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 […]
Ridgeway Farm delayed already
It was clear at the public inquiry that the primary school was to be built and ready for the new residents. Although critical aspects such as the narrow spine road and the parking deficit “…could not be changed…”, it seems that the school can simply be deferred ~ until June 2016 (twelve months late). Yet the developers were adamant at the public inquiry that the school would be open “…within 18 months…” of site work starting. It is obvious that a new school for a new housing development has to […]
Some good news…for bees
Until recently, completed landfills have been capped and the surfaces restored without much thought as to what could be done that adds some value. Here is some good news ...
Recycling Miles
The current household recycling centre (HRC) at Mopes Lane works well and is a good example of how things should be. That said, the challenge with the current site is the increasing traffic on roads that are unable to withstand such pressure. The local roads leading to the site are all in need of repairs, and the damaged verges reinstated.
Composting at Mopes Lane ~ the case against enlargement
Earlier today I spoke at the Wiltshire Council Strategic Planning Committee in Chippenham that was considering the application, by Hills Waste Solutions Limited, to expand the composting facility at Parkgate Farm and make the permission permanent (it is currently temporary). Whilst composting is nominally a good thing, on this occasion it comes with side effects...