Decision deferred on housing plan that would ‘turn street into building site’

Plans to build 40 homes near the Mill Brook development have been delayed after councillors raised concerns about access through an existing residential estate. 

Developer Robert Hitchins Limited had submitted an application for the homes on Coach Road, off Freestone Grove. 

However, Wiltshire Council’s Strategic Planning Committee agreed to defer a decision to allow the developer to consider alternative access arrangements, following strong objections from local residents about construction traffic using the narrow roads of the established estate. 

The application was called in by councillor Gordon King, who requested it be debated due to the impact the proposed construction route could have on residents’ daily lives. 

At the meeting, residents voiced concerns that all construction traffic would be directed through Mill Brook, an existing housing development. They said this would pose a safety risk and significantly disrupt the area. 

Local resident Paddy Griffin told the committee, “I feel very passionately against this proposed build. It’s our neighbourhood, our houses and our families that it’s going to affect long-term. No consideration has been given to the impact of the construction traffic. It would be accessed through an established housing estate, past people’s homes. 

“Children, including my own, love to play on Freestone Grove and other roads on scooters and bikes. If this build goes ahead, they won’t be able to – it will be unsafe. I feel this build is inappropriate and unsafe for all residents. The field shouldn’t be considered a viable site due to its location.” 

Cllr Phil Harcourt, who lives near the proposed development site, described the outcome as ‘very positive’, saying, “Residents were, understandably, extremely angry at the proposal to turn their recently completed neighbourhood back into a construction site. 

“Councillors deferred a decision so the applicant could find an alternative construction access – one that does not pass through Mill Brook. 

“The committee also felt that 40 houses was too many and suggested a maximum of 30 would be more appropriate. There was also concern about the applicant’s conduct during the planning consultation process.” 

One of the most controversial elements of the proposal was the use of bollards to prevent residents from parking outside their homes, to make way for construction vehicles. Cllr Harcourt described the plan as ‘ludicrous’ during a recent Westbury Town Council meeting, where he reported back on the committee’s decision. 

He also warned that the matter may not be settled yet, adding, “The risk is they might appeal.” 

Residents have also raised concerns about the removal of hedgerows and trees around the perimeter of the proposed site – works they say were carried out without consultation. The developer was also criticised for not attending the planning committee meeting. 

Robert Hitchins Limited was contacted for comment. 

Pictured: Paddy Griffin, Phil Harcourt and Derren Nugent were among the residents who fought to oppose the proposed development off Freestone Grove.