The Western Area Planning Committee of Wiltshire Council met on Wednesday 22 April 2026 to discuss proposed changes to public rights of way and several planning applications. The meeting's agenda included the consideration of a diversion order for a footpath in Corsley and Selwood, and an extinguishment order for a footpath in Melksham, alongside planning applications for a new workshop at Enfield Works, gates at Old Stable House in Melksham, and an extension at 172 Littleworth Lane, Whitley.

Planning Appeals and Updates

The committee was scheduled to receive details of completed and pending planning appeals, as well as other relevant updates.

Rights of Way Applications

The Wiltshire Council Parish of Corsley Path No.7 and Parish of Selwood (Somerset) Path FR/14/24 (Part) Diversion Order 2026

The committee was to consider an objection to an order proposing the diversion of footpath Corsley 7 and part of Somerset footpath FR/14/24. The report indicated that the proposed diversion was intended to move the footpath away from a busy farmyard, citing reasons of public safety, biosecurity, and the creation of a more pleasant walk. The report detailed the legal tests under the Highways Act 1980 that needed to be met for such a diversion to be confirmed. The officer's proposal was that the order be forwarded to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with a recommendation for confirmation without modification.

The Wiltshire Council Parish of Melksham Path No.103 Extinguishment and Definitive Map and Statement Modification Order 2026

This item concerned an application to extinguish part of footpath Melksham 103. The reasons provided for the application included the path being scarcely used, attracting anti-social activity, and the existence of a superior alternative route along Fieldfare Way. The report detailed the legal tests under Section 118 of the Highways Act 1980 for stopping up a path not needed for public use. The order had received 63 representations in support or with no objection, and 3 objections. The officer's proposal was to forward the order to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with a recommendation for confirmation without modification.

Planning Applications

PL/2025/06683: Enfield Works, Upper Westwood, Wiltshire, BA15 2DH

The committee was scheduled to consider a planning application for the demolition of an existing office building and its replacement with two new workshop units, along with a new workshop unit as an extension to an existing pottery workshop. Associated drainage and landscaping works were also part of the proposal. The recommendation was to approve the application with conditions. The site is located within the Cotswolds National Landscape, the West Wiltshire Green Belt, and the Westwood Conservation Area. Concerns raised by third parties included adverse impacts on the Green Belt, National Landscape, and Conservation Area, as well as increased noise, smells, and light pollution.

PL/2025/09766 & PL/2025/09634: Old Stable House, 12A High Street, Melksham, SN12 6JU

This item concerned the erection of a pair of hinged steel gates across a private driveway, attached to the wall of an adjacent building. The recommendation was to approve the application with conditions. The site lies within the Melksham Conservation Area and adjacent to Grade II listed buildings. Objections raised concerns about the impact on the character and setting of the listed buildings and conservation area, as well as potential impediments to safe and convenient movement.

PL/2026/00489: 172 Littleworth Lane, Whitley, Melksham, SN12 8RF

The committee was to consider a planning application for a two-storey extension and associated external works to a dwelling. The recommendation was to approve the application with conditions. The application had been called in for committee consideration due to concerns about the scale of development, visual impact, and relationship to adjoining properties. Revised plans had been submitted, and the Parish Council maintained an objection regarding the design and materiality of the revised scheme.