The Southern Area Planning Committee of Wiltshire Council met on Thursday 20 August 2026 to consider a mixed-use commercial development proposal and to receive updates on planning appeals. The meeting's agenda included a detailed report on the Armishaw Removals site in Netherhampton, Salisbury, which proposed a convenience retail unit, a drive-through coffee unit, and two B8 industrial units.

Planning Application: Armishaw Removals, Netherhampton Road, Netherhampton, Salisbury

The committee was scheduled to consider a mixed-use commercial development at Armishaw Removals, located on Netherhampton Road, Netherhampton, Salisbury, SP2 8RA. The proposal included the construction of a convenience/food retail unit, a drive-through coffee unit, two B8 units with ancillary office use, and the retention of an existing B8 warehouse. Associated parking, access, and servicing arrangements were also part of the application.

The report pack indicated that the application was brought before the committee at the request of Councillor Brian Dalton, Portfolio Holder for Social Care performance and wellbeing input to Local Plan development, due to concerns regarding visual impact, design, bulk, height, general appearance, and highway impact.

The report detailed the principle of development, noting that while the site was outside the settlement limits, it was a previously developed employment site surrounded by recent housing developments. The retention and creation of employment units were considered a public benefit.

Regarding retail impact, the report referenced a commissioned assessment which concluded that the proposed convenience retail unit and drive-through would not have a material adverse effect on the vitality or viability of Salisbury city centre. It also stated that there were no sequentially preferable sites available for the development and that the proposal would not conflict with Policy 28 of the Salisbury City Neighbourhood Plan. The report highlighted that the provision of retail facilities in the Harnham area, which was considered to have limited provision, was a positive consideration.

Concerns raised by third parties regarding increased traffic on Netherhampton Road, noise pollution, and potential anti-social behaviour were noted. However, the council's highways officer raised no objection, subject to conditions regarding parking and access provision. A transport assessment submitted by the applicant concluded that the development would not have a severe impact on the highway network.

In terms of design and appearance, the report acknowledged objections that the development might be an overdevelopment and have an adverse impact on the setting of Salisbury. However, it concluded that the proposed buildings, with their contemporary design and materials, were considered acceptable and would fit with the existing aesthetic of the area, subject to conditions controlling external materials and finishes.

Amenity impacts on neighbouring residential properties were also a key consideration. The report noted that the proposed B8 industrial units would be located close to dwellings in Riddell Way. However, it concluded that the distance and oblique angles would not cause overbearing issues warranting refusal. Noise and disturbance were addressed by the council's public protection officer, who raised no objections subject to conditions regarding hours of operation, plant installation, and a construction management plan.

Flooding and drainage were considered in light of public concern. The council's drainage officer found the proposed surface water drainage strategy acceptable in principle, subject to conditions securing detailed design and long-term management of the SuDS system.

Ecological impacts were assessed, with the report noting the presence of badger setts and proposing mitigation measures secured by condition. Impacts on Great Crested Newts were considered minimal. The development was also assessed in relation to the New Forest and River Avon Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), with the conclusion that it was not likely to have significant impacts. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) was addressed, with a requirement for a Biodiversity Gain Plan to be submitted post-determination.

The report also covered tree protection, with no objections raised by the council's tree officer, subject to protection measures being implemented. Archaeology was considered, with no concerns raised by the council's archaeologist based on previous investigations.

The report concluded that the planning balance weighed in favour of the development, citing public benefits such as improved retail offer, increased employment opportunities, and biodiversity enhancement, and recommended that planning permission be granted subject to a series of conditions.

Planning Appeals and Updates

The committee was also scheduled to receive details of completed and pending planning appeals. This included information on appeals received between 3 July and 7 August 2026, and appeals decided within the same period. Notably, an appeal regarding Castle View Care Centre, 8 Old Castle Road, Salisbury, was dismissed on 13 July 2026 by an Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State. The appeal related to a variation of conditions and removal of a condition concerning window openings and obscure glazing. The Inspector's decision highlighted concerns regarding the potential adverse effect on the integrity of the River Avon SAC through increased nutrient loading, stating that mitigation measures had not been sufficiently secured.