The Southern Area Planning Committee is scheduled to meet to discuss a diversion order for a public footpath, planning appeals, and an application to build a retail unit. The committee will consider representations and objections to a made order regarding a footpath diversion, and will also review completed and pending planning appeals. Finally, they will discuss and potentially make a determination on a planning application for a new retail unit in Salisbury.

Rights of Way

The committee will be asked to consider representations for and against The Wiltshire Council Parish of Sutton Mandeville Path 13 Diversion and Definitive Map and Statement Modification Order 2025. The order proposes to divert part of Footpath 13 in Sutton Mandeville, and modify the definitive map¹ and statement² accordingly.

The application to divert the footpath was made by Birketts LLP on behalf of Andrew and Emily Lodge, who own The Homestead, and is based on a need to improve the privacy and security of their home.

The report pack states that the council previously consulted on a revised proposal, which would:

delete approximately 130 metres with a recorded width of 0.91 metres. The path to be created is approximately 160 metres with a recorded width of 2 metres with no additional furniture.

The committee will be asked to consider 5 representations in support and 10 objections to the order. They will then be asked to decide whether to forward the order to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, recommending confirmation with a modification to correct a naming error.

The report pack includes details of the legal tests that the council must consider, including the interests of the landowner, the convenience of the new path, and the effect on public enjoyment. It also notes the council's Rights of Way Improvement Plan, which recognises the need to consider the needs of those with mobility impairments.

The report pack also refers to Defra guidance on rights of way, which states that there should be a presumption to divert a right of way which passes through private dwellings or their curtilages and gardens.

Planning Appeals

The committee will receive an update on planning appeals. The report pack lists planning appeals that have been decided between 31 October 2025 and 28 November 2025, including appeals relating to:

• Beehive Cottage, Portway, Old Sarum - Erection of a new dwelling, landscaping and associated works.
• Land at 30-36 Fisherton Street, Salisbury - Redevelopment for retirement living accommodation.
• 69 Tollgate Road, Salisbury - Side and rear extension.

Planning Application

The committee will consider application number PL/2025/05931 for the demolition of existing garages and erection of a retail unit at The Greyfisher, Ayleswade Road, Harnham, Salisbury, together with associated works. The applicant is Greene King Commercial Investments Ltd.

The proposed retail unit would be Class E³, and the application also includes alterations to the means of access and car parking, as well as a garden pergola and festoon lighting.

The report pack notes that Salisbury City Council objects to the application, citing highways concerns, the design's negative impact on local amenities, and conflict with the Salisbury Neighbourhood Development Plan. There are also concerns about the potential for antisocial behaviour, parking, and light pollution.

The report pack includes a retail statement from the applicant, as well as representations from Southern Planning Practice on behalf of Culverhill Retail Ltd, who object to the application on the grounds of harmful traffic impact and harm to local independent trading.

The planning considerations include:

• The principle for retail development
• Retail Impact Assessment and Sequential Test
• Scale, design and impact on the character of the area
• Impact on neighbouring amenity including noise and lighting
• Drainage
• Highway safety and Parking
• Ecology, Biodiversity Net Gain and Trees