />
Ludgershall both discharge to soakaway Careful consideration will also need to be<br />
given to surface water disposal. Given the sensitivity of groundwater, discharge of<br />
surface water to ground via infiltration systems may not be acceptable.<br />
All sites in Tidworth <strong>and</strong> Ludgershall incorporate SuDS into their developments using<br />
infiltration techniques to return surface water to the ground.<br />
4.98 Settlement hierarchy: comments<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Support Ludgershall as a market town suitable for development.<br />
Too much development at Ludgershall – move some to Devizes.<br />
Development of this scale in villages with few facilities is inherently unsustainable.<br />
Development Policy B of the SWRSS sets out the criteria which must be met in<br />
order for a settlement to be considered a Market Town. Tidworth <strong>and</strong> Ludgershall<br />
do not meet the criteria <strong>and</strong> therefore should not be classified as Market Towns.<br />
The SWRSS does acknowledge that in some instances, settlements may be<br />
identified as Policy B towns that do not exhibit all of the above criteria however, in<br />
order to do this a council must support this case with a Local Accessibility<br />
Assessment demonstrating how accessible the settlement is in relation to the<br />
wider District. The council have not done this <strong>and</strong> instead have acknowledged<br />
that the A303 is already at capacity. The location of Tidworth <strong>and</strong> Ludgershall in<br />
the very south of the District means they are not well related to East <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
are actually better aligned to Salisbury <strong>and</strong> the Salisbury Housing Market Area.<br />
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The description of Tidworth <strong>and</strong> Ludgershall as Market Towns is not in<br />
accordance with SWRSS <strong>and</strong> section 4.6 should be amended to remove these<br />
two towns from this.<br />
4.99 Housing distribution: comments<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Development welcomed – suggest housing on Strategic Site at Drummond Park<br />
rather than mixed use.<br />
Too little infrastructure / facilities to support growth proposed.<br />
Will lead to unsustainable patterns of travel.<br />
No dem<strong>and</strong> for civilian housing – attempt to balance community viz a viz military<br />
bound to fail.<br />
Better to direct most growth to Devizes.<br />
Infrastructure concerns (water <strong>and</strong> highways – especially the SRN – A303).<br />
Tidworth <strong>and</strong> Ludgershall community area: respondents<br />
Organisations<br />
(South West) Holdings Ltd<br />
Bloor Homes<br />
CPRE <strong>Wiltshire</strong><br />
Fiona Jury Planning<br />
Highways Agency<br />
INscience Limited<br />
Larkrise Community Farm<br />
Montagu Evans LLP<br />
Officer Test Valley Borough <strong>Council</strong><br />
Persimmon Homes<br />
Rolfe Judd Planning<br />
Steeple Ashton Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
The Doric Group<br />
Town Clerk Trowbridge Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
West Ashton Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Zog Brownfield Ventures Ltd<br />
Ashton Park, Trowbridge Ltd<br />
C Mercer<br />
D Mercer<br />
Friends of Hilperton Gap<br />
Hilperton Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
L<strong>and</strong> & Development Stakeholder <strong>and</strong><br />
Policy Manager National Grid<br />
MoD<br />
North Bradley Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Paxcroft Mead Community Forum<br />
Planning <strong>and</strong> Local Government Natural<br />
Engl<strong>and</strong><br />
Southern Water<br />
Sustrans<br />
The Hills Group<br />
Trowbridge Community Area Future<br />
(TCAF)<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Wildlife Trust<br />
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Individuals<br />
A Hackett<br />
Adrian, Lucy <strong>and</strong> Sheena<br />
Lewis<br />
Alan Chilton-Bates<br />
Alastair King Alison Hicks Am<strong>and</strong>a Wilkes<br />
Andy Jelly Andy Stainer Ann & Geraint Owen<br />
Ann Bass Anna Kavanagh Arthur <strong>and</strong> Marjorie Darby<br />
Basil Howell Beverley Brimble Captain <strong>and</strong> Mrs Richard<br />
<strong>and</strong> Brenda Nicholson<br />
Carole Meling CGJ Hart Chris Roberts<br />
Cllr Mark Connolly Colin Bowden Colin Davison<br />
<strong>Council</strong>lor Ernie Clark D J Vince D.J. Durbridge<br />
David Feather David Foxon David Frampton<br />
David Rigby David Stephenson David Trethewey<br />
Denis Jones Derek Harford Duncan Hames<br />
E J Lister E Pitts Edward Clark<br />
Emily Clark Emma Richards Geoffrey Richards<br />
H.N Potts Hayley Mitchell Hazel Frampton<br />
Henry Crook Ivar Baxter J Fisher<br />
J Langley Jacqui Clark Janet Cassidy<br />
Janette <strong>and</strong> Gordon Jill Crook<br />
Joan Howarth<br />
O'Brien<br />
John <strong>and</strong> Sheila Ralph John <strong>and</strong> Sue Holcombe John Cross<br />
John Van Leer JR Broome Judy Buxton<br />
Julia Goodwin Kate Hayes Keith Frampton<br />
Ken Hughes<br />
Kenneth <strong>and</strong> Catherine L.J <strong>and</strong> L.I Brown<br />
Warr<br />
Linda Westmore Lucie Castleman Lucy Wilcox<br />
Lynda Trigg M <strong>and</strong> J Beadle M Cottle<br />
M J Stefanoski Mark <strong>and</strong> Jill Funnell Mark Birkitt<br />
Mary <strong>and</strong> Len Humphreys Maurice Baker Michael West<br />
Mike Brown Mike Rennie Miss A Taylor<br />
Mr Alan Daly<br />
Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Alan & Eileen Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Barrett<br />
Needham<br />
Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Hamlen Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Mitchell Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs P Dickens<br />
Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs P.J <strong>and</strong> S.J Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Parfitt<br />
Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Parfitt<br />
Hurren<br />
Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Pocock Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs PW <strong>and</strong> ME Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Ransom<br />
Ellis<br />
Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Robert Dudley Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs W G Conway Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Woodcock<br />
Mr <strong>and</strong> Mrs Yamina<br />
Havelock-Allan<br />
Mr F <strong>and</strong> Mr B Tucker Mr H Stubbs<br />
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Mr Jack Morten Mr K J McCall Mr LC <strong>and</strong> Mrs A Lee<br />
Mr Michael Green Mr N Pratt Mr Peter Barnett<br />
Mr Ric Gower Mr Ross Gifford-Pike Mr Tim Hounsome<br />
Mrs Ann Piper Mrs Denis Pocock Mrs Hazel Fitchen<br />
Mrs Hulbert Mrs Ivy Scott Mrs J Kenna<br />
Mrs J Waller Mrs M King Mrs Moss<br />
Mrs Patricia A Hunn Mrs S.A. Godwin Mrs Susan Evans<br />
Mrs V Jones Mrs Wendy Harrison Ms Margaret Almond<br />
Ms Tracey Curzons MV Cottle Natalie Glaysher<br />
Nicola Walker<br />
Norman <strong>and</strong> Margaret<br />
Rogers<br />
Norman Swanney<br />
P Staddon Paul <strong>and</strong> Nicola Hammond Pauline <strong>and</strong> Richard<br />
Hanke<br />
Pauline Baxter<br />
Peter <strong>and</strong> Maxine<br />
Fairbairn<br />
Peter Collins<br />
Peter Hayes Peter Westlake Prospect L<strong>and</strong> Ltd<br />
Rob Coles Ron Pybus Ross Kavenagh<br />
Rowena <strong>and</strong> Neil Heard S Clark S Payne<br />
S R<strong>and</strong>all SA & SD Brown Sarah Richardson<br />
Scott Uncles Sheila <strong>and</strong> Arthur Lunn Stanley <strong>and</strong> Pat<br />
Thompson<br />
Stephen Edwards Steve Cundy Steve Davis<br />
Stuart Crook Susan King Terrie Hanson<br />
Thomas Clark Tim Wilson Tony Allen<br />
Trevor Carbin <strong>Council</strong>lor Trixie Lewis<br />
Vanessa Heard<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />
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4.100 Tidworth <strong>and</strong> Ludgershall community area:<br />
Notes from exhibitions <strong>and</strong> events<br />
Tidworth workshop notes 18 November 2009<br />
Attendees<br />
Alex Bostock, Clarendon Junior School,<br />
Tidworth<br />
Chris Williams, <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />
David Burke, Chairman Netheravon<br />
Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
David Wildman, Tidworth Chamber of<br />
Commerce<br />
Janet White, Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
Owen White<br />
Bill Dowling, HQ 43(Wx) BDE (Jellalabad<br />
Barracks)<br />
Darren Masini, <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Fire <strong>and</strong> Rescue<br />
Service<br />
David Marks, HQ Tidworth Garrison<br />
Humph Jones, Tidworth Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
Mark Connolly, <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />
Phil Bowley, Greensquare<br />
Discussion one – objectives<br />
Objectives Group 1 Group 2 Total<br />
1. To address for climate change 0 0 0<br />
2. To provide for long term economic growth 6 6 12<br />
3. To meet <strong>Wiltshire</strong>’s housing needs 6 4 10<br />
4. To secure appropriate infrastructure <strong>and</strong> services 2 3 5<br />
5. To enhance the vitality <strong>and</strong> viability of town centres 5 4 9<br />
6. To encourage safe accessible places 0 1 1<br />
7. To promote sustainable forms of transport 2 3 5<br />
8. To protect <strong>and</strong> enhance the natural environment 0 0 0<br />
9. To safeguard <strong>and</strong> promote a high quality environment 0 0 0<br />
10. To minimise the risk of flooding 0 0 0<br />
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Group one – M Pearson/S Drinkwater<br />
Discussion one<br />
Priority objectives 2, 5 <strong>and</strong> 3<br />
Economic growth<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Castledown is for ‘clean’ business but space is needed for other business types;<br />
need a better balance/ mixture.<br />
Need an improved choice of employment l<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Firefighters come from a variety of employment backgrounds <strong>and</strong> ‘offices’ will not<br />
provide enough.<br />
Does A303 bring people in or allow them to leave?<br />
Restricted local employment opportunities – needs to be addressed.<br />
Dormitory town/ settlements with diminishing services (decrease in rural shops<br />
<strong>and</strong> services).<br />
Sparse <strong>and</strong> remote communities.<br />
Need a better retail offering to encourage growth.<br />
Need ‘selling points’ to attract employers/ business:<br />
- Academy<br />
- More stable population because of super garrison<br />
Development in itself will promote business <strong>and</strong> local commerce.<br />
Enhance town centres<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Tesco has been a real boon <strong>and</strong> arrested exodus to Andover.<br />
Tesco has also helped define town centre – Station Road.<br />
Develop the old station site.<br />
Need greater diversity in Ludgershall – no hardware store.<br />
Lack of facilities – one pub in Tidworth, no cinema but several take-aways, good<br />
Indian restaurant. Not enough facilities for young people – which leads to youth<br />
causing nuisance – need more recreational facilities.<br />
Military self-containment impacts on the economy <strong>and</strong> town centre vitality.<br />
Put a recreational facility on Castledown Business Park.<br />
Economy ‘insulated’ by stable military jobs.<br />
