The Northern Area Planning Committee of Wiltshire Council met on Wednesday 12 August 2026 to discuss several planning applications and a proposal to modify public rights of way. The meeting's agenda included consideration of applications for new housing developments in Calne and Cricklade, as well as a proposal to divert a bridleway in Purton.

Highways Act 1980 Section 118 and Section 26: Purton Path 104 Extinguishment and Creation Orders

The committee was asked to consider proposals to extinguish part of Path 104 in Purton and create a new bridleway. This followed 13 representations in support and 11 objections to the orders. The report recommended that the orders be forwarded to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with a recommendation that they be confirmed without modification. The proposal involved diverting a section of Bridleway Purton 104 (PURT104) which currently passes through the garden and across the driveway of Restrop Farm. The landowners, Mr and Mrs Mosely, applied for the diversion on the grounds of improving privacy and security. Concerns were raised by objectors, including Purton Parish Council and Councillor Jacqui Lay, regarding the historical significance of the route, the change of land use from agricultural to garden without planning permission, and the potential for the diversion to set a precedent. Supporters, however, highlighted that the proposed diversion offered a more rural and less intrusive route, was better maintained, and safer for horse riders and dog walkers. The officer's report concluded that the legal tests for extinguishment and creation were met, taking into account recent Defra guidance which presumes in favour of diversion or extinguishment of rights of way passing through private dwellings, their curtilages, and farmyards.

Planning Application PL/2026/00135: Land off Spitfire Road, Calne

This application sought reserved matters approval for the demolition of existing structures and the construction of 90 homes, along with areas of open space, a play area, and sustainable drainage infrastructure. It also included the discharge of several conditions related to boundaries, surface water, ecological management plans, and noise assessments, pursuant to an outline planning permission. The application was called in by Councillor Ashley O'Neill due to concerns about the layout, density, and integration with the settlement edge. Calne Town Council raised concerns about the density of the layout, lack of usable green space, and pedestrian safety, although they welcomed proposed enhancements following discussions with the applicant. Compton Bassett Parish Council also expressed concerns about the cumulative strain on local infrastructure and drainage. WC Highways raised no objections subject to conditions, and WC Drainage was satisfied with the revised surface water plans. WC Ecology raised no comment, but Wiltshire Swifts requested a condition ensuring the provision of swift bricks.

Planning Application PL/2026/01804: Land North of 281 Quemerford, Calne

This application proposed the erection of two semi-detached self-build bungalows. The site lies outside the Calne settlement boundary, conflicting with Core Policies 1 and 2 of the Wiltshire Core Strategy. However, Wiltshire Council's inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply engaged the NPPF's tilted balance, giving significant weight to the delivery of new housing. The proposal was supported by the Ward Councillor, Councillor Sam Pearce-Kearney, who highlighted the need for smaller, affordable homes and the self-build aspect. WC Highways raised no objection, subject to a condition for cycle parking. WC Ecology raised no objection, subject to conditions for ecological appraisal compliance and lighting controls. Calne Town Council commented that while bungalows are welcomed, the proposal was considered acceptable in the context of the housing shortfall and its location adjacent to existing development.

Planning Application PL/2025/03672: Land East of Biddestone Lane, Yatton Keynell

This application was for a full planning permission for a residential development of 55 dwellings, including 40% affordable housing, public open space, access, drainage, and landscaping. The site lies outside the defined settlement boundary of Yatton Keynell, conflicting with Core Policies 1, 2, and 10 of the Wiltshire Core Strategy. Significant harm was identified to the setting of the Grade II* listed Manor House and the Yatton Keynell Conservation Area, as well as the loss of Best and Most Versatile Agricultural Land. However, substantial benefits were noted, including the delivery of 55 new homes, 22 of which would be affordable, economic benefits, and the provision of green infrastructure. The Council's inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply engaged the NPPF's tilted balance, leading to a recommendation for approval, subject to conditions and a Section 106 legal agreement. Concerns were raised by Yatton Keynell Parish Council and Biddestone and Slaughterford Parish Council regarding highway safety, drainage, and the cumulative impact of development.

Planning Application PL/2023/10331: Land south of The Forty and North of Chelworth Road, Cricklade

This outline planning application sought permission for up to 49 dwellings and associated works, along with the provision of a cemetery. Both sites were located outside the Cricklade settlement boundary, conflicting with the development plan. However, the Council's housing land supply shortfall engaged the NPPF's tilted balance. There were 103 objections, primarily concerning transport, highways, flooding, overdevelopment, and conflict with planning policy. Cricklade Town Council objected on multiple grounds, including conflict with the development plan and infrastructure pressure. WC Highways, Drainage, Ecology, and Archaeology raised no objections subject to conditions and legal agreements. Natural England also raised no objection subject to mitigation for the North Meadow Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Thames Water identified foul water capacity issues, leading to a condition to align occupation with infrastructure confirmation. The proposal included 40% affordable housing and land for a cemetery, which was supported by the Town Council. The officer's recommendation was for planning permission to be granted, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement.

Planning Application PL/2025/02257: Land to the North of Whychurch Farm and West of Crudwell Road, Malmesbury

This outline planning application proposed residential development of up to 149 dwellings, new vehicular access, public open space, and associated infrastructure. The site lies outside the Malmesbury settlement boundary, conflicting with Core Policies 1 and 2 of the Wiltshire Core Strategy. The Council's housing land supply shortfall engaged the NPPF's tilted balance. Less than substantial harm was identified to the heritage assets at Whychurch Farm and the Abbey Church. Concerns were raised by Malmesbury Town Council, St Paul Malmesbury Without Parish Council, and Councillor Gavin Grant regarding the scale of development, traffic impact, and loss of views. WC Highways, Drainage, Archaeology, and Ecology raised no objections subject to conditions and legal agreements. WC Conservation raised an objection regarding harm to heritage assets. Natural England raised no objection. The officer's recommendation was for planning permission to be granted, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement, concluding that the benefits of the development, particularly housing and affordable housing provision, outweighed the identified harms. However, an addendum to the officer's report recommended deferral of the application to allow for consultation with Historic England regarding the identified impact on the Grade I listed Abbey Church of St Mary and St Aldhelm.

Planning Appeals and Updates

The committee received details of completed and pending planning appeals, including a list of appeals received and decided between 26 June and 31 July 2026. This included decisions on applications for residential development, conversions, and minor alterations.

Urgent Items

There were no urgent items of business scheduled for discussion.

Part II of the agenda, concerning items to be considered with the public excluded, was noted as having no items.