Residents of Dilton Marsh are campaigning again to stop a developer building new houses on a green space known locally as the deer field. They say that the re-submitted application is for a “speculative development” which would result in an “attack on the village’s heart and soul.”
Earlier this year, Bellway Homes submitted an application to build 100 houses on the field in the village which is south of Clivey. It led to many objections from local people and parish councillors. Local MP, Andrew Murrison, said 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.
Villagers celebrated when the plans were withdrawn by the developer in March, but said they were expecting new plans to be submitted. Now, Bellway Homes has re-submitted its application proposing the construction of ‘up to 85 buildings with access, open space, landscaping, supporting infrastructure and associated works.’
Dilton Marsh residents are again opposing the application saying, “Dilton Marsh is providing sustainable new homes in small pockets throughout the village – 14 have either been completed or started construction in the last 12 months. We are not NIMBYs, but we wholeheartedly object to a large housing estate in our village which would be completely out of scale and out of character. The idea that these properties will be affordable, or meet local need, is quite frankly risible.
“Almost 1500 houses are currently under construction or have been approved in the local area, without improvements in infrastructure or an increase in public amenities for the existing communities who must bear the burden.”
Local resident Natasha Wildman said, “This is a purely speculative development on agricultural land in a rural village, and falls outside the development boundary. The proposal was withdrawn last year to await more favourable changes to policy at national level, but in no sense can the site be deemed ‘grey belt’. The location is unsustainable. There is no room for the pedestrian access suggested on the B3099, due to the boundary of a residential plot, and there is no access to the neighbouring roads of Clearwood, Stormore and Red Pit. Even if there were, the nearest shop is a 40-minute walk away on a busy road, as we lost our shop, cafe, post office and hairdresser last autumn.
“The application shows no regard for the organic development of our village with its mix of property styles, nor does it cater to local housing demand. There is no recognition of the large number of period properties which border the field, cottages dating back to the early 1800s and earlier. The site is on a substantial upward slope on clay soil and would dominate the western approach to Dilton Marsh, turning it into an urban landscape. It would fundamentally change where we live, forever.”
Stormore resident, Alex Jephson, expressed concern, saying, “The local infrastructure is just not in place to accommodate more housing. There will be a huge increase in traffic from the new housing development.
“Westbury already suffers from a heavy traffic burden and air pollution which will only get worse with the potential incinerator and the additional homes approved for Penleigh. We need solutions, not more problems.”
Local mum-of-two Lucy Mead, said, “Building on our precious green space is not just an environmental concern, it’s an attack on our heart and soul.
“These areas provide essential habitats for wildlife and spaces for recreation. We must stand together to protect and preserve the natural beauty that will define our neighbourhood for future generations.”
The consultation deadline for the application is 25th October. For more information, search the Wiltshire Council planning portal at https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk with reference number PL/2024/06523
