The Northern Area Planning Committee of Wiltshire Council was scheduled to consider a significant planning application for a material change of use of land for residential mobile homes, a village shop, and café. The committee was also due to receive updates on planning appeals and consider any urgent items.

Planning Appeals and Updates

The committee was scheduled to receive details of planning appeals that had been completed or were pending. This included a report on appeals received between 30 January 2026 and 2 April 2026, and a list of appeals decided within the same period. Among the decided appeals was one concerning the erection of a new warehouse building and associated works at Unit A, Chelworth Industrial Estate, Cricklade, Swindon, Wiltshire SN6 6HE, where the appeal was allowed. Another appeal, for the demolition of existing structures and construction of a one-and-a-half-storey extension to Merrythatch, Bushton, was dismissed. An appeal regarding the conversion of a barn to residential use at Whitley Farm, Whitley, was allowed, while an appeal for the erection of one dwelling at Land at School Lane, Lea, Malmesbury, was also allowed. Finally, an appeal concerning the demolition of an outbuilding and erection of extensions at 5 St Michaels Close, Lyneham, was dismissed.

Planning Applications

Land Adjacent to St. Mary's Close and to the South of Hollow Way, Bradenstoke

The committee was scheduled to consider a major development proposal for a material change of use of land to site mobile homes for residential use, alongside the development of a village shop and café with associated parking. The report recommended that planning permission be granted, subject to conditions and the completion of a legal agreement.

The proposal involves the siting of 19 mobile homes, which are defined as caravans under relevant legislation and are not considered permanent structures. The development also includes a small shop and café with a total floor area of approximately 57 sqm, intended to serve as a community facility. The site is located adjacent to the village of Bradenstoke, classified as a Small Village, and lies outside any defined settlement boundary.

The report noted that while the proposal conflicts with the Wiltshire Core Strategy's spatial strategy which prioritises development within settlement boundaries, an exception policy relating to accommodation for vulnerable and older people could apply. The proposed units are aimed at an older demographic, and a condition restricting occupancy to those over 55 would be necessary. The inclusion of a village shop and café was considered consistent with Core Policy 48, supporting small-scale village shops.

Concerns were raised by the Parish Council and numerous third parties regarding the impact on the village's rural character, infrastructure strain (water, sewerage, electricity, broadband), traffic and highway safety, environmental and wildlife impact, the viability of the proposed shop and café, accessibility, and healthcare provision.

However, the report concluded that the development would deliver 19 residential units, contributing to housing supply in an area with a significant shortfall, and would provide a much-needed village shop and café. The site's physical containment by existing development and a solar farm was noted, limiting landscape and visual impact. While acknowledging the conflict with the settlement strategy, the report argued that the adverse impacts would not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, engaging the tilted balance in favour of sustainable development.

The recommendation was to grant planning permission, subject to conditions covering time limits, approved plans, ecological enhancements, archaeological investigation, landscaping, drainage, highway safety, parking, waste management, noise and odour control, lighting, occupancy restrictions, and construction management. A Section 106 agreement was also proposed to secure contributions for open space, sports pitches, waste and recycling provision, and biodiversity net gain monitoring.