Villagers object strongly to plans to build 145 new homes in Holt

Plans for 90 new homes on land at Great Parks, off Melksham Road, were given the go-ahead by a planning inspector last year despite strong objections from the community.

The developer, Bewley Homes, is now seeking consent from Wiltshire Council for its reserved matters planning application covering the appearance, landscape, layout and scale of the development, which includes two blocks of three-story flats.

The illustrative masterplan for the Bewley Homes housing development in Holt. (Image: Wiltshire Council)

Following a public meeting on July 18, Holt Parish Council said Bewley's application contained "material and unacceptable changes from the approved outline application".

The council added: “It ignores important matters considered by the Inspector at the appeal.

“The proposal with its excessive density, creates an adverse visual impact to the eastern gateway into Holt, and the landscape in general in particular Public Right of Way Holt 56.

“The design in its present form would detrimentally affect the intrinsic character of Holt and cause ecological and climate damage.

“The disadvantages of the proposal would last 100 years or more and the application should be refused.”

The council’s main objections include the scale of development, the visual appearance of the proposed homes, the lack of parking and the impact on the landscape.

The Bewley Homes housing would be built on greenfield land. (Image: Wiltshire Council)

Tom Smailes, planning manager at Bewley Homes, said: “It’s important to recognise our application for up to 90 homes in Holt has outline planning consent.

“Therefore, the principal for housing has already been established on this site due to the housing needs of the local area.

“We are now consulting with local people, all stakeholders and statutory consultees on the detailed design of the scheme.

“As an award-winning housebuilder, during our consultation, we have been listening to local people and trying to address their concerns.

“From the feedback from the local community, the Parish Council and the statutory consultees within the Planning Department, we are looking to revise our proposals to reflect the comments which we believe will both answer any valid concerns which will result in an improved scheme for all.

“We are also including a well-equipped children’s play area and adding additional play opportunities around the perimeter of the site.

“Our proposal will also deliver 40 per cent affordable homes, including First Homes, which is good news for local people who are on the housing waiting list or who are looking at shared ownership.

“We strongly believe our new proposals will help address local concerns and provide an excellent opportunity to create a vibrant community while preserving the natural beauty of the area.”

Consultation on Bewley's scheme ends on Wednesday, November 13. Wiltshire Council is expected to decide by January 21, next year.

Residents have also objected to a planning application by Redcliffe Homes Ltd to develop 55 houses, including 22 units of social affordable housing, on land north of Melksham Road in Holt.

They raised concerns about the impact of increased volume of traffic on the village, the impact on Holt’s character, the effect of additional street lighting, the impact on local wildlife, and the risk of flooding on the proposed development site. 

Local Wiltshire ward member, Cllr Trevor Carbin, called in the application due to the visual impact on the local area, the scale of the development, its relationship to adjoining properties and the environmental and highway impact.  

Redcliff Homes was approached for a comment but failed to respond.

Wiltshire Council is expected to decide its application by Thursday, December 12.