The Northern Area Planning Committee of Wiltshire Council met on Wednesday 8 July 2026 to consider several planning applications. The meeting was scheduled to discuss proposals for the expansion of Malmesbury C of E Primary School, including the construction of new classrooms and facilities, as well as a new footpath to be used as a temporary construction access route.

Malmesbury C of E Primary School Expansion (PL/2025/07919)

The committee was scheduled to consider a proposal to extend Malmesbury C of E Primary School to increase its capacity from 420 to 630 places. This would involve the construction of nine additional classrooms and associated facilities, along with a multi-purpose hall. The plans also included internal alterations to the existing school building, the creation of a new staff car park with vehicular access from Gleiser View, reconfiguration of the existing car park, and the development of new pedestrian and cycle routes. Landscaping improvements, including new play areas and a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), were also part of the proposal.

The recommendation was to approve the application, subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement to secure monitoring contributions and a Deed of Variation to an existing Section 106 agreement to amend the Public Open Space obligation.

Concerns were raised by the Council's Schools Place Commissioning Lead regarding a potential oversupply of school capacity based on current need, as well as objections from other local schools citing a lack of demonstrated need and potential impact on their viability. However, officers noted that while there was no current demonstrated need, refusing permission solely on this basis would be difficult, as future demand could increase. The proposal was considered to align with the Malmesbury Neighbourhood Plan's allocation for school expansion and offered benefits such as improved connectivity and economic uplift.

Footpath Construction for School Expansion Access (PL/2026/02397)

This application was for the construction of a new path adjacent to the southern boundary of Malmesbury C of E Primary School. The path was intended to serve as a temporary vehicle access route during the construction phase of the school's expansion. In the longer term, it would function as a permanent pedestrian and cycle link, connecting existing routes and improving connectivity towards the centre of Malmesbury.

The recommendation was to approve this application, subject to conditions. While concerns were raised by local residents regarding the temporary use of the route as a construction access, particularly regarding traffic and safety on Poole Road and Tetbury Hill, it was considered that these impacts could be managed through a Construction Traffic Management Plan. The long-term benefit of an improved pedestrian and cycle link was seen as a significant advantage.

Planning Appeals and Updates

The committee was also scheduled to receive details of completed and pending planning appeals. This included a list of appeals received between 1 May 2026 and 26 June 2026, and appeals decided between 1 May 2026 and 26 June 2026. These reports provided an overview of appeals, including application numbers, site locations, proposals, officer recommendations, and appeal decisions.

The appeals discussed covered a range of planning matters, including:

• PL/2025/03194 at Stable Yard at No 61, West Street, Great Somerford, concerning the redevelopment of a stable yard for a self-build dwelling.
• PL/2025/03943 at Land at Notton, Corsham Road, Lacock, an outline application for two self-build dwellings.
• PL/2025/04403 at Merkin Farm, Doctors Hill, Box, concerning the change of use of an agricultural building to a dwelling.
• PL/2025/04540 at Unit 6 Yard, Chelworth Lodge, Cricklade, an application for a Certificate of Lawfulness for existing use for commercial purposes.
• PL/2025/06324 at Land at Crab Mill Lane, Lea, an outline application for a self-build dwelling.
• PL/2025/07685 at Land at Kington Lane, Chippenham, an outline application for up to eight self-build dwellings.
• PL/2025/08571 at Land at Arms Gardens, Sutton Benger, for the erection of up to nine dwellings.
• PL/2025/09732 at The Stables, Doctors Hill, Ashley, Box, for retrospective permission for change of use of part of a barn for residential purposes.
• PL/2025/09810 at Land at Brakenhill Mews, Upper Seagry, a Permission in Principle application for four to nine dwellings.
• PL/2026/00302 at 7 Sadlers Mead, Chippenham, revisions to an approved application for a dormer window and render.
• PL/2026/01149 at Park Farm Barn, Westrop, Corsham, concerning the change of use of a rural building to a dwellinghouse.
• PL/2026/01620 at Land North of West Street, Great Somerford, a Permission in Principle for up to two dwellings.

Decided appeals included:

• PL/2022/04776 at Land South of Spine Road East, Ashton Keynes, for a nature park with holiday lodges, which was allowed with conditions.
• PL/2024/08011 at Land at Kingsdown Road, Kingsdown, Corsham, for a Certificate of Lawfulness for existing use as a dwellinghouse, which was allowed.
• PL/2024/11385 at The Spice Merchant, Holloway, Malmesbury, concerning change of use and erection of a dwelling, which was dismissed.
• PL/2025/00485 at 86-87, Kington St Michael, Chippenham, for garage extensions, which was allowed with conditions.
• PL/2025/04544 and PL/2025/04791 at Hazeland Mill, Bremhill, Calne, concerning extensions and refurbishment of a home/office storage building, both of which were dismissed.
• PL/2025/04904 at Ruins of Former Cottage at Barn Farm, Foxham, for demolition and replacement with a self-build dwelling, which was dismissed.
• PL/2025/05111 at Land to the rear of Warren Business Park, Knockdown, for up to four dwellings, which was allowed.
• PL/2025/06513 at 5 The Tynings, Love Lane, Box Hill, concerning a rear/side extension and other works, where the appeal was dismissed on the reasonableness of a condition.
• PL/2025/06646 at Bevanro, Hornbury Hill, Minety, for bungalow extensions, which was allowed with conditions.
• PL/2025/07456 at 7, 8 -9 Nethercote Hill, Lacock, for a two-storey rear extension, which was dismissed.
• PL/2025/08242 at Barns Lee, Eastcourt, Malmesbury, for a pool room and outbuildings, which was dismissed.
• PL/2026/00549 at 43 Oak Road, Chippenham, for a two-storey side extension and garage demolition, which was dismissed.

The meeting was scheduled to take place in the Council Chamber at the Council Offices, Monkton Park, Chippenham. The agenda also included standard items such as apologies, minutes of the previous meeting, and declarations of interest. Public participation was also a scheduled item, allowing members of the public to make statements or ask questions regarding items on the agenda.