Appeal hearing set for proposed housing development at Lydiard Millicent
Plans for 56 homes face opposition due to environmental and policy concerns
An appeal hearing regarding the construction of 56 new homes at Lydiard Millicent is scheduled for 13th October, following Wiltshire Council's rejection of the proposed scheme.
Greatworth Property Managers Ltd's application to develop land off Meadow Springs was denied in December due to conflicts with local development plans, environmental issues, and substantial opposition from the parish council, local MP, and residents.
The contested site is part of a designated green buffer zone separating the village from urban Swindon.
Former ward councillor Cllr Steve Bucknell expressed concerns about the project’s scale, its visual and environmental impact, and its relation to neighbouring properties.
Current ward councillor Cllr Andrew Matthews supported Bucknell’s request for the application to be debated by the council planning committee.
Local MP Sarah Gibson criticised the plans, stressing alignment issues with the Lydiard Millicent Neighbourhood Plan and the potential loss of the village’s ‘local gap.’
Lydiard Millicent Parish Council's objections focused on the site's classification under the Wiltshire Core Strategy, environmental risks such as flooding, and the reliance on private vehicles due to inadequate infrastructure.
The council's planning report underscored that the development conflicted significantly with the neighbourhood plan, cautioning against the loss of rural character and additional strain on infrastructure.
Despite a flood risk assessment and drainage strategy by the applicant, planning officers deemed these insufficient to counter broader planning objections.
Concerns about unsustainable development and encroachment toward Swindon led to 130 public objections.
Greatworth Property Managers Ltd argues the development is justified by Wiltshire Council's difficulty meeting housing land supply targets.
The hearing will be held at Wiltshire Council’s offices at Monkton Park, Chippenham.