‘Substantial level of objection’ to hospital plans

LOCAL people have put forward what a senior planning officer has called a “substantial level of public objection” to the proposal to replace Westbury’s former hospital with a housing estate.

The public consultation came to a close on New Year’s Day, by which time Wiltshire Council had registered over 100 letters from local people, as well as an objection from Westbury Town Council.

Local campaign group Sensible Thinking on Patients (STOP) has been campaigning to stop the plans for the past year.

Group chair Erica Watson said, “We’ve had a huge amount of support and it’s encouraging that over 100 people have written in. I’m still cautiously optimistic that Wiltshire Council will listen to the strong opposition and side with us.

“I still think the timing of the application was poor and there would have been a bigger response at another time of year.

“STOP is now hoping to arrange a forum to continue identifying Westbury’s healthcare needs and campaigning for improved services in the town.”

Westbury Town Council submitted an objection to the local authority following a meeting on Monday 21st December, and held a further meeting on Monday 11th January.

The town council echoed the concerns of residents and mentioned the lack of infrastructure, traffic issues, flooding risk, affordable housing provision, and stated that it would also rather the site was used to provide healthcare.

In correspondence between town clerk Keith Harvey and a Wiltshire senior planning officer, the officer described plans for the site as “controversial” and said they had “a substantial public objection on file”.

Wiltshire Council is expected to decide on the proposal by Monday 22nd February.

To view the plans and comments enter 15/11604/OUT in the planning search at www.wiltshire.gov.uk