The Eastern Area Planning Committee of Wiltshire Council is scheduled to consider two planning applications at its upcoming meeting. The committee will review a proposal for the retention of a distinctive painted front façade at a Grade II listed building in Marlborough and an outline planning application for a significant residential development south of Coate Road in Devizes.

Retention of Painted Façade at 95 High Street, Marlborough

The committee is scheduled to consider a listed building consent application for the retention of a burgundy and pink striped painted front façade at 95 High Street, Marlborough¹. The property is a Grade II listed building within the Marlborough Conservation Area². The report pack indicates that the current painted scheme is considered to detract from the building's architectural detailing and its setting within the conservation area. The case officer's recommendation is to refuse listed building consent, citing that the decoration is not a traditional form of elevational treatment for a listed building or local tradition within the area, and that it causes visual harm to the building's special architectural character and historic interest. The report suggests that the case should be referred to the Enforcement Team to seek the removal of the stripes.

Outline Planning Permission for Residential Development South of Coate Road, Devizes

A significant outline planning application for residential development is also scheduled for consideration. The proposal seeks permission for up to 175 dwellings, associated works, infrastructure, open space, and landscaping on land south of Coate Road, Devizes³. The site is located outside the defined Limits of Development for Devizes and is not allocated for development within the adopted development plan, meaning it conflicts with the council's spatial strategy.

However, Wiltshire Council is currently unable to demonstrate a five-year supply of deliverable housing land, which means significant weight is afforded to the delivery of new housing and affordable housing under national planning policy⁴. The proposal includes the provision of approximately 53 affordable homes, active travel improvements, public open space, and other infrastructure secured through planning obligations.

Despite these benefits, the Council Ecologist maintains an objection due to insufficient ecological information. Concerns remain regarding bat activity, the protection of dark ecological corridors, and aspects of the Biodiversity Net Gain assessment⁵. The report indicates that without this information, a full planning balance cannot be completed, and therefore the recommendation is to refuse planning permission. The report notes that if further ecological information is provided during any appeal process, the Council may reconsider its position.