Developer to fight Holt homes refusal

GLADMAN Developments have launched an appeal in support of their failed application to build 98 homes  in Holt, despite being told that it would have no chance of succeeding.

The property firm was denied planning permission for the development  on Melksham Road in April.

Wiltshire Council threw out the application fewer than three months after it was submitted and said,  “The council believes that any appeal against this decision would have no reasonable prospect of succeeding.

“Accordingly, the applicant is advised that if an appeal is submitted the council will be making an application for a full award of its costs incurred in dealing with the appeal, based on substantive grounds.”

However, an appeal was submitted on 21st July citing the plan’s contribution to Wiltshire’s housing targets, and suggesting that “development should be approved ‘without delay’”.

The application for up to 98 homes on land next to Great Parks was first submitted in January this year.

Following uproar among local residents, Wiltshire Council rejected the plans which they said would have an adverse effect on the character of the area. The application was also judged to have inadequate plans for drainage, affordable housing and infrastructure.

There was a general objection to the plans among people already living in the village; many of whom expressed the same concerns about traffic and there not being the facilities to cope with such an influx of people.

Local woman Jane Butler said, “Census data for Holt shows a steady population growth rate between 1911 and 2011 of 8 persons/year. The proposed development will bring about a fourfold increase in this rate over the period 2011 to 2021. Clearly, the village cannot sustain such a dramatic change in rate, without significant damage to the community and natural environment.

“The developers have not made allowance for the very considerable increase in traffic movement along Great Parks, nor is there provision for the large increase in use and access to local facilities such as the school and shop.”

To view the housing plans, search planning application 14/12109/OUT at www.wiltshire.gov.uk