Plans for 11 homes in Seend given go-ahead , by local democracy reporter Matthew McLaughlin

PLANS to build 11 homes in Seend have been given the green light by Wiltshire Council.  

PLANNING permission has been given to Steve Vaux to build one four-bedroom home, as well as 10 affordable houses at agricultural land, Park Farm, Seend Cleeve.  

This is despite heavy opposition from residents who wrote 45 letters objecting to the bid. Their main concerns included the bid being away from the heart of the village, lack of facilities, an increase in traffic, and the bid conflicting with the Neighbourhood Plan. Residents also questioned the need for affordable housing in the area.  

However, there were also 56 letters received by Wiltshire Council supporting the build plans. In support, the letters cited the bid’s design, community support, housing need and the need to attract younger people to stay in the area.  

The mix of housing will include two one-bedroom, five two-bedroom and three three-bedroom houses. Wiltshire Council’s planning officers declared that the designs did not constitute over development of the area, adding that the scale of the bid was “respectful” of its surroundings.  

“In the case of this application, the council has stated earlier than it considers itself without a five year housing land supply and thus the tilted balance applies on this count for that reason alone,” the officer added.  

“The lack of identified harm, coupled with the benefits stated above, would indicate that the balance lies in favour of approving the development subject of course, to any conditions outlined in this report.”