Land west of Milbourne, Malmesbury

outline planning application (all matters reserved except access) for erection of up to 92 dwellings (including 40% affordable housing) together with associated access, parking, pedestrian and cycle routes, public open space, play space, landscaping, drainage and associated infrastructure

Authority: Wiltshire Council
Appeal type: major · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Hearing
Development: residential · Major dwellings
Inspector: Nicholls H

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

whether the scheme accords with the development plan in respect of its scale, nature and location
whether the location of the site and means of connectivity to services and facilities would be adequate for future residents to help reduce reliance on private vehicles
the effects of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area

What decided it

The substantial harm to the character and appearance of the area combined with inadequate, unsafe connectivity to Malmesbury significantly and demonstrably outweighed the housing supply benefits under the tilted balance.

the significant benefits of housing and affordable housing delivery, public open space, biodiversity and economic benefits were significantly and demonstrably outweighed by the substantial harm to character and appearance and the significant harm from inadequate connectivity and vehicle dependency, so the presumption in favour of sustainable development did not apply

Framework references: 11

Plan policies cited: Policy 1 of the Core Strategy, Policy 2 of the Core Strategy, Policy 13 of the Core Strategy, Policy 3 of the MNP, Policy 60 of the Core Strategy, Policy 61 of the Core Strategy, Policy 51 of the Core Strategy, Policy 57 of the Core Strategy, Policy 13 of the MNP, CS Policy CP43

Read the decision letter on the Inspectorate’s site

The main issues and the deciding factor are read from the published letter by Town Planner Pro; the letter itself is the record. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Research, not advice.