Councillors reject design plans for 90 new homes in Holt

The design and layout plans for 90 new homes in Holt have been refused by Wiltshire Council over concerns that the proposals fail to meet high-quality design standards and do not comply with local planning policies.

The reserved matters application, which covered the appearance, landscaping, layout and scale of the development, was discussed by Wiltshire Council’s Western Area Planning Committee on Thursday 5th February.

Planning permission has already been granted for the site, with Bewley Homes proposing a mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom houses on land off Melksham Road, Great Parks, with 40% designated as affordable housing.

While the development will go ahead, councillors objected to the details outlined in the reserved matters application, arguing that the plans do not achieve high-quality design or comply with the Wiltshire Core Strategy, Wiltshire Design Guide, and Holt Neighbourhood Plan.

At the meeting, Wiltshire councillor for Holt, Cllr Trevor Carbin, urged councillors to reject the reserved matters application, saying the scheme had ‘gone too far.’ He described the design as ‘low quality’ and ‘ugly’ and said Holt ‘wants a development that it can be proud of.’

Speaking on behalf of the village, a resident warned that if Wiltshire Council approved the scheme, the ‘subpar estate will define Holt for the next century.’

Matthew Hemming, a resident and representative of Holt Parish Council, also raised concerns about the relocation of a pumping station within the design, particularly regarding noise and odour.

He said, “We live in the garden in the summer, all of the houses face that space. Our quality of life, enjoyment, and property value will all be impacted by this.”

After the vote, committee chairman Cllr Christopher Newbury said, “I am sure it will go to appeal, there is no way this is not going to go to appeal.”