Developers have been offered the chance to buy land in Westbury that has planning permission for 145 homes.
Westbury LVA LLP sought permission for the site, which is also set to include a community orchard, play areas, and tree planting, at Glenmore Farm, near the Ham.
Wiltshire Council approved the plans for the site in 2023 but performed a U-turn in 2024 as, at the time, the council could demonstrate that there was sufficient land available for new homes across the county in line with government targets.
However, during an appeal, changes announced by the government led to a requirement for councils to maintain a five-year housing land supply to meet housing targets. As Wiltshire Council had a significant shortfall, the local authority was prompted to withdraw its defence of the appeal.
The plot of land at Glenmore is now listed on Rightmove, with offers invited by Tuesday 18th March, ahead of interviews. It is described in the advert as a “substantial development” in a town with “excellent commuter links.”
Locals have long disputed the 145-home development. Following the approval of the plans, Cllr John Masson, chairman of Heywood Parish Council, previously said, “Heywood Parish Council is very disappointed that the Planning Inspector allowed the appeal. The site is not in a recognised settlement and, in policy terms, forms part of the open countryside.”
Cllr Masson highlighted the site’s distance from key locations, including a 30-minute walk to the nearest supermarket and a 40-minute walk to the health centre, adding, “On a cold winter’s day in January when it is 6°C and pouring with rain, nobody is going to walk into Westbury or wait for a bus and then carry bags of shopping home.”
When contacted, a spokesperson from LVA told the White Horse News, “LVA is pleased with the outcome of the appeal, which will see much-needed new homes delivered for Westbury and Wiltshire as a whole, 58 of which will be affordable. The development will make important contributions from a social, economic, and environmental point of view to the local area and district through a combination of on-site and off-site mitigation, infrastructure and financial contributions.
“Overall, the outcome confirms that the site lies in a sustainable and accessible location for new housing, the delivery of which is a clear intent set out by central government as part of recent national planning policy reforms and housing target changes. LVA is now seeking a development partner to assist in the delivery of the site in line with the planning consent.”
Picture credit: LVA
