Residents have raised concerns over an outline planning application for 68 houses on land north of Berryfield Lane, citing flooding risks, loss of green space and increased traffic.
The application, submitted by Martin Grant Homes, seeks approval for the development in Berryfield.
In comments on Wiltshire Council’s planning portal, residents expressed worries about congestion, the impact of large vehicles passing through the area and changes to the village’s ‘rural setting.’
One resident said the access point to the estate via Berryfield Park to Berryfield Lane, off Semington Road, is a concern.
“This road is already particularly narrow, with cars parking on the side of the road. Adding additional traffic flow will increase the potential risk of accidents, as well as add to congestion on an already busy route,” they said.
“The roads regularly have potholes, and with more cars and building machinery, this is likely to worsen. Semington Road to the A350 has already seen a significant increase in traffic due to the two new housing developments, with a further one being built.”
Another resident, who has lived in Berryfield for 16 years, said it was ‘interesting’ that the developer claims the settlement boundaries are outdated and that Melksham and Berryfield have already merged.
“A recurring theme throughout their planning statements is the reference to the rural setting, which they wish to change by building on,” they said.
Another resident said the flow of traffic needs ‘urgent improvement’ before any development is considered.
“Traffic was backed up from the roundabout on the A350 all the way back to the New Inn,” they said. “This is a regular occurrence, and congestion is a constant issue, particularly during peak hours.”
In the developer’s planning statement, they claim that the site has been ‘actively promoted through the Wiltshire Local Plan Review as a sustainable location to accommodate growth in Melksham, to assist in delivering much-needed housing in the district.’
It also states, ‘There are clear social, environmental, and economic benefits arising from the scheme, whilst there is minimal harm arising from the development of the site, as demonstrated by this outline planning application.’
Melksham Without Parish Council is due to discuss the application at its planning committee meeting on Monday 24th February. The community is welcome to attend, and the venue is yet to be confirmed.
Clerk Teresa Strange said, “Whilst you are welcome to send your comments to the parish council as part of their consideration, please note that you must send them to Wiltshire Council. The easiest way, if you are online, is via the application on their online portal.”
To view the plans and comment, visit the planning portal: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/ with application reference PL/2025/00626.
Pictured: Land North of Berryfield Lane
