The Southern Area Planning Committee of Wiltshire Council was scheduled to discuss two significant planning applications: one concerning a variation to an approved dwelling in Tisbury and another for outline permission for up to 28 new dwellings in Mere. The committee was also set to receive an update on planning appeals.

Planning Application at Variety Barn, Tisbury

The committee was scheduled to consider a request to vary condition 2 of an approved application at Variety Barn, Hindon Lane, Tisbury[^1]. The application sought to alter the design and siting of a new dwelling that had previously received approval under application PL/2023/10016. The report pack indicated that the principle of development for residential use on this site had been established through previous consents, including one for the conversion of an existing stone barn and another for the demolition of the barn and erection of a self-build dwelling.

Key considerations for this application included the principle of development, housing land supply, self-build aspects, design, heritage matters, amenity impacts, public rights of way, the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs National Landscape[^2], highway safety, and ecological impacts, particularly concerning the River Avon Special Area of Conservation (SAC)[^3]. Tisbury Parish Council had raised objections, citing concerns about the significant changes to the dwelling's design and location, an increase in its size, and potential harm to the landscape and the International Dark Sky Reserve.

Outline Planning Application for Land at Woodlands Road, Mere

The committee was also scheduled to consider an outline planning application for land at Woodlands Road, Mere, Warminster[^4], for the formation of new vehicular and pedestrian access and the erection of up to 28 dwellings. This application was brought before the committee as it was located outside the settlement boundary for Mere, which is contrary to local policy. The report indicated that the proposal aimed to determine access, with the intention of building a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom homes, including 30% affordable housing.

The main issues for discussion included the principle of development, given its location outside the settlement boundary, and its conflict with Wiltshire Core Strategy policies[^5]. Other considerations were design and visual impact, amenity impacts on nearby properties, highway safety and parking, drainage and flood risk, impacts on protected species or habitats, and land contamination issues. The site's location outside the defined settlement boundary for Mere, a Local Service Centre, was a significant point of contention, as was the council's current inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply[^6], which engages the tilted balance in favour of sustainable development under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)[^7].

Wiltshire Council Highways had noted concerns about the suitability of pedestrian and cycle routes to local services, potentially increasing reliance on private cars. However, they indicated they would be guided by the committee on the suitability of an objection on policy grounds. The proposal also included requests for Section 106 obligations[^8] for improvements to Public Rights of Way, Early Years and Secondary Education contributions, open space provision, and waste and refuse contributions.

Planning Appeals and Updates

The committee was also scheduled to receive an update on planning appeals, including details of completed and pending appeals. The provided documents listed two received appeals: one for Poles Farm in Swallowcliffe and another for Barn 40m South Of Timberlea in Landford. One appeal decision was also noted: the dismissal of an appeal for 91 Bingham Road, Salisbury.