PLANS to build 98 houses on land next to Great Parks in Holt were forcefully rejected this month, when Wiltshire Council declared that any appeal would have “no reasonable prospect of succeeding”.
The proposal, submitted by Gladman Developments in January this year, laid out plans to build up to 98 homes with an equipped children’s play area, landscaping and open spaces, and a drainage pond.
The plans were found to be in direct conflict with Wiltshire Council’s Core Strategy, so were stopped in their tracks by planning officers.
The official decision said, “The proposal would have an adverse impact on the character and appearance of the area by significantly expanding the built-up area of the settlement into the surrounding rural landscape.
“This would be highly visible, particularly from viewpoints to the north and south, and would conflict with a core principle of the NPPF to take account of the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside.”
The application was also deemed to have inadequate plans for drainage, affordable housing, and infrastructure improvements. Wiltshire Council refused the application on such strong grounds that they said compensation would be sought if an appeal was launched.
The report ended, “As the proposal is in clear conflict with the policies of the up to date development plan, for the reasons set out above the applicant is advised that the council believes that any appeal against this decision would have no reasonable prospect of succeeding.
“Accordingly, the applicant is advised that if an appeal is submitted the council will be making an application for a full award of its costs incurred in dealing with the appeal, based on substantive grounds.”
For more information on the application and the council’s decision, search application number 14/12109/OUT at www.wiltshire.gov.uk.
