The Strategic Planning Committee met to discuss planning appeals, a large warehouse application in Melksham, a solar farm proposal near Potterne, and the conversion of agricultural buildings in Winterbourne Earls. The committee voted to instruct officers to address a flaw in an appeal decision relating to a Gypsy and Traveller site, deferred a decision on the warehouse for further consideration, refused the solar farm application, and approved the conversion of agricultural buildings.

Gypsy and Traveller Site Appeal

The committee discussed an appeal decision regarding a Gypsy and Traveller site at Landoff Sodom Lane in Grittinam, near Brinkworth and Royal Wooten Basset. Francis Moreland, a member of the public, raised concerns about a cost decision against the council, arguing that the inspector's ruling on consistency with a previous decision was challengeable.

Kenny Green, Planning Manager, explained that the appeal followed the committee's decision to refuse an application for a Gypsy and Traveller site for four pitches for one family, based on accessibility and landscape harm. The inspector found the council's reasoning inconsistent with a previous decision on a nearby site.

Green highlighted a flaw in the appeal decision related to landscape mitigation, as the inspector failed to condition the maintenance of a proposed hedge. He suggested the committee consider instructing him to write to the inspectorate to identify this flaw.

Councillor Howard Greenman supported Green's suggestion. The committee agreed to instruct Green to write to the Appeal Inspector, pointing out the flaw in the decision.

Land to the South of A365 Bath Road and West of Turnpike Garage, Melksham (PL 2024 11426)

The committee considered an outline application for a large warehouse and office building on land to the south of the A365 Bath Road and west of Turnpike Garage, Melksham. Russell Brown, Senior Planning Officer, presented the report, recommending refusal based on six reasons, including ecology, landscape character, residential amenity, harm to a listed building, and drainage.

Brown explained that the application was contrary to the local plan and would cause a high level of harm. The proposed building would be 21,000 square metres in size, and the site is not on allocated land. He noted that should the committee be minded to approve the application, it would need to be referred to the Secretary of State.

Councillor Newbury asked if, in the event of a refusal, a message could be sent to the applicant that the council would like to work with them to find a suitable alternative site. Nick Thomas, Director of Planning Economy and Regeneration, responded that there had been extensive discussions with the applicant over many years, but finding a suitable site had been challenging due to the specific needs of the business.

Councillor Griffin moved to approve the application, but withdrew his proposal after Green advised that approving the application without an appropriate ecological assessment would be open to legal challenge. Griffin then proposed a deferment of the decision pending the ecological and other assessments.

Green advised that the applicant had only agreed to an extension of time for the decision until the day of the meeting, and deferral could expose the council to an application for non-determination. Sam Gompels, speaking as a supporter, stated that the ecology was 90% done and that the applicant would not pursue non-determination if the decision was deferred.

Councillor Brautigam proposed a deferral for further consideration of each of the refusal reasons, which was seconded by Griffin. After debate, the committee voted to defer the decision for further consideration of the six reasons for refusal.

Land South of Potterne Park Farm, Devizes (PL/2023/10332)

The committee considered an application for a solar farm comprising ground mounted solar PV panels with a generating capacity of up to 49.9 MW on land south of Potterne Park Farm, Devizes. Jonathan James, Senior Planning Officer, presented the report, recommending refusal due to unresolved archaeological issues.

James summarised late representations from Market Lavington Parish Council and the Pot and Solar Action Group, raising concerns about landscape destruction, ecological harm, loss of farmland, unsafe access, and inflated benefits. He explained that the applicant believed the archaeological issues could be resolved with a condition, but the council's archaeologist maintained that intrusive investigative work was needed in advance.

Councillor Greenman raised concerns about the agricultural land classification, the north-facing orientation of the site, and the highways impact. He questioned the difference between this application and a previously refused application, PL/2024/04926.

Councillor Newbury questioned why the applicant's view on agricultural land classification was being treated as more reliable than the view of Natural England. She also raised concerns about the Potten Parish Council's neighbourhood development plan¹ and the lack of weight being given to it.

The committee voted to refuse the application, with the officer's recommendation plus Councillor Greenman's amendment relating to landscape impact and Councillor Newbury's amendment relating to the neighbourhood development plan forming part of the reason for refusal.

Land at Manor Farm, Summerlug, Winterbourne Earls (PL/2024/05302)

The committee considered an application for the change of use of eight existing agricultural buildings to commercial use at Manor Farm, Summerlug, Winterbourne Earls. Becky Jones, Senior Planning Officer, presented the report, recommending approval subject to referral to the Secretary of State due to the size of the scheme and its location outside a settlement boundary.

Jones explained that the proposal was a farm diversification scheme and would provide 57 new commercial units. She noted that there were no objections from the parish councils or the local member.

Councillor Fultz asked why the application was being considered by the Strategic Planning Committee when it could have been dealt with under delegated powers.

Councillor Bayliss moved the officer's recommendation, which was seconded by Councillor Brautigam. The committee voted unanimously to approve the application, subject to referral to the Secretary of State.

Urgent Items

Councillor Greenman raised concerns about the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA) and the need to progress the matter. He noted that the requirement for pitches had decreased from 81 to 60, but he was anxious to formalise an initiative to identify existing sites and start the process.

Councillor Griffin endorsed Greenman's comments. Nick Thomas assured the committee that the matter was on his radar and would be progressed.