The Southern Area Planning Committee of Wiltshire Council met on Thursday 18 June 2026, considering two significant planning applications and a proposal to extinguish a public footpath. The committee approved a full planning application for four industrial units at Solstice Park, Amesbury, but refused planning permission for a housing development on land at Woodlands Road, Mere, after a tied vote was broken by the Chairman's casting vote. The committee also recommended that an order to extinguish Fovant Path no.20 be forwarded to the Secretary of State for determination.

Planning Applications

Land to the South of Sunrise Way, Solstice Park, Amesbury, SP4 7QA (Application Number: PL/2023/04997)

The committee approved a full planning application for four industrial units comprising Use Class E(g)(iii), B2 and B8 uses, alongside associated access, parking, landscaping and services. The development, located within the Solstice Park Principal Employment Area, was considered to be in principle acceptable and in accordance with the Wiltshire Core Strategy's policies for employment land. While acknowledging significant third-party concerns regarding amenity impacts, particularly noise, dust, and vibration from construction and operation, officers concluded that these could be adequately mitigated through planning conditions. Technical consultees, including the Public Protection team, Highways, and Ecology, raised no objections subject to conditions. The development was considered to be in keeping with the established character of Solstice Park, with its scale and design deemed appropriate. The potential impact on the setting of the Stonehenge, Avebury & Associated Sites World Heritage Site was assessed as minimal.

Land at Woodlands Road, Mere, Warminster, BA12 6BT (Application Number: PL/2025/07327)

The committee refused planning permission for an outline application for the formation of a new vehicular and pedestrian access and the erection of up to 28 dwellings. The refusal was based on significant landscape harm and highway safety concerns. Members considered that the development, located outside the settlement boundary in the open countryside and designated Special Landscape Area, would significantly alter the rural character of the approach to Mere. Concerns were also raised about the cumulative impact of this proposal and other adjacent housing developments on the surrounding highway network. Despite the Council's acknowledged lack of a five-year housing land supply, which would normally trigger a presumption in favour of sustainable development, the committee determined that the adverse impacts on landscape and highways demonstrably outweighed the benefits of providing housing. The decision was made by the Chairman's casting vote after the committee was tied at five votes for and five against refusal.

Rights of Way

Highways Act 1980 - Section 118 - The Wiltshire Council Parish of Fovant Path no.20 Extinguishment and Definitive Map and Statement Modification Order 2025

The committee recommended that the Order be forwarded to the Secretary of State for determination, with a recommendation from Wiltshire Council that the Order be confirmed without modification. The proposal sought to extinguish Fovant Path no.20, a 35-metre public footpath that had been obstructed and unused since the 1960s. Objections were received from Fovant Parish Council and several residents, who argued the path was needed for pedestrian safety to avoid a dangerous road junction and that its non-use was due to unlawful obstruction. Officers, however, concluded that the legal tests for extinguishment were met, citing the path's lack of use, its close proximity to private property, and limited public benefit. While acknowledging the safety concerns raised by objectors, the Highways team advised that the path's junction with Dinton Road could present a danger to pedestrians. The committee was advised that the DEFRA guidance on rights of way through private property created a presumption in favour of extinguishment if legal tests were met, and that the impact on the landowner's privacy and security was considered significant, with little impact on the public.

Other Matters

The committee received details of Planning Appeals and Updates. The Chairman explained the meeting procedure to members of the public, and there were no declarations of interest. Apologies were received from Councillor Alan Bayliss. The minutes of the previous meeting held on 18 June 2026 were approved.