Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Another step along the road ...
At a recent meeting, the Wiltshire Council western area planning committee considered a confidential report.

The report asked the committee to decide whether the council should defend the appeal by Marstons PLC against the Council's decision not to discharge part of the Section 106 agreement relating to the open area of land adjacent to Star East at Hackett Place. The appeal would be dealt with by means of a Public Inquiry.

After a detailed debate the committee decided that Wiltshire Council will NOT defend the appeal and the appellant and the Planning Inspectorate have been advised accordingly.

Although the decision is now in the public realm, the report itself remains confidential and so I cannot disclose its contents.

As a result of this decision, the Public Inquiry will still go ahead in order that members of the public may offer evidence if they wish. However, the odds must be that Marston will be successful in their appeal and thus be allowed to build the pub.

The Inquiry will be held on March 23rd in the council chamber at the Bradley Road office of Wiltshire Council.