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No Wild West Here
(November 12, 2013)A town councillor battling against the 'wild west' planning culture that has grown up has been unanimously backed at their planning meeting by the strongest turnout of residents since the parish poll and all councillors in attendance
"Our reasons for refusal that was unanimously agreed as the town council advice to the Wiltshire Council planning office highlight the strength of our cause," says Cllr. Paul Macdonald.
"I really feel tthat with the support of councillor Pip Ridout and councillor Andrew Davis who wear another hat at county hall we have won this."
The public and civic outrage has been caused by a planning application to build 60 homes around Minster Church and straddling a conservation area.
"I was happy to step forward when Cllr. Davis gave way to propose the reasons for refusal to the seven members of the town planning advisory committee,
"We have now shown the way forward to others who may be experiencing the wild west attitude to our town and other towns
"The strength of public opinion is now unchallengeable and the totally united front that has formed amongst the councillors sends a clear message to developers. Hands off Doprothy Walk and the church meadows.
"You have more than enough land already allocated. Go there."
The reasons for refusal that were unanimously agreed were...
'The planned access would be located in a section of the Bath Road that is in close proximity to bends resulting in lack of visibility.
'The proposed accesses in this location would be harmful to highway and pedestrian safety.
'This application has failed to adequately show that the proposed development can take place without harm to any protected specie that may forage or reside in the area.
''The proposed development by virtue of its design and layout fails to display an exceptional reason for acceptance. As such the proposed development does not meet the objectives of the National Planning Policy Framework and there fore does not constitue sustainable development.
'The land porposed is outside the settlement boundary and is not included in the emerging core strategy.
'The land is contiguous with the Grade 2* listed Minster Church. Any development would have a detrimental impact on the setting of a building of established importance, devalue its amenity visually, and inevitably modern buildings be out of keeping with it.'
"The strength of public opinion is now unchallengeable and the totally united front that has formed amongst the councillors sends a clear message to developers. Hands off Doprothy Walk and the church meadows.
"You have more than enough land already allocated. Go there."