MELKSHAM Without Parish Council has expressed “very serious concerns” about plans to build on rural land that would link Bowerhill to Melksham.
The concerns come after building company Mactaggart & Mickel announced plans to build a residential development on land adjacent to Pathfinder Way on the approach to Bowerhill. If approved the residential area would link Melksham to Bowerhill with no obvious gap between the town and the village.
Cllr Richard Wood, chair of Melksham Without Parish Council said, “Within the existing structure plan this housing development would not be allowed. However, if the forthcoming core strategy changes this will not be the case. The parish council has very serious concerns about the loss of the green space constituting a rural buffer between the town of Melksham and the village of Bowerhill.
“This land has previously been suggested for housing and these proposals were rigorously opposed by residents of Bowerhill and Melksham alike.”
The plans are to be discussed at a public consultation that will take place at Christie Miller Sports Centre, Bowerhill on Wednesday 2nd April from 3.30-7.30pm where there will be the opportunity to ask questions and make suggestions to members of the project team at a manned public event.
There will also be a small display outlining the plans at Christie Miller Sports Centre, Bowerhill from Thursday 3rd April (9am) until Friday 11th April (5pm). The Leisure Centre is open 7am-10pm Monday to Friday; 8am-8pm Saturday; and 8am-10pm Sunday.
Talking about the project Mactaggart & Mickel said, “Our aim is to create an attractive and well-designed residential development in keeping with the existing character and quality of the area.
“Discussion and collaboration with local communities forms an important part of any land development project and Bowerhill is no exception. Our intention is to submit a planning application to Wiltshire Council this year, but in advance of this we are keen to engage with the communities of Bowerhill and Melksham to seek their views on the proposals before submission.
“Mactaggart & Mickel is committed to working closely with the communities of Bowerhill and Melksham to inform a sustainable residential development of its Bowerhill site. As part of our consultation we invite you to review our proposals prior to the submission of an outline planning application later in the year.”
A link to the proposal and a map outlining where the residential properties would be built can be found at www.macmic.co.uk/StrategicLand/Projects/bowerhill.aspx
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