CONTROVERSIAL plans to build houses on a field in Dilton Marsh, which led to many objections by local people, have been withdrawn by the developer.
However, revised plans to develop 54 houses on land to the rear of the High Street are yet to be decided. A public consultation has been in process, which ends this week. The deadline for people to submit their comments is Friday 1st March.
The parish council met to discuss this application, by developers Dilton Marsh LVA LLP, last week, with councillors objecting again, as they have done to the previously submitted plans for 62 houses.
Councillors and residents have also been critical of plans from Bellway Homes to build 100 houses on land south of Clivey in the village, known locally as the deer field. The plans have now been withdrawn by the developer, before the application was due to be decided on by Wiltshire Council.
The plans were objected to by residents and local MP, Andrew Murrison, who said that the application would change the character of the village permanently, and that the field in question is home to deer, bats, owls, and other wildlife.
Local resident Ken Chapman, whose house backs onto the field says, “The village has evolved slowly over the years and these two developments are much larger than we’ve seen before. They will completed change the character of our village.
“While I’m very happy to see the plans for the deer field have been withdrawn, I’d be surprised if the developers don’t come back with revised plans. This does however set the clock back on any development, which can only be good news for now.”
Dilton Marsh Parish Council objected strongly to the plans last year, raising concerns over the number of houses proposed, the impact on the environment and concerns that the plans would result in overdevelopment in Dilton Marsh.
Still time to have your say on plans for 54 new houses
The newly-revised application by Dilton Marsh LVA LLP to build 54 houses on land behind 117 High Street, has a deadline of 1st March for comments.
Chairman of the council, cllr Alison Irving said, “The parish council objected to the plans, with the same objections as raised for the previous plans. It was not considered that the reduction of housing numbers and increase in open space in any way mitigated the concerns held by the council.
“The drainage and environmental effects remain the same, and also the access onto the High Street, particularly so close to the village primary school, would add to the already existing traffic problems. The fact that the access would cross the pavement so close to the school would present a danger to pedestrians, many of whom would be children walking to school. The development is also contrary to the emerging neighbourhood plan in size and position.”
One resident said, “Great news about the deer field, however the horse field is not over yet. Even if you commented when the consultation first began, I’d encourage you to reiterate your concerns now.”
To comment on the plans, visit https://shorturl.at/fltIV
