Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

The application for 20 houses was decided on Wednesday evening.

The application avoided being refused by only one vote; so the committee was far from convinced by the scheme.

I proposed refusal on three grounds; a) concerns about parking, b) concerns about the quantity of affordable housing, and c) concerns about some of the materials proposed for some of the new houses. Following a debate amongst the Wiltshire Council planning committee members, my resolution was lost 4-5 with one abstention.

When the committee eventually voted to permit the scheme, there were many conditions and legal obligations imposed on the development and so it could be a while before any work starts.

Amongst the legal agreements £20,000 has to be made available for improvements to the village hall with an additional £10,600 to enhance the sports field/play area. There must also be a financial contribution towards the provision of traffic calming, enhanced bus infrastructure and improvements to Middle Lane. Finally, a contribution of £75,588 towards the provision of six primary school places will be required.