The application for 34 houses at Restrop Road has been refused for the following reasons: the proposed development was “in the countryside” outside the framework; it was premature and was trying to jump in quickly before the Wiltshire Core Strategy (which will steer future housing locations) has been approved; and it is not required to meet the five-year housing land supply. In fact, the same reasons for which Widham was refused. There were also some technical issues, namely, that drainage was not adequately dealt with, lack of consideration for the […]
Purton’s Future Housing
In the ideal world of planning for new housing, we are supposed to identify areas for new housing within our neighbourhood plan. At the same time if the current settlement boundary needs to be changed that is the time to be re-setting it. We are all then supposed to vote on that plan before it is then approved by Wiltshire Council. Not now...
What’s that smell?
Smells are notoriously difficult to pinpoint with any certainty...
Bradley’s Meadow ~ Inquiry Update
The Inquiry has completed. Our unitary councillor Jacqui Lay and myself were present to give evidence and offered ourselves for cross-examination by the appellant's barrister...
Ridgeway Farm ~ would it be permitted now?
With recently issued new planning policy guidance, Ridgeway Farm may not have been allowed, even by the Government's own criteria...
Another Planning Inquiry
Yes, another planning inquiry... this time it is for Bradley's Meadow (in a far corner of this parish) ...
Mud Lane obstruction to be removed
It is pleasing to note that, following the serving of a legal Notice on Wiltshire Council...
Ridgeway Farm spending in Purton
Taylor Wimpey has noted in its recent letter to the "community" (Swindon residents and surrounding villages) that it will be making community contributions (known as section 106 monies) which will include £ 395 580 to be spent on...
Mud Lane Update
As mentioned previously, Wiltshire Council has been extremely resistant to removing the obstruction across Mud Lane, even though the Inquiry Inspector noted that it was unlawful and should be removed. When Wiltshire Council refused to have the obstruction removed saying they did not have to take note of what the inspector said, this was checked with the Planning Inspectorate and they confirmed that their jurisdiction had expired once they had published the decision to open Mud Lane. Helpfully, the Inspectorate pointed out how to serve a legal notice on the […]