In a word, uninspired.
Of course, the site is outside the settlement boundary (which constrains housing development in the countryside around the village itself).
You may remember that there was an exhibition some weeks ago. Afterwards, about 40 wrote down comments to which Persimmons Homes has now issued its response and a planning application.
Apparently all respondents favoured this site versus the other two currently competing sites: Widham Farm (Wainhomes) and Land behind Jewel’s Ash (Hannick Homes). Although some mentioned the need for bungalows (as echoed in the parish plan) this has been dismissed by Persimmon Homes as not worthwhile. The call for the houses to be set back from the road was similarly ignored. The suggestion for the affordable housing to be dispersed throughout the site (rather than confined to a corner of the site) would be reviewed.
On the positive side, the developers did seem open to assisting in improving the school access, though this assistance is unspecified at present.
Although the Wiltshire emerging Core Strategy (eCS) has designated Purton as a Large Village (therefore housing is to be for local need only) the developers refuse to countenance any preference for local purchasers.
Clearly, Persimmon Homes is trying to pre-empt the eCS by this speculative application. The developers should wait until the eCS and the neighbourhood plan are finalised. The latter will indicate quite clearly where the preference is for housing in Purton and whether or not any should be outside the settlement boundary.
To comment on the application click here (this is a very easy on-line form) or send an email quoting 13/04676/FUL Land at Restrop Road.
The closing date for comments is Thursday 7 November, 2013
