The Southern Area Planning Committee met to discuss planning appeals, updates, and two planning applications. The committee approved the construction of a new dwelling at Styles Close in Porton, despite local objections. They also refused a variation to a previously approved application for a highway depot near East Knoyle, citing concerns about its impact on the Cranborne Chase National Landscape¹.

Planning Appeals and Updates

The committee noted the Appeals Report, which provided details of completed and pending appeals. Completed appeals included decisions on:

• Land adjoining Springfield, Highfield Lane, Woodfalls: Two appeals (PL/2024/00814 and PL/2024/07067) for the erection of dwellings were dismissed. The inspector, S Harrington, found that the proposals would adversely affect the integrity of the River Avon Special Area of Conservation (SAC) due to increased nutrient levels.
• Barn and Farmyard, High Street, Tilshead: An appeal (PL/2024/02391) for the conversion of an agricultural barn to a dwelling was dismissed. Inspector E Worley found that the proposal would adversely affect the River Avon SAC due to increased nutrient load. A partial award of costs was allowed to the appellant, the Gordon Family, due to the council's unsubstantiated arguments regarding the heritage implications of the proposal.
• Grove Cottage, Nightingale Lane, Wardour: An appeal (PL/2024/07477) against the refusal of a replacement dwelling and outbuilding was dismissed. Inspector P Brennan found that the proposal would harm a non-designated heritage asset and the character and appearance of the area.
• Walhampton, Petersfinger Road, Petersfinger: An appeal (PL/2024/09070) against a condition relating to a dormer window was dismissed. Inspector JJ Packman found that varying the condition would harm the amenities of nearby residents.
• Land on the South West side of Chalk Pit Cottage, Blandford Road, Coombe Bissett: An appeal (PL/2024/09459) against the refusal for permission in principle for new-build residential housing was dismissed. Inspector Colin Cresswell found that the site was unsuitable due to its impact on designated habitat sites. An application for costs by Jadeplant Forest Ltd against Wiltshire Council was refused.
• 97 East Gomeldon Road, Gomeldon: An appeal (PL/2024/10490) against a condition preventing the sale, rental, or separation of a dwelling was allowed. Inspector JJ Packman found the condition unnecessary and not relevant to planning.

Land at Styles Close, Porton, Salisbury, SP4 0BG

The committee approved planning permission for application PL/2025/03225 for a proposed three-bedroom family dwelling with associated parking and landscaping at Styles Close, Porton, subject to conditions.

Georgina Wright, the Senior Planning Officer, introduced the report recommending approval with conditions. The key issues identified were principle, heritage, character and design, neighbouring amenities, highway safety, ecology, and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)/Section 106 Agreement (S106)². The application had generated objections from Idmiston Parish Council and local residents.

Objectors raised concerns about the removal of a pedestrian path and visitor parking, the building's height, the impact on drainage infrastructure, and the site's location outside the defined settlement boundary.

Councillor Rich Rogers moved a motion of refusal, arguing that local housing needs had been met, the site was outside the housing development area, and the application was contrary to the Idmiston Neighbourhood Plan and core policies. Councillor Kevin Asplin seconded the motion.

The committee debated the weight given to Neighbourhood Plans versus the need for housing stock across the county. The officer clarified that the application was for a single dwelling and that the access was always intended to be shared use. Concerns about parking and storage were not considered planning considerations.

The motion for refusal was defeated. Councillor Brian Dalton then moved a motion of approval, with an added condition to restrict construction to standard hours, which was seconded by Councillor Nick Baker and carried.

Conditions included that the development must begin within three years, be carried out in accordance with approved plans, use specified materials, include a landscaping scheme, adhere to an aboricultural impact appraisal, meet water consumption limits, comply with the Wiltshire Council River Avon Special Area of Conservation Mitigation scheme, complete access and parking spaces, implement a Construction Management Statement, and restrict development and window/door alterations.

Land North of Holdens Farm Cottages, East Knoyle, SP3 6DE

The committee refused planning permission for application PL/2024/10980, a variation of condition 2 of PL/2022/05051 to amend approved plans for land north of Holdens Farm Cottages, East Knoyle, due to the impact of the increased height on the Cranborne Chase National Landscape. The application was withdrawn the following day, prior to a formal Decision Notice being served.

Hayley Clark, the Planning Officer, introduced the report recommending approval with conditions. The application was brought to committee because the applicant was Wiltshire Council, and there had been objections from a third party and the Parish Council. The changes included raising the ridge height by 3.81m, increasing the number of PV's to 60, internal layout changes, relocation of the washdown, a reduction in the size of the fuel store, and omitting the external battery store.

Councillor Bridget Wayman spoke in objection, stating that the increased height would make the building more prominent in the National Landscape, and the previously agreed tree planting scheme would not hide the new height. She also raised concerns about the unresolved issue of the bridleway being moved to run alongside the A350.

Councillor Wayman moved a motion of refusal, seconded by Councillor Rich Rogers, due to the impact of the increased height on the National Landscape of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The Planning Team Leader clarified that the bridleway matter had been settled from a planning point of view, and any separate matters would be for Rights of Way (RoW) to consider. There were no objections from AONB or Highways, and there was prior approval on the site.

The committee debated the current permissions, the requested increase in height, and whether a deferral would be preferable to allow time for a response from National Landscapes.

The committee voted to refuse planning permission, stating that the proposed roof would be over three metres taller than the previously approved building, and it was unclear whether suitable planting and landscaping would mitigate the visual impact. The committee considered that the enlarged building would likely have an adverse impact on the character of the landscape, contrary to Wiltshire Core Strategy policy CP51 and the aims of the NPPF and PPG.

Planning Appeals and Updates

The committee received details of the appeal decisions as detailed in the agenda. It was;

Resolved:

To note the Appeals Update.