PLANS to build 300 houses on land south of Snarlton Farm in Melksham East have been objected to by Melksham Without Parish Council (MWPC) and Melksham Town Council.
The outline planning application has been submitted by Catesby Estates for 300 houses, with land for community use or building, and open space.
In comments submitted against the application on 6th October, MWPC said land south of Snarlton Farm, which is alongside Eastern Way, has not been allocated for housing in the town’s joint Neighbourhood Plan, which is currently under a period of consultation. Wiltshire Council’s Local Plan, which is also currently under consultation, also does not include the site as a strategic allocation.
Objections
The parish council’s comments objecting to the development are around loss of the greenfield site. The council says the development is in open countryside, outside the settlement boundary of Melksham and Bowerhill, and is isolated and therefore unsustainable. The council describes the site as “piecemeal development” and says it is not plan-led.
Councillors expressed “disappointment” that concerns raised in the preliminary stage over lack of infrastructure in Melksham, such as medical facilities, were not adhered to. They said the applicant had not waited for the draft Local Plan. Councillors argued that if they had, this site could have been considered as part of a larger strategic site, including land at Blackmore Farm, which is allocated in the draft Local Plan for 425 houses, a primary school and other community facilities.
In considering this application, the parish council also had concerns over surface water flooding risks and the impact the development could have to valued features such as Clackers Brook, mature and semi-mature trees and public rights of way crossing the area.
It also raised concern over a lack of connectivity with the adjacent site at Blackmore Farm, off Eastern Way, and how residents from this development would access the proposed primary school and local centre.
The impact the development could have on surrounding roads and traffic has also been cited as concern by MWPC, particularly the effect an increased volume of traffic would have on the roundabout being constructed in Spa Road as part of the Melksham East extension.
MWPC also said the proposals do not include 40% affordable housing, as per the draft Local Plan requirement.
Backing the parish council and echoing its concerns in objecting to the application, Melksham Town Council also opposed the application at their economic development and planning committee on Tuesday 24th October.
Chair of the meeting cllr Saffi Rabey, thanked the parish council for their hard work and comments opposing the plans.
Public consultation
Earlier this year, members of the community and councillors met with representatives from Catesby Estates to share their views on the proposed development. Residents who spoke to Melksham News at the event cited concern about the loss of green land, a lack of infrastructure in the town to cope with the growth in additional residents, and flooding risks.
This application is due to be decided on by 20th December.
Planning Application: PL/ 2023/ 07107
