The Northern Area Planning Committee is scheduled to consider several planning applications at its upcoming meeting. Key discussions are expected to revolve around the expansion of Springfield School in Calne, a significant residential development proposed for land north of Whychurch Farm in Malmesbury, and alterations to a listed building, The Burford Brown, in Lacock. Additionally, the committee will review plans for a new classroom extension at Hullavington Primary School.

Springfield School, Calne: Temporary Classroom Units

Plans are scheduled for discussion regarding the installation of two temporary modular units at Springfield School in Calne. These units are intended to provide four additional classrooms and toilet facilities, accommodating up to 40 pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The proposal is part retrospective, as the units are already in place. The report pack indicates that the development is considered acceptable in principle, aligning with the Wiltshire Core Strategy's¹ settlement strategy and the National Planning Policy Framework's² (NPPF) presumption in favour of sustainable development. The scheme is expected to deliver measurable environmental benefits, including a 10.53% Biodiversity Net Gain³, through new tree planting and habitat enhancements. Conditions are proposed to address matters such as drainage, ecology, landscaping, external lighting, and hours of use.

Land North of Whychurch Farm, Malmesbury: Residential Development

A significant outline planning application for residential development on land north of Whychurch Farm and west of Crudwell Road, Malmesbury, is scheduled for consideration. The proposal includes the construction of up to 149 dwellings, new vehicular access with footways and cycleways, public open space, and associated infrastructure. The report pack highlights that the site lies outside Malmesbury's defined settlement boundary, conflicting with Core Policies 1 and 2 of the Wiltshire Core Strategy. However, Wiltshire Council currently has a housing land supply⁴ shortfall of 2.8 years, engaging the NPPF's 'tilted balance'⁵. The proposal is considered to be sustainably located, with future residents expected to have a genuine choice of transport modes. Less than substantial harm has been identified to the heritage assets at Whychurch Farm and the Abbey Church of St Mary and St Aldhelm, which is considered to be outweighed by the public benefits of the proposal, including market and affordable housing. An update report addresses changes to the National Planning Policy Framework published in August 2026, confirming that the recommendation to grant planning permission remains.

The Burford Brown, Lacock: Replacement Outbuilding and Alterations

The Northern Area Planning Committee is scheduled to review plans for The Burford Brown⁶ public house at 22 Church Street, Lacock. The application seeks permission for the construction of a replacement outbuilding to create additional guest accommodation and a restaurant dining area, along with replacement windows and new surfacing to the forecourt. This proposal also involves listed building consent. The report pack indicates that the application conflicts with Core Policies 57 and 58 of the Wiltshire Core Strategy due to heritage harm. This harm arises from the loss of part of the listed building and its historic fabric, as well as the impact on the streetscene of East Street. While a Financial Viability Appraisal⁷ has been submitted to support the proposal, concerns have been raised by the Council's Conservation Officer and Estates Team regarding its scope and conclusions. The recommendation is for refusal of both planning permission and listed building consent, as the identified heritage harm is considered to substantially outweigh the public benefits.

Hullavington Primary School: Classroom Extension

Plans for Hullavington Primary School⁸ are scheduled for discussion, proposing the replacement of two mobile classroom buildings with a new, permanent three-classroom extension. This extension will include a nursery classroom, toilets, staff room, group rooms, and storage areas. The scheme also involves an extension to the car park, increasing provision from 6 to 14 spaces, and the relocation of a play trail. The report pack indicates that the development is considered a sustainable form of development, aligning with the development plan and NPPF. The design is intended to be in keeping with the local setting, with landscaping to soften its appearance. The proposal is not expected to result in adverse impacts on highway safety, the local road network, or neighbouring residential amenity. Biodiversity Net Gain⁹ is also addressed within the application. The recommendation is to grant planning permission, subject to conditions covering time limits, approved plans, lighting, surface water drainage, construction management, parking, landscaping, removal of temporary classrooms, and construction hours.