The Northern Area Planning Committee of Wiltshire Council met on Wednesday 16 September 2026 to consider a range of planning applications. The agenda included proposals for educational facility extensions, new housing developments, and alterations to a public house.

Springfield School, Calne

The committee was scheduled to consider the installation of two temporary modular units at Springfield School to provide four additional classrooms and toilet facilities. This application was part retrospective, intended to accommodate an increase in pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The report pack indicated that the proposal aimed to mitigate the loss of four category B trees by planting eleven native replacements, achieving a 10.53% Biodiversity Net Gain. No objection was raised by Highways, and conditions were proposed to manage neighbour amenity, lighting, and noise.

Land to the North of Whychurch Farm and West of Crudwell Road, Malmesbury

An outline planning application for residential development, including up to 149 dwellings, new vehicular access, public open space, and associated infrastructure, was scheduled for discussion. This application was deferred from a previous meeting to allow for consultation with Historic England. An update report addressed the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) published in August 2026, which introduced new policies such as DM1 to DM7 and updated guidance on climate change and heritage assets. Historic England noted a modest impact on the setting of the Grade I listed Abbey Church of St Mary and St Aldhelm, recommending that this harm be weighed against public benefits. The report indicated that the Council could not demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, engaging the NPPF's tilted balance in favour of development.

The Burford Brown, Lacock

The committee was to consider applications for full planning permission and listed building consent for alterations to The Burford Brown public house in Lacock. The proposals included the construction of a replacement outbuilding to create additional guest accommodation and a restaurant dining area, replacement windows, and new surfacing to the forecourt. The report highlighted that the application conflicted with Core Policies 57 and 58 of the Wiltshire Core Strategy due to heritage harm, specifically the loss of part of the listed building and its contribution to the streetscene. A Financial Viability Appraisal was submitted to support the proposal, but concerns were raised by the Council's Conservation Officer and Estates Team regarding its scope and conclusions. The recommendation was to refuse both planning permission and listed building consent due to the heritage harm outweighing the public benefits.

Hullavington Primary School

The committee was scheduled to consider the replacement of two mobile classroom buildings at Hullavington Primary School with a new, permanent three-classroom extension. The report indicated that the scheme aimed to provide a sustainable form of development, replacing temporary structures with permanent facilities. The proposal included an extension to the car park, a relocated play trail, and landscaping. The Council's Ecologist raised no objection subject to conditions, and the Highway Engineer also raised no objection, noting that the development would not increase pupil numbers or trip generation.

Planning Appeals and Updates

Details of completed and pending planning appeals were also scheduled to be presented to the committee.

The meeting was scheduled to be held in the Council Chamber at the Council Offices, Monkton Park, Chippenham, SN15 1ER. The meeting was open to the public, with provisions for public participation through statements and questions.