Housing needs<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Housing development is welcome.<br />
Maybe more is required in Tidworth – better balance between Tidworth &<br />
Ludgershall.<br />
20% affordable housing in North Tidworth is not considered appropriate<br />
elsewhere.<br />
Development contributions need to be proportionate to the proportion of<br />
affordable housing.<br />
Need to integrate military housing.<br />
Local housing for local people – affordable housing, social housing – better<br />
balance between local people <strong>and</strong> military.<br />
Set the balance right – appropriate housing types.<br />
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Discussion two<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Lack of buses in the outlying villages.<br />
Tidworth may need a town bus.<br />
Development needs to have access to bus services.<br />
Rail freight potential for Ludgershall.<br />
Need better access to medical services – ambulance, dentists, doctors – PCT<br />
need to exp<strong>and</strong> service. New services in Devizes are difficult to access.<br />
Border location not conducive to service provision.<br />
Schools find it difficult to respond to the dynamic military population – can<br />
Tidworth schools cater for all the pupils.<br />
Need a new primary school.<br />
School hall is fully booked from 7am to 9pm daily <strong>and</strong> cannot cater for more<br />
activities so dem<strong>and</strong> goes unmet.<br />
Need more flexible predication mechanisms for identifying dem<strong>and</strong> for<br />
educational facilities/ buildings.<br />
PCT/ school link to provide medical services jointly.<br />
Put in school provision before housing.<br />
Lack of medical services increases school absenteeism – dental visits to Andover.<br />
Admin capital moving to Trowbridge presents some difficulties for community.<br />
Group two – C Gibson/ M Aldam<br />
Discussion one – objectives<br />
Objective two – economy<br />
Improving what we have – services in towns <strong>and</strong> villages.<br />
Success if same services available in <strong>2026</strong> as 2009.<br />
How?<br />
- Make accessible to local people, balance housing (affordable) + employment<br />
- Therefore, development in every area to support<br />
- Doing nothing not an option<br />
Economic support for village services, e.g. shops – rate <strong>and</strong> protect sites.<br />
Multi-use community ‘hub’ – services provision <strong>and</strong> shops.<br />
Has Station Road benefitted from Tesco’s 25k shoppers per week?<br />
Outcome – better provision shops/ balance to Tesco in/out.<br />
Military population make business peak/ slumps.<br />
- Redress balance for business stability<br />
Also need community cohesion.<br />
Salisbury Plain super garrison – less transient population.<br />
Super garrison plan – help cohesion by staying in areas but need housing <strong>and</strong><br />
employment allocation to do this.<br />
Objective three – housing<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Redress civilian/ military housing stock.<br />
New housing need to (be) affordable % of rented housing stock now? Tidworth.<br />
Housing needs – Ludgershall – more open market; Tidworth – more open market;<br />
Villages – more affordable.<br />
2010 – drive to let Business Park.<br />
Is there dem<strong>and</strong> for 600 new houses, what size unsure but mix sizes.<br />
Threat commuter belt – houses maybe cheaper.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Long term goal could be achieved to have residents working <strong>and</strong> living in<br />
Tidworth.<br />
Time lag from housing to jobs being available.<br />
Post Office duel use – community hub.<br />
Public house.<br />
Business rates - fairness to small v big.<br />
Rates – new economic strategy – supporting services local especially village<br />
shops (hubs).<br />
Economic partnership – no representatives present.. 3 acres meet all three.<br />
Discussion two<br />
Spatial growth between Ludgershall <strong>and</strong> Tidworth – bringing them closer together.<br />
Help promote sustainable community, esp. post <strong>2026</strong>.<br />
Benefit from development:<br />
Recycling facility.<br />
Sell lifestyle – get on yer bike – live <strong>and</strong> work in cycling distance.<br />
More opportunities for walk & cycling, bus services, safety for vulnerable users.<br />
Centre of excellence for sport.<br />
Housing not all ‘eco’ style only a proportion.<br />
Tidworth .. low cost affordable – but balance mix & style.<br />
Ludgershall – larger houses ‘eco’.<br />
Military need share facilities – help cohesion, especially ‘outside wire’.<br />
Economy – lack of light industrial (not available at Business Park) – accessibility,<br />
key issue for old med site.<br />
Netheravon camp likely to stay.<br />
Issue – remarket Tidworth.<br />
Infrastructure – broadb<strong>and</strong> enable/ improve for home working.<br />
Education – Wellington Academy <strong>and</strong> primary school ok.<br />
Childcare facilities – lack of both military & civilian.<br />
N.E. quadrant mixed school proposed on site.<br />
Core strategy – how to deliver a more cohesive community – share facilities, e.g.<br />
new auditorium/ cinema.<br />
Integration has started (mil/ civ).<br />
Tidworth New Community Centre – cater child care?<br />
Unique population – young <strong>and</strong> married, kids, specific needs.<br />
Protect Station Road – expansion last time for Tesco, need to ensure another<br />
store opposite so people walk along Station Road, reinforce commercial area.<br />
Must deliver:<br />
1. additional affordables non-rented H9<br />
2. enhance/ protect/ <strong>and</strong> development of viable retail centres in the community<br />
area<br />
3. marketing, promote <strong>and</strong> develop ‘1community concept’<br />
4. successful mix housing/ employment/ leisure.<br />
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4.101 Warminster community area<br />
4.102 Key issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities<br />
Supporting 1<br />
Supporting with conditions 0<br />
Objecting 1<br />
General comments 6<br />
How much we expect the community area to change by <strong>2026</strong><br />
Supporting 3<br />
Supporting with conditions 6<br />
Objecting 3<br />
General comments 6<br />
Strategic site allocations<br />
Supporting 5<br />
Supporting with conditions 4<br />
Objecting 14<br />
General comments 9<br />
Other comments relating to this community area<br />
Supporting 3<br />
Supporting with conditions 0<br />
Objecting 1<br />
General comments 0<br />
Total number of comments relating to Warminster: 62<br />
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Issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities: comments<br />
The issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities that have been identified in the Warminster<br />
Community Area are a sound analysis of the existing situation.<br />
The Warminster Chamber of Commerce fully endorses the <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>2026</strong><br />
document. It is considered to be consistent with the Warminster Town Plan<br />
currently under preparation which is also supported.<br />
A number of responses noted many of the issues identified for Warminster<br />
including the high dem<strong>and</strong> for employment space, a number of environmental<br />
constraints including the AONBs, high grade agricultural l<strong>and</strong>, a Special<br />
L<strong>and</strong>scape Area, SSSIs <strong>and</strong> also flood plain issues.<br />
The principal issues facing the town are i) economic stagnation; ii) becoming a<br />
dormitory town; <strong>and</strong> iii) a deteriorating urban environment in the town centre.<br />
These require a radical <strong>and</strong> bold re-design of the town’s infrastructure coupled<br />
with increased housing <strong>and</strong> employment allocations.<br />
The reliance on employment provided by the MoD is a key issue for Warminster.<br />
It will be important for the Core Strategy to encourage employment diversification.<br />
The emerging proposals at Bore Hill Farm could play an important role in<br />
diversification into low carbon renewable employment industries.<br />
It is suggested that the 60 % occupancy of the Woodcock Trading Estate is due to<br />
the poor condition of the site. High level of dem<strong>and</strong> for employment space in<br />
Warminster overall.<br />
The relationship with the MoD provides an opportunity to encourage defence<br />
related jobs which support the military presence in the town.<br />
There is considered to be a high level of dem<strong>and</strong> for quality employment space in<br />
Warminster.<br />
Although the MoD <strong>and</strong> Aspire are the largest employers in the town, there are<br />
other significant employers such as Centre Parcs, Lyons Seafood’s <strong>and</strong><br />
Warminster School.<br />
The town should consider what type of employment it is looking for. Much of the<br />
new businesses locating in the town are at the lower skills level. Highly skilled<br />
individuals from the town are generally out-commuting.<br />
Much more employment provision will be needed to ensure that any future<br />
development is balanced.<br />
Heritage related tourism presents a real opportunity for Warminster.<br />
The amount of existing employment l<strong>and</strong> in Warminster of 19.6 hectares is<br />
questioned <strong>and</strong> should be reviewed. Further employment l<strong>and</strong> is needed.<br />
It is disputed that there is a high level of interest for businesses to locate in<br />
Warminster.<br />
The present secondary school in the town lies to the east <strong>and</strong> is close to capacity.<br />
Proposed development lies to the west. Cross town traffic <strong>and</strong> wider infrastructure<br />
provision should be considered.<br />
There is a need to improve walking <strong>and</strong> cycling routes to the town centre, schools<br />
<strong>and</strong> to nearby Westbury. Safe routes for cyclist are needed between local towns.<br />
The statement that Warminster benefits from a number of good transport links<br />
overall, is misleading. There are particularly poor links to the M4.<br />
It is indicated that the good transport links such as the A350, A36 <strong>and</strong> Wessex<br />
main line should be presented as an opportunity.<br />
Unless roads in the town centre are improved, new residents to the west of the<br />
town will shop in Trowbridge <strong>and</strong> Frome, not in Warminster. An inner relief road is<br />
needed to take traffic around the Market Place bottle neck.<br />
Improved bus services, particularly during the evening will be essential.<br />
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It is contested that the concentrations of water phosphate should preclude<br />
development in the town. A pragmatic approach is required to address any issues<br />
surrounding phosphate directly related to new development.<br />
Technical details are supplied by the Environment Agency concerning the issue of<br />
water phosphate concentrations in the River Wyle. The Environment Agency<br />
believes that the proposed level of new housing can proceed without risk of<br />
breaching the existing water discharge consent limits. It is suggested that a<br />
Phosphate Management Strategy might be appropriate as there are many other<br />
sources of phosphate such as agriculture in addition to sewage treatment. It is<br />
hoped that the policy proposed for the South <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy (Core Policy<br />
20) will be carried forward into the <strong>Wiltshire</strong> Core Strategy.<br />
The Environment Agency suggests that the current flood zones extend into the<br />
