The Eastern Area Planning Committee of Wiltshire Council met on Thursday 9 July 2026. The primary item scheduled for discussion was a proposal to divert a public footpath in the Parish of Chute. The committee also had the minutes of the previous meeting to consider.

The Wiltshire Council Parish of Chute Path No.18 Diversion and Definitive Map and Statement Modification Order 2025

The committee was scheduled to consider objections and representations regarding the proposed diversion of Chute Path No.18. This diversion order was made under Section 257 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and Section 53 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The reason for the proposed diversion was to enable the construction of a triple-bay garage and a change of land use from no fixed use to residential use at the Cross Keys, Upper Chute, under planning reference PL/2025/03438. This development would obstruct the recorded route of the footpath.

The report pack indicated that fourteen objections and one representation of no objection had been received. Objections raised concerns about the use of Section 257 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, arguing that the diversion was not strictly necessary for the garage construction and that the proposed route was less enjoyable, with restricted views and sharp bends. Concerns were also raised about the historical significance of the path, its location within a conservation area, and the potential for it to set a precedent for future diversions.

The report pack noted that the planning application for the garage had been approved on 8 May 2026, and the diversion of the footpath was a condition of that planning permission. The report also highlighted that government guidance suggests a predisposition to diverting public rights of way out of private residential curtilages. The proposed diversion would create an alternative highway approximately 105 metres long with a width of three metres, replacing the existing path of approximately 100 metres.

The report pack recommended that the Order be forwarded to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (SoSEFRA) with a recommendation from Wiltshire Council that the Order be confirmed without modification.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The committee was scheduled to consider the minutes of the meeting held on 16 April 2026. The minutes from the previous meeting indicated that the committee had noted the Planning Appeals included within the agenda and the update provided by the Development Manager Team Leader. A significant item from the previous meeting was the consideration of Listed Building Consent for the retention of a painted striped colour scheme to the front elevation of The Moonrakers Inn in Pewsey.