Well, it is not an easy read at all. Putting aside typos, grammar, formatting, and, of course, multiple errors, the big deal is the proposed new development.
It has been quite clear for many years that, despite appropriate words to the contrary, housing developers have been unwilling to consider the true sustainability or otherwise of their housing developments. Wiltshire Council has been aware of this and repeatedly refused the worst offenders (e.g., Widham Farm). However this has, over the years, become increasingly difficult to sustain due to a falling five-year housing land supply.
This year, because of the woeful lack of housing land supply of any worth, barely two years, it has become clear in the last three applications (Widham Farm, South Pavenhill Farm, and Land at Pavenhill) that almost any development, irrespective of, or despite, its lack of sustainability ambition, intention or credentials, will be approved simply on the arithmetic shortfall of the five-year housing land supply.
Consequently, the parish has suffered a hotch potch of housing developments not in accordance with any plan but merely where developers had land that they wanted to develop.
Planning in Purton is in absolute chaos and crisis.
With this backdrop, Purton Planning for the Future described what had never been attempted before; to propose a substantial housing development (Purton South) that could do four things:
- Propose a considered direction of travel for further housing development into the future;
- Provide a mix of housing that Purton actually needs;
- Establish a housing development in a location allowing space for innovation in terms of structure, biodiversity gain, health, sport etc; and
- For the first time ever, propose a housing development that could support multiple benefits to the village – to partially deal with systemic, long term problems such as traffic congestion, difficulty in obtaining GP and dental appointments and much more, all within walking distance of the village.
Unfortunately, the draft Neighbourhood Plan has not provided compelling evidence for the intuitive case for Purton South —an opportunity completely wasted. In addition, the analysis documents, “Purton Planning for the Future,” and the “Site Location Analysis” referenced in the Plan are missing from the Wiltshire Portal.
Consequently, the draft Neighbourhood Plan should be re-drafted to provide a compelling narrative to support Purton South that undoubtedly is the most innovative proposition that has been offered to Purton for decades. For instance, the draft Neighbourhood Plan needs to describe basic analysis and commentary on who pays for what regarding health, open space, sport and so on and the nature of the proposed agreements requires elaboration and further articulation.
It should also be made clear in the Neighbourhood Plan that in the event that this Plan is not successful, a large housing development cannot go ahead to the south of Purton unless all the benefits are provided for under appropriate funding arrangements and secure Section 106 agreements.
The draft Modified Purton Parish Neighbourhood Plan can be viewed and commented on from the Wiltshire Council consultation portal. Alternatively, you can comment by completing an editable representation form downloaded from the supporting documents section of the consultation portal which can then be emailed to neighbourhoodplanning@wiltshire.gov.uk or posted to: Neighbourhood Planning, County Hall, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 8JN.
Please ensure that any comments on the Draft Modified Purton Parish Neighbourhood Plan are received by Wiltshire Council no later than 5pm Wednesday, 11 June 2025.
