DEVELOPERS have been denied permission to build over 260 houses on land at Shurnhold, following months of campaigning by local people.
Wiltshire Council planners recently voted unanimously to refuse Gladman Development’s controversial planning application for the 24-acre site.
Made in December last year, the application sought outline planning permission for up to 263 houses to be built on the land opposite the George Ward site, for which another application is pending.
Gladman’s plans were thrown out with a unanimous 10-0 vote from Wiltshire Council’s planning department.
Melksham Without councillor Terry Chivers said, “I’m over the moon that the application was rejected; it was one of the most outrageous I’ve seen in my 30 years in the planning department.
“Congratulations to the local residents who made a fantastic effort to build such a strong case against the development. Wiltshire Council had a very solid reason for refusal. I’m absolutely delighted.
“I expect the application to go to an appeal, in which case a decision could be expected next year, but I’d hope that Gladman and Nick Keen will respect the wishes of the local people and councils.”
Nearly 550 people signed an online petition against the houses being built, on the grounds that it was a “greenfield site that is prone to flooding”.
Shaw resident and campaigner Mark Ashkowski said, “”I am delighted that Wiltshire County Council have unanimously rejected the proposals made by Gladman Homes and Nicholas Keen to build a housing estate in Shurnhold.
“The local community came together in providing strong, vocal, and intelligent opposition to the developers’ proposals. This is a great result for us all.”
Had the application been approved, it could have meant over 500 houses being built around the former George Ward site. Persimmon Homes are currently waiting for a decision on their application for the school site itself.