areas proposed for town centre regeneration. A Level 2 Strategic Flood Risk<br />
Assessment may therefore be needed before development can occur. The SFRA<br />
should identify a Flood Risk Management Strategy (FRMS) to alleviate flood<br />
hazard for this area.<br />
It is suggested that new development in Warminster will provide an opportunity to<br />
contribute to new community, leisure <strong>and</strong> social infrastructure. This could include<br />
a new fire <strong>and</strong> ambulance station which is currently in need of improvement.<br />
It is considered that there is no funding available to improve the current library<br />
building. It is suggested that Section 106 agreements could be used to deliver<br />
necessary infrastructure improvements. It is suggested that in the past there has<br />
been ineffective implementation of planning policy in the town.<br />
Unless a planned integrated military <strong>and</strong> civilian leisure facility is built on civilian<br />
property there will be security restrictions on its use.<br />
The need to exp<strong>and</strong> gym facilities in the town is questioned. There are five private<br />
gyms <strong>and</strong> a district leisure centre.<br />
Concern is expressed that the infrastructure <strong>and</strong> social issues arising from 1800<br />
new homes in an arterial position have not been addressed.<br />
The level of new housing proposed will require new drainage <strong>and</strong> sewage<br />
systems, new roads, <strong>and</strong> many new services.<br />
Agents acting on behalf of Morrison Supermarkets Plc, who have a store located<br />
in Warminster, suggest that the Core Strategy should confirm a retail hierarchy. A<br />
clear statement on the need for retail development over the plan period is<br />
required based on the findings of an up to date retail study.<br />
Improved sewage treatment is urgently required <strong>and</strong> main sewers should be<br />
provided in Sutton Veny.<br />
A full time police station is needed.<br />
There is a lack of facilities for young people <strong>and</strong> these should be improved.<br />
More town centre parking will be needed if house numbers increase.<br />
It is suggested that the level of housing in Warminster in recent years has been<br />
low <strong>and</strong> that housing needs <strong>and</strong> dem<strong>and</strong>s in the town have not been met.<br />
It is suggested that there is a shortfall in the planned housing provision in the town<br />
<strong>and</strong> that the need for a further 247 houses should be added to the list of issues<br />
facing the town.<br />
It is suggested that evidence demonstrates that mixing social <strong>and</strong> private housing<br />
does not work.<br />
It is suggested that another 900 homes will make a huge difference to the balance<br />
of the town.<br />
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4.103 Change <strong>and</strong> delivery: comments<br />
The comments can be summarised as follows:<br />
The section ‘How we expect Warminster to change by <strong>2026</strong>’ refers to a mediumterm<br />
view. There is no agreed long-term overview for Warminster. A long term<br />
spatial vision is needed. Medium term strategic site allocations should be taken<br />
forward in the context of coherent long term planning. A paper outlining how<br />
Warminster performs in relation to balance is supplied.<br />
Additional employment is encouraged particularly as part of a comprehensive<br />
urban extension.<br />
It is suggested that due to the incline in the high street, markets would be better<br />
located more centrally, perhaps in the vicinity of the Information Centre.<br />
Support is provided for the principle of town centre regeneration.<br />
It is suggested that Crusader Business Park is substantially developed <strong>and</strong> so<br />
further employment opportunities will be required to ensure that the proposed<br />
housing development is balanced.<br />
The ongoing preparation of the Town Plan is noted. It should be made clear the<br />
relationship between the Core Strategy <strong>and</strong> the Town Plan. Will the Town Plan be<br />
a formal LDF document? If the Town Plan includes proposals to strengthen the<br />
retail core this may be contested. However, this should be consistent with any<br />
retail policies in the Core Strategy <strong>and</strong> with national policy, in particular PPS 4.<br />
Warminster is located within close proximity to the A36 trunk road. The<br />
opportunity of increased employment provision within the town as a means of<br />
improving the self-containment <strong>and</strong> reducing out-commuting is acknowledged.<br />
Although the suggestion that the existing County Wildlife Site (CWS) can be<br />
protected through provision of additional green space, habitat creation <strong>and</strong> areas<br />
of flood protection is noted, similar comments should also have been made for<br />
other CWSs <strong>and</strong> SSSIs across <strong>Wiltshire</strong>. A county wide policy to this effect would<br />
be expected.<br />
Sections of the town centre identified for regeneration are floodplain. Benefit to<br />
the community should be sought through off site flood protection <strong>and</strong> mitigation.<br />
Will allocating additional housing in the town will help to deliver additional<br />
infrastructure. There is no evidence of public funding increasing to support<br />
infrastructure delivery.<br />
4.104 Strategic site options<br />
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The need for a high quality walking <strong>and</strong> cycling network are raised within any new<br />
development in the town. Measures should include safe links to the town centre<br />
<strong>and</strong> excellent provision of cycle parking <strong>and</strong> interventions to reduce car use.<br />
Infrastructure improvements will be needed as part of any new development.<br />
It is suggested that additional employment will be required in the town to ensure<br />
that employment is more balanced with housing <strong>and</strong> to help meet strategic<br />
objective 7.<br />
An alternative development site to the east of Warminster is identified.<br />
A number of other small alternative development sites are also identified.<br />
It is suggested that large scale development in Warminster is regretful. However,<br />
the identified preferred site is probably the best option. Public funding is however<br />
required to ensure adequate infrastructure is developed alongside any new<br />
housing.<br />
It is recognised that volume house building can only be located on the west <strong>and</strong><br />
north-west fringe of the town. However, smaller sites to the east should also be<br />
considered.<br />
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It is suggested that the Bath Road area is an excellent location for additional<br />
employment provision being located close to an existing employment site with<br />
good public transport connectivity <strong>and</strong> the A36 Trunk Road.<br />
A number of comments have been received which support the proposed<br />
development in Warminster.<br />
It is suggested that a mixed-use urban extension can provide improved<br />
connectivity <strong>and</strong> infrastructure to relieve pressure on West Street <strong>and</strong> be sensitive<br />
to l<strong>and</strong>scape considerations.<br />
The proximity of Crusader Park is noted <strong>and</strong> hence the suitability of the preferred<br />
option for expansion of employment l<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Details are provided from developers on how the proposed development sites<br />
could be master planned. Considerable detail is provided supporting the proposed<br />
site <strong>and</strong> outlining the advantages of this option.<br />
Building 900 houses on the outer fringes of Warminster is considered to be<br />
ridiculous. There are no supporting services such as doctors, schools, dental<br />
surgeries or supermarkets. The road system is considered inadequate. Local<br />
residents have been told in the past that infill to the bypass would be strongly<br />
rejected.<br />
It is suggested that any increase in development to the north-west of Warminster<br />
will increase traffic flow on Vicarage Street <strong>and</strong> West Street. Improving road links<br />
to the town centre will be necessary.<br />
A number of responses suggest that 100 homes will be built adjacent to<br />
Smallbrook Meadows. This is a very valuable open space in the town <strong>and</strong><br />
important area to wildlife. Several responses object to such a proposal. It should<br />
however be noted that this site is not part of the identified preferred option.<br />
It is suggested that an additional 1000 houses in Warminster is bad news.<br />
Warminster is a small market town with exceptional surrounding countryside. The<br />
town should grow organically. Large allocations of housing will not allow growth to<br />
be sympathetic for residential <strong>and</strong> commercial facilities to grow together.<br />
The fact that much of the preferred site is high quality agricultural l<strong>and</strong> is raised.<br />
It is suggested that any development around Warminster will negatively affect the<br />
AONB <strong>and</strong> that further evidence is needed before a preferred site can be<br />
identified.<br />
An issue relating to water phosphate concentrations is identified which affects the<br />
River Avon SAC. This will need to be tackled through the HRA process if any<br />
development is to proceed.<br />
The Environment Agency highlight that some sites within the area identified for<br />
town centre regeneration are within the floodplain <strong>and</strong> that a Strategic Flood Risk<br />
will be required if such sites are put forward for development.<br />
A large part of Warminster overlies the Inner Groundwater Source Protection<br />
Zone (SPZ1). A hydro-geological assessment will be required. The delivery of any<br />
mitigation measures will need to be identified in the Core Strategy.<br />
The Environment Agency are concerned that much of the identified preferred site<br />
is high quality agricultural l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> that a further appraisal of alternative sites<br />
should be made.<br />
The Environment Agency raise concern on the impact of additional housing on the<br />
strategic road network <strong>and</strong> have requested additional details of site scale, access<br />
<strong>and</strong> how they will be linked with the rest of Warminster. Particular concern is<br />
raised about the possibility that the preferred site will be linked directly to the A36.<br />
It is suggested that the scale of development envisaged will have a harmful effect<br />
on the character <strong>and</strong> appearance of the area.<br />
The development of a single urban extension would have a disproportionate<br />
impact on the form of the settlement. It is suggested that identifying more than<br />
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one urban extension would be more deliverable. Details are provided for an<br />
alternative development site located to the east of the town.<br />
4.105 Settlement hierarchy: comments<br />
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The settlement hierarchy, which follows the settlement classification in the<br />
emerging RSS, is supported. The identification of Warminster as Category B in<br />
the settlement hierarchy is considered to be appropriate given its size, service<br />
centre function <strong>and</strong> range of facilities.<br />
The identification of Warminster as a principal location of increasing levels of<br />
