The Western Area Planning Committee of Wiltshire Council met on Wednesday 22 April 2026 to consider a range of planning applications and rights of way matters. The agenda included discussions on proposed diversions and extinguishments of public footpaths, as well as decisions on several planning applications for new developments and alterations to existing properties.

Planning Appeals and Updates

The committee was scheduled to receive details of completed and pending planning appeals. An updated appeals report was provided, outlining decisions made between 7 March 2025 and 10 April 2026. This included the dismissal of two appeals relating to the installation of BT Street Hubs on the pavement outside Boots in Trowbridge, citing concerns over highway and pedestrian safety.

Rights of Way Applications

Two significant rights of way applications were scheduled for consideration.

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

This application concerned the proposed diversion of a public footpath that crosses the boundary between Wiltshire and Somerset. The report indicated that the existing route was blocked by historic buildings and passed through a busy farmyard, raising concerns about public safety, biosecurity, and the overall public enjoyment of the path. The proposed diversion aimed to reroute the path away from the farmyard and through more pleasant countryside. The committee was asked to consider one statutory objection to the order and recommend its confirmation without modification to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

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

This item concerned the proposed extinguishment of a section of footpath MELK103 in Melksham. The applicants, who own property adjacent to the path, cited reasons such as the path being rarely used, attracting anti-social behaviour, and the availability of a superior alternative route along Fieldfare Way. The report detailed that 66 responses were received regarding the order, with 63 in support or expressing no objection, and three objections. The committee was asked to consider these objections and recommend the order's confirmation without modification.

Planning Applications

Three planning applications were scheduled for determination.

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

This application proposed the demolition of an existing office building at Enfield Works and its replacement with two new workshop units, along with an extension to an existing pottery workshop. The proposed uses for the new units fall under Class E (commercial, business and service uses), including office, research and development, and light industrial activities. The proposal also included associated drainage and landscaping works. The site is located within the Cotswolds National Landscape, the West Wiltshire Green Belt, and a Special Landscape Area, and the report highlighted the need to consider the impact on these designations, as well as on heritage assets and neighbouring amenities. The recommendation was to approve the application subject to conditions.

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

This application, submitted by Councillor Andrew Griffin and his wife, sought planning permission and listed building consent for the erection of a pair of hinged steel gates across a private driveway. The gates would be attached to the wall of an adjacent neighbouring building and are intended to control access to Old Stable House. The site is located within the Melksham Conservation Area and between two Grade II listed buildings. Concerns had been raised regarding the impact on the character and setting of these heritage assets, as well as potential highway safety implications. The recommendation was to approve both the planning application and the listed building consent, subject to conditions.

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

This householder application proposed a single-storey front extension and porch, a two-storey side extension, and external alterations, including associated demolition and landscaping works. The application was called in for committee consideration due to concerns raised by the local ward member regarding the scale of the development, its visual impact, and its relationship with adjoining properties. Revised plans had been submitted, reducing the scale of the proposal, and a Construction Management Plan was provided. The recommendation was to approve the application subject to conditions.