Latest on plans for 149 houses in shadow of Abbey in Wiltshire
A proposal for a significant new housing development near Malmesbury Abbey is set to be reviewed by planners next week.
Gleeson Land is seeking approval to build up to one hundred and forty-nine homes on fields north of Whychurch Farm and west of Crudwell Road. The plans feature new access roads for cars, footpaths, cycleways, public green spaces, landscaping, and related infrastructure.
Back in August, Wiltshire Council’s Northern Area Planning Committee delayed their decision, asking for further analysis of how the project might affect views and the setting around the Grade I listed Malmesbury Abbey. Councillors raised concerns that Historic England - the Government’s official adviser for heritage - had not been consulted. This was described as a procedural issue that could undermine the council’s decision-making process.
Last week, the heritage body stated it was satisfied the development would have only a modest impact on the Abbey.
“The proposal has the potential to impact on the significance of the monument through a change in its setting with the reduction in the open land to the north-east of Malmesbury Abbey,” said Historic England.
“We have assessed this and have concluded that this proposal will have a modest impact on the significance of the monument.”
Council officers are recommending approval when the planning committee meets on Wednesday, September sixteenth.