This meeting was scheduled to consider a report on recent planning appeals and to decide on a reserved matters application for 54 homes on land north of Quakers Road in Devizes.

PL/2024/03117: Land North of Quakers Road and South of Parkfields, Devizes, Wiltshire

This application concerns a reserved matters application for 54 houses on land to the north of Quakers Road in Devizes. Outline planning permission for up to 57 houses on the site was previously granted following an appeal. The report pack contains a summary of the responses from consultees and members of the public, as well as the officer's assessment of the scheme in terms of planning policy.

The report notes that the reserved matters application seeks approval for the appearance, landscaping, layout and scale of the development. The proposed development includes 54 dwellings, 16 of which would be affordable, as well as open space and associated infrastructure. The report highlights the unusual road layout of Parkfields and the concerns that have been raised by local residents about highway safety. However, it notes that this was considered during the appeal, and the Inspector considered the level of traffic generated acceptable. The report also explains that Natural England has not objected to the scheme and that the applicant has submitted a Biodiversity Net Gain assessment that indicates the proposals will result in a net gain for biodiversity. It highlights the fact that Wiltshire Council cannot currently demonstrate a 4 year housing land supply. This means that there is a presumption in favour of sustainable development, unless any adverse impacts would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the scheme.

The report concludes that:

The scheme is considered to comply with the requirements of the development plan and is therefore recommended for approval.

Planning Appeals and Updates

The report pack contains a summary of planning appeals that have been received and decided by Wiltshire Council since the last Eastern Area Planning Committee meeting. It also contains an update on an appeal against Wiltshire Council's decision to refuse planning permission for outline permission for 2 houses on land south of 1 Townsend in Cheverell Magna. The report notes that:

This application has been ‘called-in’ by Cllr Mayes to discuss the impact of the proposed development in relation to the scale of development, the relationship to adjoining properties, design (bulk, height,general appearance), the environment, and highways and car parking and to allow an opportunity for a transparent debate on the proposal. It goes on to summarise the appeal, noting that the Inspector will decide the appeal following a process of written representations.