Glenmore Farm plans abandoned

PLANS to build over 140 houses in a field near The Ham in Westbury have been shelved as the developer rethinks building the proposed estate at Glenmore Farm.

Opponents breathed a sigh of relief this month after housebuilder Taylor Wimpey withdrew its application two years after one was first submitted.

The plans to build 145 homes faced fierce opposition from people living nearby – a survey showed over 70% of local respondents were against the plan, and neighbours started a campaign group called Stop Glenmore Farm Development.

Nearby resident and organiser of the campaign group Tracy Griffin told White Horse News, “We’re over the moon that the application has been withdrawn.

“If the houses had been built I think it would have changed the whole feeling of our neighbourhood. While the road has been closed there has been much more of a community feel here; 145 more houses and traffic would have ruined it for good.

“We’re very pleased but we’re taking it one victory at a time. Taylor Wimpey could submit another application, but we’re hoping they won’t. If they do, we will oppose that one on the same basis. It’s not a suitable plan for the area.”

A Taylor Wimpey spokesperson said, “Throughout the duration of the planning application process, we have maintained an active dialogue with Wiltshire Council to seek to overcome some concerns they have regarding our proposed development at Glenmore Farm.

“We have taken the decision to withdraw our application whilst we reconsider the land’s potential to deliver much-needed homes in Wiltshire in a way that meets the council’s aspirations. The application was withdrawn on 4th July 2016.”

Both Heywood Parish Council and Westbury Town Council objected to the application, expressing concerns about the road being dangerous and the added pressure on Westbury’s facilities and traffic.

Town and county councillor for the area, David Jenkins, said he was pleased with the decision, but warned it was not the end of the matter.

He said, “The withdrawal is a relief for local people. I think the houses would have been an overdevelopment of the area if they were built, and that corner is a dangerous stretch of road.

“Glenmore Farm is outside of the town boundary so building on it would be against Wiltshire Council’s Core Strategy. If no notice is taken of the strategy what’s the point in having it?

“I suspect the developers had some problems with access and drainage at the site, but that’s not to say they won’t come back.

“There’s nothing to stop the developer submitting another plan in the future so, although it’s a relief now, people must stay on the ball and watch to see what happens next.”

To see the plans and comments search reference 15/07071/OUT in the planning search at www.wiltshire.gov.uk