Questions raised over future of Bowerhill open space

Residents have raised concerns about a parcel of land for sale in a residential area in Bowerhill.

The green space, measuring 520 square metres, is located at Bader Park. It was advertised for sale by Auction House with a guide price of £3,500 but failed to sell at the auction on 27th April.

Residents have raised concerns about potential development of the land if it is sold, including the loss of four informal parking spaces, a well-used footpath and green space.

In March, 19 residents contacted Melksham Without Parish Council (MWPC) to ask whether the council would consider purchasing the space as an Asset of Community Value. At the parish council’s Full Council meeting on 20th April, 15 residents attended to ask questions and take part in the discussion.

One resident asked whether the land could be saved as a ‘village green’. Wiltshire councillor Nick Holder, who has been supporting residents on the matter, said it could instead be designated as a ‘Local Green Space’ in the next version of the Melksham Neighbourhood Plan, which would require input from local residents.

The clerk, Teresa Strange, explained that village green status requires evidence of the land being used for sports or pastimes for 20 years and said the site was unlikely to meet the criteria.

Cllr Holder also said there is a planning obligation on the land requiring it to be maintained as public open space, which would be a significant factor if any development was proposed. The site is subject to a Section 52 agreement requiring it to remain open land for the benefit of residents on the estate.

The parish council resolved to take no further action over the sale after receiving advice from Wiltshire Council’s solicitor about the legal protections on the site.

The council will also record its intention to propose the Bader Park open spaces, and others in Bowerhill, for Local Green Space designation in the next iteration of the Melksham Neighbourhood Plan.