Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Or are you happy to become a concrete jungle?

The revised housing figures being bandied about by Wiltshire Council planners should set alarm bells ringing - but doesn't seem to have done so for some reason.

The Inspector examining the 2026 Local Plan commented, amongst other things, that the number of houses allowed for during the life of the plan should be increased.

Rather than reverting to a higher figure which the WC Cabinet (I believe) kicked out, and which would have broadly satisfied the Inspector, the spatial planners have come up with a scheme which, to me, beggars belief.

Without going into too much detail the broad gist is that the Trowbridge area is targeted for a higher number of extra houses than the whole of south and east Wiltshire COMBINED are expected to take!!

So, it would seem that Trowbridge could well be the new Swindon if this farce is allowed to progress.

I understand that Trowbridge Town Council doesn't see a problem with the increased numbers - but then, of course, the houses will be built in the surronding parishes won't they!!

It will be interesting to see whether the Trowbridge Area Board gets involved in this.