PLANS to build up to 54 houses on land behind the High Street in Dilton Marsh, which faced fierce local opposition, have been rejected by Wiltshire Council.
Wiltshire Council’s refused the newly-revised plans on the grounds that the proposed area is beyond the limits of development in Dilton Marsh and the proposed site lies within an area which is known to support bats and any development could lead to adverse impacts.
Dilton Marsh Parish Council previously said that the ‘vultures were circling’ in the village as Dilton Marsh was subjected to two applications, the 54 houses behind the High Street and plans for 100 houses in land south of Clivey – both which have now been rejected by Wiltshire Council.
Chairman of Dilton Marsh Parish Council, Alison Irving said, “Dilton Marsh Parish Council and the villagers of Dilton Marsh are extremely pleased at the decision to refuse this application. The new planning changes and neighbourhood plan have enabled Wiltshire Council to be robust in their reasons for refusal and this is very good news.
“The fight put up by residents is to be commended as that also plays a significant part in these applications. We are also aware that developers often go to appeal and the fight may have to continue.”
Dilton Marsh Parish Council’s objections included potential problems that the access to the development would create for pedestrians and those walking to school, due to its proximity to Dilton Marsh Primary School, as well as raising concerns that it would add to existing traffic problems in the village.
The news has also been welcomed by the Wiltshire councillor for Ethandune, Suzanne Wickham, who said, “I am pleased for the residents that this application has been refused on matters of principle and ecology.
“Dilton Marsh Parish Council is currently working on their Neighbourhood Plan, and this will include allocating housing developments that the residents have had the chance to comment and vote on, rather than a speculative developer dictating sites for new homes.
“The applicant has six months to appeal the decision to the Planning Inspectorate. This amended application was subject to the changes within the National Policy Planning Framework (NPPF).”
The government’s changes to its NPPF now provides more protection for communities against speculative housing developments being forced onto towns. Local authorities, such as Wiltshire Council, now only have to plan ahead for four years of housing land supply in the county, rather than five.
Authorities that did not have an up-to-date plan could previously be targeted for development before the changes, with the likelihood of approval in favour of sustainable development.
To see the full reasons for refusal, search PL/2023/01880 on Wiltshire Council’s planning public register.
