EBBRAG extends hearty congratulations to the Sustainable Warminster group and all those who have long campaigned against development at Damask Way.
We are delighted to see this development thwarted which would have had such an adverse impact at the site, as well as add to the strain on infrastructure across Warminster. It remains to be seen if the developer appeals against the decision.
As reported in Warminster Journal, Green space saved as housing plans refused, the application from Backhouse Ltd was for 49 homes off Damask Way next to Smallbrook Meadows Nature Reserve.
The Decision Notice from Wiltshire Council refused the application, PL/2026/03045 on eight counts:
- Poor access which was not shown to be safe nor suitable and would not be inclusive for all users
- Impact on highway safety due to increased vehicle traffic and lack of mitigation
- Flood risk, lack of robust Flood Risk Assessment and drainage strategy
- Impact on River Avon Special Area of Conservation (SAC) either alone or in combination with other plans and projects
- Adverse impact on protected species, priority habitats, and ecological networks
- Failure to enhance biodiversity and demonstrate a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain
- Impact on heritage assets and their settings
- Impact on local infrastructure
We feel the same broad refusal reasons can also apply to the speculative Home Farm application by Bellway. In some aspects, the arguments are even stronger.
EBBRAG will shortly circulate some additional points concerning the amended statements Bellway have submitted for the Home Farm speculative application. EBBRAG has successfully had the Wiltshire Planning consultation period extended to the 9th November 2026.