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Damask Eco Damage Back on the Agenda
(May 21, 2021)The most controversial planning application for years now at Damask Way is once again on the agenda at a public meeting in the Civic Centre in Warminster.
The idea that the extension further into another green and ecologically sensitive field has raised over 2,500 signatures in a petition to Wiltshire Council.
“Every time I look at this it demands that the people are right in being so angry about this,” said Cllr John Syme about more housing at Damask Way.
“It is one step too far so the first priority to me was to ensure that newly elected councillors could take a look at this.”
A flurry of e-mails initiated by the new councillor for that area saw the planning case officer agree that the consultation period should be extended to allow the town council to take a look at the flow of revisions pouring in to support the application.
"I hope this will also see more signatures on the petition and more comments sent into county hall."
The latest planning application is about what are called ‘reserved matters’ when the original ‘outline’ application was approved that have to then be approved.
Translated from 'councilspeak' that means that the planners are concerned about a wide range of issues that need answers before saying go-ahead.
“I am now very sure that this planning application should not have succeeded in the first place,“ said Cllr. Paul Macdonald.
"None of anything I have seen should allow this to go ahead. A step too far."
“These reserved matters issues show that this has also failed as the hard work of Sustainable Warminster members has shown.
“I cannot see how things can be straightened out between the absolute no need for housing here when so many brownfield sites exist across the county.”
The town council meeting when residents will get their last chance locally to have a say is at the Civic Centre home to the town council at 7pm on Monday 14th June.
“There is a total importance of getting the balance right in this town again.
"This is so important. Housing needs to be in the right place and that is now allocated elsewhere,” claimed Paul.
*The planning application number is 20/07214 /REM