housing, employment, retail <strong>and</strong> service provision is supported. Warminster is one<br />
of the largest settlements in the county <strong>and</strong> is well-placed to provide strategic<br />
scale development in a sustainable manner.<br />
The proposed distribution of new housing <strong>and</strong> employment development to<br />
Warminster is supported.<br />
It is suggested that market town status should remain for Warminster. The town<br />
would not like to lose this status.<br />
It is suggested that insufficient housing has been allocated in Warminster to meet<br />
the needs identified in the RSS. It is suggested that the allocation should rise to<br />
1430 from 900.<br />
It is suggested that the distribution of housing <strong>and</strong> employment to Warminster<br />
could be increased from that proposed, especially given that the town has been<br />
identified as one of seven markets towns in <strong>Wiltshire</strong> suitable for strategic<br />
employment growth. Development in the surrounding villages is supported in<br />
addition to the main town of Warminster.<br />
Other smaller settlements within the Warminster Community Area are considered<br />
suitable for some additional growth. These include Chapmanslade which is well<br />
placed between Westbury, Frome <strong>and</strong> Warminster with good bus links to all three<br />
of these towns.<br />
The village of Sutton Veny should be added to Codford <strong>and</strong> Heytesbury allowing<br />
limited infill development to serve local need.<br />
Sutton Veny has an identified housing need, as evidenced by a survey completed<br />
in the last three years. Few houses have been built <strong>and</strong> many sites are available<br />
which would not encroach on the village policy limit. The village has a popular<br />
school, pub <strong>and</strong> two trading estates <strong>and</strong> a nursing home. The village does not<br />
lack employment opportunities <strong>and</strong> services to make development sustainable.<br />
4.106 Housing distribution: comments<br />
The comments can be summarised as follows:<br />
The proposed distribution of new housing <strong>and</strong> employment development to<br />
Warminster is supported.<br />
It is suggested that insufficient housing has been allocated in Warminster to meet<br />
the needs identified in the RSS. It is suggested that the allocation should rise to<br />
1430 from 900.<br />
It is suggested that the distribution of housing <strong>and</strong> employment to Warminster<br />
could be increased from that proposed, especially given that the town has been<br />
identified as one of seven markets towns in <strong>Wiltshire</strong> suitable for strategic<br />
employment growth. Development in the surrounding villages is supported in<br />
addition to the main town of Warminster.<br />
The proposed level of growth is supported compared to previous low levels.<br />
The requirement for 1800 dwellings for the community area is supported.<br />
It is suggested that more than 1800 dwellings are required in the community area<br />
during the plan period.<br />
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The plan needs to explain how the figure of 1800 new houses was reached <strong>and</strong><br />
where these people will come from to gain local support.<br />
It is agreed that Warminster has seen lower levels of growth than other towns in<br />
West <strong>Wiltshire</strong>.<br />
Furthermore, that higher levels of growth would help facilitate the improvement of<br />
services <strong>and</strong> facilities provision in the town along with strengthening the vitality of<br />
the town centre.<br />
It is suggested that higher levels of growth will be needed across the whole<br />
community area <strong>and</strong> not just within the Town of Warminster.<br />
4.107 Warminster community area: respondents<br />
Organisations<br />
Barters Farm Nurseries Ltd<br />
Eton College<br />
Gleeson Developments Ltd<br />
Hannick Homes<br />
J & P Hussey & Mrs S Cooper<br />
Martin Malaby Ltd<br />
Persimmon Homes<br />
Sustrans<br />
Warminster Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
WM Morrisons Plc<br />
Environment Agency<br />
G L Hearn Planning<br />
Greatworth Properties Ltd<br />
Highways Agency<br />
Lioncourt Homes<br />
Melksham Without Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Stockl<strong>and</strong> UK<br />
Warminster Civic Trust<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Wildlife Trust<br />
Individuals<br />
C Godwin Michael Mounde N P Parker<br />
Nicola Harris Peter Blackburn Philip Clark<br />
Valerie King<br />
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4.108 Warminster community area: notes from exhibitions <strong>and</strong> events<br />
Warminster exhibition comments<br />
Poster eleven - The preferred option<br />
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“Development to the west is fine if Victoria Road traffic flow can be improved. It is<br />
a nightmare already & this aspect must be considered before housing is permitted<br />
that end of town.”<br />
“There is a need for starter homes for young people.”<br />
“More houses bring more people, which can only be good for local businesses.”<br />
“Huge access problems to be resolved with this option. West Street/ Vicarage<br />
Road are a nightmare now!”<br />
“How do you propose access to the Smallbrook development? It is right on single<br />
lane around the site <strong>and</strong> adjacent to the nature reserve.”<br />
Warminster is dead, nothing to do. We want a cinema, more quality shops, M&S<br />
etc. What happened to Waitrose?”<br />
“Every extra dwelling produces at least 1 extra road vehicle. Parking in town can<br />
be difficult. 100s of extra homes is likely to cause chaos. On your head be it!!”<br />
“Can Warminster have a town hall around the park? Or common? Or wild life site?<br />
“Warminster seems to be the only town with no development. I think this is long<br />
overdue.”<br />
“More houses means less ground to soak up water resulting in more floods. More<br />
housing means more pressures on services such as fire brigades (who are short<br />
of money <strong>and</strong> staff) I don’t think Warminster can cope!!!”<br />
Poster twelve - Why is transport important?<br />
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“No bus runs from Salisbury to Warminster after 6pm”.<br />
“If Stockl<strong>and</strong> develop the central car park, the bus/ coach terminus/ exchange part<br />
will be deleted. There seems to be no plan to relocate it.”<br />
“Carrots not sticks to reduce use of cars.”<br />
“Confusion about parking restrictions in different car parks. Not enough parking in<br />
central areas.”<br />
“How will Highways Agency/ Police cope with major incident(s) on the A36? Town<br />
centre already too narrow.”<br />
Poster thirteen - What are the key transport challenges in <strong>Wiltshire</strong>?<br />
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“Promote the pedestrians!! Zebra crossings – promote walking!!! Cycle paths<br />
around Warminster.”<br />
Transport poster - Transport implications of proposed strategy <strong>and</strong><br />
development growth<br />
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“Victoria Road area is a nightmare for traffic now. I don’t think sending more this<br />
way is a good idea, it needs to go out by the bypass.<br />
Improve commercial shopping facilities to encourage local people to use local<br />
shops. Lack of local facilities, e.g. job centres, hospitals.<br />
Rat run in Upper Marsh RD, v. busy esp. when town was one-way during road<br />
works in town. 30mph signs in Lower Marsh Rd – I tried several years ago to get<br />
30mph signs in Upper Marsh RD – no luck.<br />
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Poster seven - What do we already know about Warminster<br />
community area?<br />
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Many people would vote against more town centre ‘development/ enhancement’<br />
given the opportunity.<br />
Parking in the town is in danger of being made a whole lot worse if <strong>Wiltshire</strong><br />
<strong>Council</strong> allow Stockl<strong>and</strong> to “hijack” the town car park for the supermarket!<br />
Lack of facilities for all age groups; not just confined to the young.<br />
Poster nine - What are the significant sustainability issues for<br />
Warminster?<br />
SA objective 9<br />
Important too<br />
SA objective 13<br />
Access is being made more difficult, not easier, on facilities meaning increased<br />
travel, e.g. health facilities, job centres, police stations<br />
SA objective 14<br />
This is the most important<br />
SA objective 17<br />
Do you mean ‘sites’ for employment<br />
Poster four - How do we deliver the vision for <strong>Wiltshire</strong>?<br />
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Climate change is happening <strong>and</strong> will happen. Plan for these scenarios of change<br />
(re: objective 6 ‘ safe accessible places.’) this appears to be getting worse already<br />
as the services provided (e.g. health, police station, job centres) have all been<br />
reduced recently. People already travel further to access them than 5 years ago.<br />
Re: keeping people in the county for work (to reduce travel impacts) – perhaps<br />
each town could identify/ establish a local ‘hub’ for people who normally work out<br />
of the county, but who could do their work at the ‘hub’, i.e. e-work. The region’s<br />
larger employers could be surveyed to enquire/ gain their buy-in for flexibly<br />
working employees <strong>and</strong> survey people regularly about where they work.<br />
Poster three - How do you think <strong>Wiltshire</strong> should look in <strong>2026</strong>?<br />
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We need more houses in the town to support the town facilities.<br />
Poster five - Where are the new homes being proposed?<br />
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We could start by learning to spell <strong>and</strong> checking our work!<br />
Local employment is necessary. The level of development for Warminster is<br />
ridiculous. Many residents already have to travel out of town to their work.<br />
Local <strong>and</strong> county demographic info would be useful to see. How many single<br />
households/ families/ families/older households/ young people – their work<br />
potential to housing.<br />
Where is Salisbury? The Salisbury (south <strong>Wiltshire</strong>) numbers are part of <strong>Wiltshire</strong><br />
too?<br />
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Warminster workshop<br />
The following relates a discussion on objectives from the Warminster workshop.<br />
Attendees were asked to place stickers against their top three objectives.<br />
Objectives<br />
Group<br />
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Group<br />
2<br />
Total<br />
1. To address for climate change 0 0 0<br />
2. To provide for long term economic growth 4 4 8<br />
3. To meet <strong>Wiltshire</strong>’s housing needs 1 5 6<br />
4. To secure appropriate infrastructure <strong>and</strong> services 3 1 4<br />
5. To enhance the vitality <strong>and</strong> viability of town centres 6 5 11<br />
6. To encourage safe accessible places 0 0 0<br />
7. To promote sustainable forms of transport 0 2 2<br />
8. To protect <strong>and</strong> enhance the natural environment 7 1 8<br />
9. To safeguard <strong>and</strong> promote a high quality environment 3 0 3<br />
10. To minimise the risk of flooding 3 0 3<br />
Strategic Objectives<br />
The top three objectives identified by participants were:<br />
economy<br />
housing<br />
town centre<br />
