Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

The application for more housing at Blacklands was refused last night.

The western area planning committee considered six applications under the PFI scheme last night and permitted only one of them. Three were deferred and two were refused.

The perceived feeling was that the committee felt that the various applicants were, in general, trying to squeeze too many houses into areas that already have provision for affordable housing under legal agreements.

The Staverton application, which I called to committee months ago, was refused 'nem con' with only the Chairman abstaining. However, as the land is not owned by Wiltshire Council (even though the application was tied into the PFI project) the applicant has the right to take the decision to appeal with the Planning Inspectorate.

Part of the basis for the PFI scheme was that it should be done with the consent of local people and so one would hope that re-negotiation, rather an appeal, will take place.