DEVELOPERS are still fighting for permission to build 263 homes on land at Shurnhold, despite being turned down by Wiltshire Council after objections from Melksham Town Council and a number of local residents.
An appeal was lodged by property developer Gladman this week against Wiltshire Council’s refusal to allow the houses to be built on land opposite the former George Ward School. The news comes just weeks after it was announced that over 250 homes will be built on the former school grounds.
The local authority declined the application for a number of reasons including the site being outside the town boundary, damage to the countryside, the potential pressure on local schools, and the possible effect on the risk of flooding.
The developer’s appeal was registered by Wiltshire Council on Monday 2nd November.
Local councillor Terry Chivers campaigned against the development during the planning process. He described the application as one of the most outrageous he had seen in 30 years.
Cllr Chivers said of the appeal, “I’m not surprised Gladman has appealed the decision; it’s a bit of a speciality of theirs. I had hoped they’d respect the obvious wishes of local residents and Wiltshire Council’s planning committee, but clearly they haven’t.
“It is cause for concern but all we can do is sit back and wait for the inspector to decide.”
A Government inspector will now review the application and its reasons for refusal, and decide whether to uphold Wiltshire Council’s choice, or to grant planning permission.
If the inspector grants permission it could mean Shurnhold sees 500 new homes built in the near future.
When the application was made in December last year, local residents turned out in force to object to the plan, and over 500 people signed a petition against the application.
Shaw resident and campaigner Mark Ashkowski said in January this year, “The George Ward development is poorly thought out, and to add a further housing development opposite it would be grossly irresponsible.
“It would profoundly change the nature and character of the area. It would worsen congestion and flooding on the A365. It would place yet further, possibly fatal, strain on local facilities.”
To view the plan for the Shurnhold site, enter 14/11919/OUT in the planning search at www.wiltshire.gov.uk