The groups discussed the objectives <strong>and</strong> some of the general issues raised<br />
included:<br />
General<br />
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We want to develop a town where people want to come to live <strong>and</strong> work/ if we do<br />
nothing the town will decline/ therefore we have to accept that there will be a need<br />
for some growth. We need to consider where / what infrastructure is needed etc.<br />
I have come to the conclusion that the planning system, both nationally <strong>and</strong><br />
locally, is completely inept <strong>and</strong> is not fit for purpose. We should choose objectives<br />
which are as operational as possible. For example, if our objective is to build 50<br />
houses, this can be delivered by planning. If the objective is to improve the town,<br />
this cannot be done by planning.<br />
What about east of Warminster? Imbalance between west <strong>and</strong> east.<br />
Why include Grade 2 agricultural l<strong>and</strong>? This is not a constraint! Why is some of<br />
the built up area shown as agricultural l<strong>and</strong>?<br />
Important character of the town is not changed. Warminster is a delightful place/<br />
don’t want to destroy character. Sustainable development yes/ but not at any cost.<br />
We need to preserve the character of the town centre.<br />
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Housing<br />
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Warminster has not had any large housing developments recently but new<br />
housing needs appropriate transport infrastructure.<br />
Housing growth will promote a viable economy <strong>and</strong> town centre.<br />
Preferred housing is on good agricultural l<strong>and</strong> which will be lost.<br />
Should the bypass be the natural boundary for development?<br />
Need the right sites for housing development to assess if it is viable to develop it.<br />
Need a new school – Kingsdown is the wrong side for the new development; may<br />
need two sites. Lower <strong>and</strong> upper schools to spread the educational needs.<br />
Affordable housing is needed in villages – not just Codford <strong>and</strong> Heytesbury – this<br />
would provide valuable homes <strong>and</strong> help support schools.<br />
Brownfield site development should be the priority.<br />
Why is there a fixation with building more houses? Has the Government got it<br />
wrong (answer = yes!). We don’t want any more houses.<br />
Is meeting housing need the priority for Warminster?<br />
44,000 new houses = 100,000 people/ this is a 25 % increase in population.<br />
However, households are getting smaller <strong>and</strong> therefore need more houses/ so<br />
population will not rise as much.<br />
Some doubt on revised housing numbers (in the RSS) these are all up in the air.<br />
The danger of a large urban extension is that we get another Westbury Lee. If this<br />
functions as a village/ sustainable urban extension/ then could be successful.<br />
We need infrastructure before housing.<br />
Town centre<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A study has been commissioned to identify what needs to happen to improve the<br />
vitality <strong>and</strong> competiveness.<br />
Warminster cannot attract the diversity of facilities that Trowbridge can. As such,<br />
better transport links are needed to get people to/ from Trowbridge.<br />
A new town plan is being developed for Warminster – need new food store, reorganisation<br />
of main car park but no loss of parking is desirable.<br />
Car parking should be for shoppers/ visitors rather than commuters – to promote<br />
the economy.<br />
Need short stay parking.<br />
Lack of modern office development in the town centre, only edge-of-town options.<br />
The number 1 priority should be improving the vitality of the town centre.<br />
Need local centre/ or need to enhance town centre? An additional 900 houses is a<br />
real problem. We need to address infrastructure needs.<br />
If we want to build town centre vitality, then the town centre will have to grow. The<br />
population of Warminster is now 23,000, has grown <strong>and</strong> will need to continue to<br />
grow. No issue with this need for further growth.<br />
Town plan<br />
Isn’t this why we are preparing a town plan? To help guide future development.<br />
Warminster Town Plan will be published in June 2010.<br />
Unfortunately this is the experience of hope over reality.<br />
But, this has been tried across the Country; the ability to guide development is<br />
negligible.<br />
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Economic growth<br />
No allocation of future business/ employment sites.<br />
Need to improve access to Furnax Lane sites.<br />
Roads to/ in Woodcock Lane business park are sub-st<strong>and</strong>ard <strong>and</strong> new major work<br />
– vehicles can’t get in leading to vacant premises.<br />
What other sites are there – beyond Crusader Park? MoD site (in grey on maps)<br />
access via Boreham Road (deliverable in plan period?).<br />
If we assume 900 houses <strong>and</strong> half are pensioners/ then we need at least 800 new<br />
jobs. Crusader Park is not big enough. Will be a dormitory = out commuting.<br />
Reality of new document/ all employment to Westbury/ therefore why houses to<br />
Warminster?<br />
Do we assume that everybody in <strong>Wiltshire</strong> will want to live <strong>and</strong> work in the same<br />
town?<br />
Crusader Park does not have 7 ha available for development/ the Workspace<br />
Strategy is wrong. Therefore we need more employment l<strong>and</strong>.<br />
However, employment <strong>and</strong> infrastructure is needed before the housing.<br />
One of the aims is to reduce out commuting. Therefore employment should be as<br />
close to where people live as possible. 900 additional houses will worsen the<br />
employment position not improve it (unless we get the balance between housing<br />
<strong>and</strong> employment right).<br />
Any new employment should be suitable / need to attract relevant employers.<br />
In the past Westbury has had larger areas of employment l<strong>and</strong> allocated/ what<br />
they end up with is large areas of parked cars. It is difficult to attract specific types<br />
of employment.<br />
Education<br />
<br />
<br />
The secondary school is to the east of the town. The development is proposed to<br />
the west of the town. How do we deal with this imbalance?<br />
An additional 900 houses = 1 primary school <strong>and</strong> maybe a secondary school?<br />
The existing secondary school is too big (biggest in <strong>Wiltshire</strong>). This is a real issue<br />
<strong>and</strong> we need a new secondary school.<br />
Transport<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
For example, there is need for a new road across the preferred option.<br />
Cannot allow more development to the west of Warminster as will increase<br />
problems on existing roads.<br />
Create better balance between jobs/ houses in the town <strong>and</strong> keep vibrant town<br />
centre to reduce the need to travel.<br />
Town centre scheme has/ will promote the town centre vitality.<br />
Town centre not great for emergency service access/ through movement.<br />
Should the ambulance station be re-located <strong>and</strong> to where? Under-performing<br />
ambulance service in <strong>Wiltshire</strong>.<br />
School run causes congestion at peak times.<br />
Issues not identified – cars coming from Station Road slow traffic on High Street<br />
in the evening rush hour.<br />
More school buses required (compulsory?).<br />
Encourage more walking <strong>and</strong> cycling – new cycle routes to new development.<br />
Need access improvements to/ from villages to town centres.<br />
Need more wiggly buses.<br />
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Flooding<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Flooding is low priority <strong>and</strong> has been overturned at the planning appeal stage.<br />
Flooding should be number 1 issue (not climate change).<br />
Flooding can be solved through engineering.<br />
Flooding is a big issue (comment from Fire Service). One of the main things we<br />
do is to deal with flooding.<br />
Flooding = bad design/ bad maintenance.<br />
In planning terms there is guidance to cope with flooding/ the implication from our<br />
discussion is that this guidance is inadequate.<br />
Everything we do should take into consideration the consequences of flooding.<br />
But, this should not be the number 1 priority.<br />
Community facilities<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Need more facilities for young people in the town – provided for by development<br />
(although current facilities aren’t bad).<br />
Drive-in cinema.<br />
Opportunity for shared facilities with military – leisure/ sport etc. However, there is<br />
no evidence that there is a lack of sports facilities (possible perception of officials).<br />
Social capital – can the community run their own community facilities.<br />
Celebrate what is unique in Warminster – small arms museum with very limited<br />
public access (by appointment).<br />
A field studies centre could be established in Warminster Wylye/ Salisbury plain/<br />
chalk downl<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Tourism<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Competitively priced/ middle priced accommodation is needed.<br />
Thurlestove House <strong>and</strong> golf course could be developed as a draw.<br />
Need something to get people to visit when travelling between Bath <strong>and</strong><br />
Salisbury.<br />
Crop circles are a big financial benefit.<br />
The Maltings is interesting <strong>and</strong> could be developed as an attraction possibly.<br />
Villages<br />
<br />
<br />
What about from the village perspective? The exercise is all about the town of<br />
Warminster. What about villages? Apparently there will be a new consultation on<br />
Village Policy Limits. Rural Areas don’t want development (actually some of them<br />
do <strong>and</strong> some don’t). How tackle the overall housing numbers if will look at the<br />
village element later on?<br />
Some villages are in danger of dying/ too much high quality accommodation in<br />
villages/ not enough affordable housing.<br />
<strong>Consultation</strong> document<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The document is very wordy.<br />
Why has the area marked in red been drawn the way it has? Why up to ‘x’<br />
boundary/ what is the purpose of the red area?<br />
Some discussion about site at Folly Lane. Why not included as preferred?<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The boundaries of the site are “barmy”. We will have to allocate something more<br />
sensible. We cannot leave out a single house because it belongs to an individual<br />
who does not want to sell it.<br />
Is it the purpose of this consultation to look at apportionment between the market<br />
towns? Has this been consulted on yet?<br />
RSS sets out need for 6300 new dwellings in West Wilts area not in Trowbridge.<br />
Has this been consulted on?<br />
The way the consultation is currently set up means that each town says what they<br />
think. What mechanisms are there for getting discussion between individuals from<br />
different towns? What about the issues that relate to both Westbury <strong>and</strong><br />
Warminster?<br />
Future growth of Warminster<br />
Discussion points <strong>and</strong> comments included:<br />
Is the site larger than is needed? 50 % will be needed for roads/ open space/<br />
infrastructure etc.<br />
Some discussion about Westbury Lee. Problems with how much l<strong>and</strong> was<br />
