Westbury housing appeal dismissed

PERSIMMON’S appeal to build up to 29 houses on Fairdown Avenue has been dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate. 

It is good news for nearby residents who feared that, had planning permission been granted, it would lead the way for further development of the surrounding fields. The site in question bordered existing houses on

Fairdown Avenue and Newtown, Westbury Cemetery, and a field. Westbury Town councillors unanimously objected to the original planning application earlier this year, and Wiltshire Council refused planning permission, but Persimmon submitted an appeal against the decision.

However, the inspector has dismissed the appeal, concluding that there is already a supply of housing land and there is no need to build on a greenfield site – particularly when it would intrude into the open countryside.

It was also noted that the site is outside the town policy limits (which define the boundaries for the town’s development).