Deadline next Friday

/ Developer Concerns, Updates / By

THERE IS ONE WEEK LEFT BEFORE THE WILTSHIRE COUNCIL CONSULTATION PHASE FOR SPECULATIVE PLANNING APPLICATION PL/2026/02717 CLOSES!!!!! 

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE SEND IN AN OBJECTION AND MAKE SURE FRIENDS, NEIGHBOURS, RELATIVES ETC ARE DOING THE SAME.

Below are some points to help you formulate an objection letter to the speculative planning application PL/2026/02717. The direct link to the comments page is here. You can copy and paste the text below into the comment box on their form.

You will also find on the EBBRAG website a draft objection letter for you to sign and send if you are more comfortable with this method. Be aware though, objection letters are more effective if originally written, rather than the same letter signed by different residents, hence the helpful bullet points below.

I have also included the posting methods for you but be aware is posting, letters need to be posted asap to arrive in time for the 12 Jun 26.

Key Objection Points – Home Farm, Boreham Road, Warminster (PL/2026/02717)

Residents may wish to use some or all of the following points when writing their own objection letter:

Biodiversity and Environment

  • The site consists of approximately 11 hectares of greenfield agricultural land and open countryside.
  • The land provides important habitat and ecological connectivity for wildlife.
  • Development would result in habitat loss, fragmentation and increased disturbance from housing, traffic and lighting.
  • Existing hedgerows, trees and natural features contribute to local biodiversity and should be protected.
  • Concerns remain regarding whether genuine Biodiversity Net Gain can be achieved on such a sensitive site.
  • The proposal would result in the permanent loss of undeveloped countryside.

Heritage Impact

  • The site lies within the setting of the Battlesbury and Scratchbury Hillfort Scheduled Monuments.
  • The development adjoins the Bishopstrow Conservation Area.
  • The significance of these heritage assets is closely linked to their rural landscape setting.
  • A large housing estate would urbanise an area that currently contributes to the historic character of the locality.
  • The proposal risks causing harm to important views and the setting of nationally significant heritage assets.
  • Previous planning assessments and inspector comments have raised concerns regarding development of this site.

Rural Buffer and Settlement Separation

  • Home Farm forms an important green gap between Warminster and Bishopstrow.
  • The site helps maintain the separate identity and character of both communities.
  • Development would significantly reduce the existing rural buffer.
  • The proposal could create a perception of settlement coalescence.
  • Loss of open countryside would weaken the distinction between Warminster and Bishopstrow.

Highway Safety and Access

  • Concerns exist regarding the additional traffic generated by 135 dwellings.
  • Boreham Road may struggle to accommodate increased vehicle movements safely.
  • Increased traffic could impact road safety, congestion and local amenity.
  • Additional pedestrian and cycle movements may place further pressure on existing infrastructure.
  • The proposed access arrangements may require alteration or loss of part of the historic boundary wall along Boreham Road.
  • The wall contributes to the character of this historic approach into Warminster.

Landscape Character

  • The site forms part of the attractive countryside setting of Warminster and Bishopstrow.
  • Development would urbanise a prominent greenfield location.
  • The proposal would result in the loss of open views and rural character.
  • The countryside contributes significantly to the visual quality of the area.

 Tourism and Local Economy

  • The rural setting contributes to the attractiveness of the area for visitors.
  • Nearby businesses benefit from the area’s countryside character and historic setting.
  • Urbanisation of the site may diminish qualities that support tourism and hospitality businesses.
  • The wider economic impacts on local tourism should be carefully considered.

Conflict with the Development Plan

  • The site is not allocated for housing within the adopted Wiltshire Development Plan.
  • The proposal therefore represents speculative development.
  • Planning decisions should generally follow the adopted development plan.
  • The site has recognised constraints relating to heritage, landscape and settlement separation.
  • The absence of a housing allocation should carry significant weight.
  • Development would result in the loss of a substantial area of unallocated greenfield land.

Suggested Closing Statement

  • The proposal would cause unacceptable harm to biodiversity, heritage assets, landscape character and settlement identity.
  • The site is an unsuitable location for development at the scale proposed.
  • For these reasons, Wiltshire Council should refuse planning permission for Application PL/2026/02717.

You can raise the objection by post, email, or through the application website:

1. Wiltshire Council’s preferred method is to use the form under the “Comments” tab on the application website listed above.

2. You may send a letter addressed to: Mr R Brown, Planning Officer, Wiltshire Council, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 8JN. Please ensure you include your name and address and post your letter by asap to allow delivery before the 12 June 2026 deadline.

NB previous email address removed at request of planning team. Please use the website if at all possible to lodge your objections.

regards Administrator