allocated/ difference between what was promised <strong>and</strong> what was delivered. The<br />
preferred option for Warminster will be the Westbury Lee for Warminster. This<br />
needs to be well designed <strong>and</strong> controlled. Experience elsewhere is that this is<br />
difficult.<br />
Is 1800 of the 6300 for West Wilts (not Trowbridge) correct? This is the first basic<br />
decision to take.<br />
If this figure is correct where should the additional houses go? And should it be in<br />
one location or spread about?<br />
The whole direction/ justification within <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>2026</strong> for the housing allocation in<br />
Warminster is to deliver new infrastructure! Can’t see any other purpose!<br />
In terms of protecting the character of Warminster; would a single urban extension<br />
be better or worse than lots of small sites?<br />
In principle, if go with the urban extension option, we suspect that the preferred<br />
option is probably the best location.<br />
Work done by the Town <strong>Council</strong> in the past concluded that Warminster needs<br />
approx 1000 houses over the next 10 years/ this was joint work with the<br />
Warminster Chamber of Commerce. This was for ten years not to <strong>2026</strong> so<br />
therefore agree with the number. Also agree with the site proposed.<br />
Participants<br />
Chris March (Warminster Town <strong>Council</strong>)<br />
Christopher Newbury (<strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong>)<br />
Cllr F. Morl<strong>and</strong><br />
Len Turner (North <strong>and</strong> Mid-<strong>Wiltshire</strong><br />
Economic Partnership)<br />
Mike Carroll (Sutton Veny Parish <strong>Council</strong>)<br />
Peter Blackburn (Warminster Chamber of<br />
Commerce)<br />
Sue Frazer (Warminster Town <strong>Council</strong>/<br />
Deputy Mayor)<br />
Chris Montagu (Warminster Civic<br />
Trust)<br />
Cllr Andrew Davis (Community Area<br />
Chairman)<br />
Darren Masini (Westlea Fire Station)<br />
Michael Mounde<br />
Peter A.T. Crane (West Wilts CPRE<br />
Group)<br />
Richard Church<br />
Tony Nicklin (Warminster Town<br />
<strong>Council</strong>/ Mayor)<br />
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4.109 Westbury community area<br />
4.110 Headline statistics<br />
Key issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities<br />
Supporting 1<br />
Supporting with Conditions 3<br />
Objecting 4<br />
General Comments 1<br />
How much we expect the community area to change by <strong>2026</strong><br />
Supporting 0<br />
Supporting with conditions 3<br />
Objecting 0<br />
General comments 1<br />
Strategic site allocations<br />
Supporting 1<br />
Supporting with conditions 5<br />
Objecting 6<br />
General comments 4<br />
Other comments relating to this community area<br />
Supporting 2<br />
Supporting with conditions 8<br />
Objecting 11<br />
General comments 5<br />
Total number of comments relating to Westbury: 55<br />
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Issues <strong>and</strong> opportunities: comments<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Poor walking <strong>and</strong> cycling links between Westbury <strong>and</strong> nearby Warminster or<br />
Trowbridge (Sustrans feasibility study highlighted severance caused by B3098),<br />
<strong>and</strong> within the town from the town centre to the schools.<br />
Weight restriction on Station Road bridge felt to contribute towards poor access to<br />
West Wilts Trading Estate for heavy goods vehicles <strong>and</strong>, also, prevents buses<br />
from coming over the bridge.<br />
Particular agreement with the need for a rail crossing if any increase in<br />
employment is to happen.<br />
Concern over access to Westbury Railway Station.<br />
It is suggested that there is an opportunity to focus development around the<br />
railway station, with its two rail links <strong>and</strong> the possibility of revisiting the bypass<br />
issue making this a good option.<br />
Some support for a western route for a Westbury bypass, with some objections to<br />
development along proposed (eastern) bypass route.<br />
Suggestion of an access road into the West Wilts Trading Estate from the A36,<br />
following the railway line <strong>and</strong> entering the estate from the west.<br />
Concern over subsidies to bus companies to run near empty buses (possibly old<br />
<strong>and</strong> environmentally unfriendly <strong>and</strong> contributing towards congestion).<br />
There is a need for a pedestrian link between Morrisons car park <strong>and</strong> the high<br />
street.<br />
Any improvements to the road network should have clearly demonstrable<br />
sustainability benefits <strong>and</strong> not increase road traffic.<br />
Concern over whether relocation of Matravers school to an edge of town site is<br />
the best option (see comments below on strategic site options for further<br />
discussion on this issue).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Need to emphasis interdependency with Trowbridge, considering facilities,<br />
services <strong>and</strong> employment.<br />
L<strong>and</strong>scape constraints to development on the south east of the town.<br />
Greater focus on rural issues, particularly the need of the villages to support small<br />
businesses, local facilities <strong>and</strong> services, <strong>and</strong> dem<strong>and</strong> for housing among young<br />
people, who would prefer to stay in the village.<br />
Concern over number of vacant units at the West Wilts Trading Estate.<br />
Questions raised over whether library really is ‘not fit for purpose’ <strong>and</strong> whether<br />
there really are limited brownfield sites in the town <strong>and</strong>, thus, a need for green<br />
field development.<br />
There is an opportunity to re-use the LaFarge cement works site, possibly as a<br />
strategic employment site, or for burning waste <strong>and</strong> using the heat produced for<br />
electricity.<br />
Woodl<strong>and</strong> Trust owns 18 woods in <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>and</strong> there is an opportunity for these<br />
to form key elements of a green infrastructure strategy, as linkages.<br />
Westbury community area falls within the statutory height safeguarding zone<br />
surrounding Keevil Airfield.<br />
4.111 Change <strong>and</strong> delivery: comments<br />
<br />
To achieve greater self-containment, the core strategy should focus on improving<br />
services <strong>and</strong> facilities within the town, improve public transport links to<br />
surrounding towns <strong>and</strong> villages <strong>and</strong> support more homes, services <strong>and</strong> jobs in<br />
smaller villages (at appropriate scale <strong>and</strong> to help them thrive <strong>and</strong> become more<br />
self-sufficient).<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
To minimise traffic growth in the town, the core strategy should focus on<br />
improving walking <strong>and</strong> cycling links both within the town, between key facilities,<br />
<strong>and</strong> with nearby Warminster <strong>and</strong> Trowbridge.<br />
To achieve greater public transport integration <strong>and</strong> improve services, Westbury<br />
Railway Station should be regarded by the core strategy as a strategically<br />
important regional station, for which it should propose better access for buses,<br />
improved waiting areas for buses <strong>and</strong> taxis outside the station, <strong>and</strong> improved rail<br />
services (more frequent <strong>and</strong> more carriages) to Melksham, Swindon, Bath, Bristol<br />
<strong>and</strong> other west <strong>Wiltshire</strong> towns.<br />
To rationalise provision of community facilities, the core strategy should<br />
encourage multi-service centres, including libraries.<br />
The core strategy should address other primary healthcare issues, such as<br />
community care for an ageing population <strong>and</strong> obstetric services for an increasing<br />
childbearing population.<br />
4.112 Strategic site options: comments<br />
Preferred housing option<br />
<br />
<br />
Many concerns over preferred option, involving the relocation of Matravers<br />
school:<br />
- Less accessible by foot / cycling; existing site more so for children /<br />
sustainable travel.<br />
- New site poorly located for residents on eastern side of town.<br />
- New school on this site intrusive to nearby properties; disturbance / traffic.<br />
- Increase no. of car journeys <strong>and</strong> less public transport infrastructure than<br />
current location.<br />
- Children unable to use town centre shops on way to school.<br />
- Doubt that 300 extra houses will improve the town centre; proposed housing<br />
only.<br />
- Available in mid to long term.<br />
- Uncertainty over viability of this option.<br />
- Call for more detail on Matravers relocation in the plan – not properly thought<br />
through.<br />
- What will be impact on travel figures when school moves to outer town<br />
location?<br />
- Further development on l<strong>and</strong> at Penleigh may lead to flooding problems.<br />
- Opposition to housing on current school site <strong>and</strong> Redl<strong>and</strong>s Lane Playing<br />
Field.<br />
- Suggestion that the school remain on existing site <strong>and</strong> is exp<strong>and</strong>ed to include<br />
Woodl<strong>and</strong>.<br />
- Trading Estate, which would give better vehicle access, allow the school to<br />
rebuild in Stages <strong>and</strong> might provide enough l<strong>and</strong> for new primary care<br />
facilities.<br />
Some support for preferred option, <strong>and</strong> both Highways Agency <strong>and</strong> Environment<br />
Agency (provided no development in Flood Zone 1; area of search for new school<br />
partially within FZ2 <strong>and</strong> 3) have no objection in principle.<br />
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Alternative/ additional housing options<br />
<br />
<br />
The following sites were put forth again as alternative/ additional options to deliver<br />
the housing requirements for Westbury, having already been identified in the<br />
SHLAA:<br />
- L<strong>and</strong> at Fairdown Avenue<br />
- L<strong>and</strong> to the north of the Mead<br />
- L<strong>and</strong> north of Bitham Park<br />
- L<strong>and</strong> at Gas House Farm<br />
- L<strong>and</strong> at Slag Lane<br />
- L<strong>and</strong> at Wellhead Farm<br />
- L<strong>and</strong> south of Leighton Park* (is this the same site referred to as ‘L<strong>and</strong> rear of<br />
Leighton<br />
- Recreation Centre’ in the SHLAA?)<br />
Other suggestions, that may or may have been considered before in some way or<br />
another:<br />
- Area H14 plus E1C (employment l<strong>and</strong>) plus corridor plus l<strong>and</strong>scaping = 12+<br />
hectares, enough for 480 new homes (includes Local Plan allocations).<br />
- L<strong>and</strong> at Black Horse Lane, Westbury Leigh, c.2.5 acres.<br />
Preferred employment option<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Supported, but unambitious, given Westbury’s potential based upon its location.<br />
How dependent is meeting employment l<strong>and</strong> requirements on this area <strong>and</strong> is<br />
existing employment l<strong>and</strong> is being safeguarded?<br />
L<strong>and</strong> at Hawkridge, Mill Lane – not suitable for employment use given nearby<br />
residential uses <strong>and</strong> should be omitted.<br />
Majority of Northacre <strong>and</strong> Brook Lane employment areas shown on map already<br />
‘developed’.<br />
Proposed employment allocations excessive:<br />
- Exclude or reduce large site to north.<br />
- Adverse effect on Brook House listed buildings.<br />
- Need proper rail crossing before further employment sites to the north of the<br />
railway.<br />
Proposed additional employment l<strong>and</strong> at Oxen Lane unnecessary, lead to<br />
increased traffic.<br />
L<strong>and</strong> at Hawkridge, Mill Lane, not included in WWDC Core Strategy Issues <strong>and</strong><br />
Options consultation.<br />
- Sub-st<strong>and</strong>ard highway infrastructure serving existing employment areas at<br />
WWTE, Northacre Park <strong>and</strong> Brook Lane.<br />
- Additional employment will exacerbate the situation.<br />
- Other existing traffic problems not considered.<br />
- No account of effect on Hawkridge village <strong>and</strong> Norleaze to the north<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Workspace <strong>and</strong> Employment L<strong>and</strong> Strategy July 2009 ‘wholly<br />
inadequate’ to inform the core strategy:<br />
- Not enough reasoning for allocating so much employment l<strong>and</strong> in Westbury<br />
Area.<br />
- Employment allocations should be in line with housing allocations – other<br />
towns with higher housing allocations should be getting higher employment<br />
allocations.<br />
- Amount employment l<strong>and</strong> allocated to Westbury (56.6ha) greater than that for<br />
Trowbridge (50.8) but Trowbridge has much higher housing allocation than<br />
Westbury – people have to travel to work outside Trowbridge.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
- Use same methodology to calculate employment allocations as for housing<br />
allocations.<br />
- Also include detailed assessment of level of out-commuting <strong>and</strong> ways of<br />
reducing this.<br />
Site to south-west of Hawkeridge Park, at rear of the Ham, between Storridge<br />
Road <strong>and</strong> Hawkridge Park – not mentioned in WWELS2009, no existing access to<br />
site, closely bound by residential dwellings – remove from preferred options.<br />
Site between Hawkridge Park <strong>and</strong> WWTE (Glenmore Farm area) – not mentioned<br />
in WWELS2009, affect Hawkridge Park children’s play area <strong>and</strong> nearby<br />
residential amenity north-west of Hawkridge Park <strong>and</strong> Ham cottages<br />
(Alternative/ additional employment options).<br />
The following suggestions were received for alternative/ additional sites for<br />
employment allocations:<br />
- North-west of railway lines, already allocated for industrial usage.<br />
- L<strong>and</strong> to the west of the WWTE, off Storridge Road/ North of Northacre<br />
Business Park.<br />
Other development<br />
<br />
A suggestion to reallocate the BT exchange site for retail use was also received.<br />
4.113 Settlement hierarchy: comments<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Support for smaller villages to be allowed to have more homes, services <strong>and</strong> jobs,<br />
at an appropriate scale, to enable them to thrive <strong>and</strong> become more self-sufficient.<br />
Concern that the role of Dilton Marsh, which is larger than Bratton <strong>and</strong> provides<br />
rural services, though not a GP surgery, is not fully recognised in the spatial<br />
strategy.<br />
While there is some support for Westbury as a Development Policy B settlement<br />
(RSS)/ market town, many disagree with Westbury’s position in the settlement<br />
hierarchy, even arguing that Westbury should be reclassified as an Strategically<br />
Significant City/ Town (SSCT), or it should have been identified as capable of<br />
absorbing more growth.<br />
Westbury’s sustainable location <strong>and</strong> relative lack of constraints are thought to<br />
make its current ranking a bit of a missed opportunity.<br />
Need to more fully assess the travel needs of Westbury residents, where people<br />
are out-commuting <strong>and</strong> what skills are required for the available jobs in the town –<br />
all before settlement hierarchy can be established.<br />
4.114 Housing distribution: comments<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Some objections to level of development up until <strong>2026</strong>, while others support the<br />
reduced rate of housing development.<br />
Concern over reliance on windfall development to provide up to 250 dwellings,<br />
which is considered to be uncertain, <strong>and</strong> suggest identifying additional l<strong>and</strong> now<br />
to meet this number <strong>and</strong> adjust the scale/ phasing later if need be.<br />
Concern also raised over what is perceived to be an unequal distribution of<br />
housing <strong>and</strong> employment allocation to Westbury, in that there is a greater<br />
employment allocation to Westbury than Trowbridge but more housing to<br />
Trowbridge than Westbury.<br />
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4.115 Westbury community area: Respondents<br />
Organisations<br />
Campaign for Better Transport<br />
CPRE North Dorset<br />
CPRE <strong>Wiltshire</strong><br />
Dilton Marsh Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Edington Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Environment Agency<br />
Hallam L<strong>and</strong> Management<br />
Heywood Parish <strong>Council</strong><br />
Highways Agency Hussey, J. P. & Cooper, S.<br />
Industrial Property Investment Fund LaFarge Cement<br />
MoD<br />
Natural Engl<strong>and</strong><br />
Persimmon Homes<br />
Prospect L<strong>and</strong> Ltd<br />
Rail Future Severnside<br />
Robert Hitchins Ltd<br />
Sustrans<br />
Westbury Town <strong>Council</strong><br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> Wildlife Trust<br />
Woodl<strong>and</strong> Trust<br />
Individuals<br />
Bowley, John Cherrett, Trevor Cunningham, Ian<br />
Feather, David Francis, V.P. Osborne, John<br />
Scott, Mark Spickernell, Mrs C. Turner, Mr A. E.<br />
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4.116 Westbury community area: Notes from exhibitions <strong>and</strong> events<br />
Westbury exhibition notes 25 November, 2009<br />
Strategic objectives<br />
Summary of comments<br />
Many comments raising transport issues, such as encouraging more sustainable<br />
modes like walking, cycling <strong>and</strong> public transport <strong>and</strong> promoting a more integrated<br />
transport system. The need for a rail crossing <strong>and</strong>, also, for existing bridges to be<br />
strengthened, prior to further housing <strong>and</strong>, particularly, employment growth are also<br />
highlighted. Providing sufficient local facilities <strong>and</strong> services will also be important in<br />
ensuring further development is sustainable.<br />
Broad support for Matravers School to be relocated, as there is an appreciation of the<br />
current capacity issues, however concerns are raised about moving it to an edge of<br />
town location. These include the transport <strong>and</strong> accessibility implications, such as less<br />
children walking or cycling to school <strong>and</strong> the encouragement of travelling by car. The<br />
benefits of an increase in leisure <strong>and</strong> sports provision, not only for the school but for<br />
the wider community, are, however, realised.<br />
The key issue is the need to direct appropriate housing <strong>and</strong> employment<br />
development to the villages, such as Edington (but not forgetting other such as Dilton<br />
Marsh <strong>and</strong> Bratton), h<strong>and</strong> in h<strong>and</strong> with the provision of local services <strong>and</strong> facilities, so<br />
that they can sustain current <strong>and</strong> future generations.<br />
Climate change<br />
<br />
Encourage more use of sustainable modes of transport, e.g. walking, cycling <strong>and</strong><br />
public transport.<br />
Economic development<br />
<br />
The expansion of the employment area is a problem in terms of traffic without a<br />
western bypass. It would also encourage commuting into Westbury – bad for<br />
climate change.<br />
Housing<br />
<br />
<br />
Does affordable housing mean more houses (<strong>and</strong> thus smaller) to the acre,<br />
which, in time, becomes problematic for families?<br />
What happens if Regional Spatial Strategy is withdrawn after election?<br />
Infrastructure<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Shortage of GPs.<br />
Level of hospital services decreasing <strong>and</strong> situated too far away.<br />
Library building not ‘unfit for purpose’; good central location <strong>and</strong> recent repairs to<br />
roof.<br />
Huge development in Westbury Leigh without good facilities being put in place,<br />
e.g. community hall, doctors’ surgery <strong>and</strong> a better selection of shops.<br />
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Town centres <strong>and</strong> retail<br />
<br />
<br />
Agree that town centre remote from train station, so what about more buses to the<br />
station <strong>and</strong> better access to the railway station.<br />
What does ‘improved’ town centre mean?<br />
Transport<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Traffic congestion not bad, just slow, <strong>and</strong> worse since 3 tonne limit on railway<br />
bridge, which should be strengthened to take the weight of modern lorries.<br />
The railway bridge at the end of Oldfield Road should be built to link with Brook<br />
Lane.<br />
What has happened to bridge over railway/ Oldfield Road/ Leigh Park?<br />
Concerns on Slag Lane being used by busses long-term. Erosion of very soft<br />
verges.<br />
Strengthen Station Road Bridge to allow it to carry 44 tonne lorries. Better access<br />
needed to Trading estate from A36 – Western Link Road? Why not implement the<br />
£1.5 m package of environmental improvements proposed with the bypass now!<br />
Need a bridge over the railway from Oldfield Road – remove traffic from in<br />
existing housing estate.<br />
Bridge at Oldfield Park needed second bridge over to Northacre business park<br />
would be better.<br />
Natural environment<br />
<br />
Constraints should include the Special L<strong>and</strong>scape Area – see the Structure Plan<br />
<strong>and</strong> the Inspector’s report on the Westbury Bypass Inquiry.<br />
Strategic site options<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Moving the school to the edge of town is a very bad idea with regard to people<br />
movements, e.g. the school run. Bad for climate change if the school is not<br />
central!<br />
New school badly need as current site is unsuitable for the size of the school.<br />
Agree, if more houses are necessary. Existing school site is well-located for<br />
children to walk <strong>and</strong> cycle to school – which should be encouraged. A new school<br />
site would be likely to discourage sustainable transport use, contrary to<br />
objectives.<br />
If school to be moved, this should be conditional on transport improvements<br />
already being in place, i.e. a bridge over the railway <strong>and</strong> traffic calming.<br />
Agree, provided there are walking paths <strong>and</strong> cycle tracks to the school.<br />
The proposed area of search for new school site is in Flood zone 3b – need to<br />
ensure this is taken into account <strong>and</strong> no adverse effect on properties further back<br />
along Biss Brook.<br />
Relocating Matravers… School to Leigh Park with improved sports facilities … the<br />
town excellent idea. But the increased traffic will cause problems for Oldfield Rd.<br />
<strong>and</strong> must be sorted out.<br />
If the new secondary school is built on the edge of Leigh Park on the Dilton side<br />
of Westbury, more children will need bussing or transporting by family.<br />
Support for Railways better access to Westbury Station. Joined up cycle ways<br />
good for integrated school site with large sports facilities bad for encouraging<br />
more car use. Concerns about development zones shown on the rejected eastern<br />
bypass route. NB. They are shown.<br />
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Settlement hierarchy <strong>and</strong> housing distribution<br />
<br />
<br />
Edington does not feature in plans at all; need some development to retain young<br />
people.<br />
Restrictive policy for smaller villages, based only of presence of key services <strong>and</strong><br />
should consider housing <strong>and</strong> employment need (in close consultation with parish<br />
councils <strong>and</strong> local communities).<br />
Sustainability appraisal<br />
Most important sustainability objectives:<br />
3,4,5,9,13,15;<br />
6 - This may happen if traffic is managed<br />
8 - Need to make more of our historic town<br />
9 – Could make more reference to walks/trails/info boards<br />
13 – More facilities<br />
17 – SA.<br />
1,7,8,9,11,14,17; 3, 6 <strong>and</strong> 7 <strong>and</strong> most important to support achieving 7.<br />
1, 7, 9, 11, 15, 17 – (most important)<br />
1,2,4,9,14,16,17 – (most important)<br />
7, 8,9,10,14,16,17 – all positive; Why no comment on travel problems<br />
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Westbury workshop notes 25 November, 2009<br />
List of attendees<br />
Colin Bloodworth D Pearce David Jenkins<br />
David Wincless Frances Moorl<strong>and</strong> Greensquare<br />
J Bowley Joyce Field Len Turner MWEP<br />
Mayor of Westbury Penny Stirling Russell Hawker<br />
Sue Ezra Westbury Bypass Alliance Westbury Resident<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong><br />
Overall, the top three strategic objectives were ensuring long term economic growth,<br />
securing appropriate infrastructure <strong>and</strong> services <strong>and</strong> promoting sustainable forms of<br />
transport.<br />
While welcoming more employment for Westbury, there was a desire for more high<br />
quality employment opportunities. Many commented that the provision of<br />
infrastructure prior to or in step with development should be the priority for Westbury.<br />
The cost <strong>and</strong> connectedness of existing public transport, including bus, rail <strong>and</strong> cycle<br />
networks, was also highlighted as an area of concern. More use should be made of<br />
Westbury railway station, particularly improving its profile <strong>and</strong> connections to the rest<br />
of the town. The suggestion of an additional stop at the White Horse Business Park<br />
was made on a number of occasions.<br />
There were concerns that the relocation of Matravers School would lead to<br />
unsustainable travel patterns <strong>and</strong> increase the town’s carbon footprint. There was<br />
some support for extending the school because of its central location <strong>and</strong> the<br />
possibility was raised of extending into the nearby trading estate.<br />
Comments were also made in relation to housing, the town centre <strong>and</strong> the built<br />
environment. Concern was raised at a lack of affordable housing, particularly of<br />
smaller units. The town centre is seen as lacking facilities, having a poor mix of shops<br />
<strong>and</strong> unattractive to young people, disabled people <strong>and</strong> new uses (rents too high).<br />
Westbury is also seen as lacking an identifiable core area, with recent housing<br />
development having fragmented the built environment.<br />
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Data Appendices<br />
Ranking of Strategic Objectives<br />
Attendees were asked to prioritise their top three Strategic Objectives. The results<br />
were captured in the table below overleaf.<br />
Objectives 1 2 3 Total<br />
1. To address climate change 2 0 4 6<br />
2. To provide for long term economic growth 2 3 2 7<br />
3. To meet <strong>Wiltshire</strong>’s housing needs 1 1 0 3<br />
4. To secure appropriate infrastructure <strong>and</strong><br />
3 1 2 6<br />
services<br />
5. To enhance the vitality <strong>and</strong> viability of town 4 2 3 9<br />
centres<br />
6. To encourage safe accessible places 0 1 0 1<br />
7. To promote sustainable forms of transport 2 4 3 9<br />
8. To protect <strong>and</strong> enhance the natural<br />
1 1 3 5<br />
environment<br />
9. To safeguard <strong>and</strong> promote a high quality built 0 3 1 4<br />
environment<br />
10. To minimise the risk of flooding 0 1 0 1<br />
Discussion of Strategic Objectives<br />
The top three strategic objectives were then discussed in more detail. A<br />
the main points raised is included below.<br />
summary of<br />
Economic growth<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
There was a concern that the economic growth forecast did not match the<br />
employment skill set of the local area.<br />
Have had some business losses; Lafarge/trading estate /Tesco.<br />
Convert BT site to retail <strong>and</strong> link to High St; extend road <strong>and</strong> bridge links from<br />
Mane Rd. > Slag Lane to avoid Station Rd.<br />
Plans for more employment are welcome, but in the past too much of this has<br />
been low-grade work. Perhaps we should build on the local traditional base of<br />
construction.<br />
The quality of employment developments is important. High tech businesses – but<br />
don’t these prefer university towns (training/education)?<br />
Possibility of encouraging some professional employment in the villages (e.g. IT<br />
based <strong>and</strong> creative industries).<br />
Infrastructure<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Concern that the strategic planning process is too aspirational <strong>and</strong> focussed too<br />
much on houses <strong>and</strong> not infrastructure (capacity of roads / leisure).<br />
Infrastructure is essential <strong>and</strong> must be provided in phase or ahead of with<br />
development. Infrastructure is the biggest planning challenge for Westbury.<br />
Development contributions – more formal system to pay for infrastructure/<br />
concern over timing of Infrastructure v Housing.<br />
Community Care does not get the mention it should.<br />
Possibly a new doctor’s surgery more important (than the relocation of the<br />
school).<br />
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Sustainable transport<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It was felt important to:<br />
- co-ordinate sustainable transport from villages to towns <strong>and</strong> to the wider<br />
community.<br />
- secure buses for peak periods to link up travel modes (e.g. better links with<br />
rail).<br />
There is a lack of rail link between Salisbury <strong>and</strong> Swindon – two of the biggest<br />
towns in the area.<br />
Existing railway lines need to be more fully utilised.<br />
Important to maintain <strong>and</strong> improve transport links between housing <strong>and</strong><br />
employment. Existing constraint of the £T limited bridge a problem.<br />
Careful planning needed <strong>and</strong> upgrading of bridge with bus access to businesses<br />
important.<br />
Bus services need to be improved – for instance a better service to the trading<br />
estate. Earlier <strong>and</strong> later buses <strong>and</strong> cheaper fares would encourage sustainable<br />
commuting patterns. At present services to <strong>and</strong> from station / hospital are limited.<br />
Bus routes have been removed.<br />
Cycle routes need to be improved.<br />
Westbury has a role as a railway hub that is not fully exploited. Good potential for<br />
sustainable transport to combat climate change. Needs better marketing / better<br />
accessibility to station. On the other h<strong>and</strong>, so we want to encourage outcommuting?<br />
Nevertheless, an overall shift to trains from use of the A350 would improve<br />
sustainability. Train station at White Horse Business Park would benefit both<br />
Westbury <strong>and</strong> Trowbridge extensions. Strong support for rail subsidy <strong>and</strong> more<br />
stops / better use.<br />
A train station at White Horse Business Park would benefit both Westbury <strong>and</strong> the<br />
Trowbridge Urban Extension.<br />
Encourage businesses to incorporate Green Travel Plans / organise shared<br />
transport.<br />
Strategic sites<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The preferred option for strategic housing development in Westbury, the<br />
relocation of Matravers School <strong>and</strong> a mixed-use development with 300 houses,<br />
attracted the following comments during the discussion:<br />
There was concern that movement of the school, as proposed, from its current<br />
location will change the pattern of traffic, potentially leading to problems <strong>and</strong><br />
undesirable effects. (Transport).<br />
Is the school redevelopment really the most important objective for Westbury?<br />
Moving the school would create unsustainable travel patterns <strong>and</strong> should not be<br />
done. Extend <strong>and</strong> improve existing instead. (Transport)<br />
Carbon footprint worsened by relocating school. (Climate change)<br />
Extend school as preferred option – central location, community focus, room to<br />
exp<strong>and</strong> into adjacent estate. Need overall better facilities.<br />
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Housing<br />
<br />
<br />
Important to retain identity of settlements- buffer zones needed.<br />
Lack of affordable housing – this needs to be supplied as small units, as that is<br />
what the greatest need is for.<br />
Town centres<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Town Centre is fragmented <strong>and</strong> needs redeveloping.<br />
New houses but no other facilities.<br />
Poor mix of shops – needs improving.<br />
Better access for disabled needed.<br />
High rents – discourage new uses, competing supermarkets offering free bus<br />
travel.<br />
Historic buildings open to public but need investment (Library / Pool); DDA, Raise<br />
profile of town.<br />
Encouraging young people to stay in / move to Westbury is essential in ensuring<br />
vitality. Out of town nightclub with no access by public transport.<br />
Need facilities to upgrade town’s appeal. We already have some ‘positives’ to<br />
build on – swimming pool. Leisure centre, improvements to Park, new B<strong>and</strong>st<strong>and</strong>,<br />
pro-active town council, street fair, ‘community’.<br />
Built environment<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Westbury lacks an easily identifiable core area.<br />
New development estate will further fragment retail built environment.<br />
Need to safeguard existing built environment.<br />
Other comments<br />
<br />
<br />
Are these the Right Objectives?<br />
- Notwithst<strong>and</strong>ing that the above topics were thought to be the most important<br />
of the objectives identified, questions were raised as to whether the list of<br />
objectives was correct <strong>and</strong> complete.<br />
Other main concerns in Westbury were:<br />
- Wellhead Springs development.<br />
- The Future of the Cement Works.<br />
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This document was published by <strong>Wiltshire</strong> <strong>Council</strong>.<br />
You are welcome to contact us at:<br />
Spatial Planning<br />
Economy <strong>and</strong> Enterprise<br />
County Hall<br />
Bythesea Road<br />
Trowbridge<br />
<strong>Wiltshire</strong><br />
BA14 8JN<br />
Email: spatialplanningpolicy@wiltshire.gov.uk