Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Wiltshire Council news from Ernie Clark.

Your Independent councillor for Hilperton.

Wiltshire’s delayed Core Strategy is out for consultation again – where will the extra houses be built?

The consultation is now open and runs until Tuesday, May 27. The web address is http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/planninganddevelopment/planningpolicy/wiltshirecorestrategy/wiltshirecorestrategyexamination.htm

It is restricted to the changes which can be found on the Schedule of Proposed Modifications.

The Trowbridge Area housing data starts on page 50.

The report states 'Over the plan period (2006 to 2026), 25 hectares of employment land (in addition to that delivered or committed at April 2011) and at least approximately 7,000 (up from 6,000) new homes will be provided within the Trowbridge Community Area. At Trowbridge approximately 5,860 dwellings will be delivered and will involve an area for strategic growth including land identified to the south east of the town (Ashton Park), which extends towards the A350 to the south and the railway line to the west for strategic growth. An additional 950 dwellings will then be developed at the town only once improved secondary school provision is in place toward the end of the plan period and there has been a further assessment of effects on protected bat species and their habitats to ensure they are properly safeguarded.'

My concern relates to the extra 950 houses and where they can be located.

My fear is that Persimmon will see this as a green light to apply for permission to start developing the Hilperton Gap.

It is important that as many people as possible register their concerns with WC using their own form of words. ‘Unique’ letters receive more attention than obviously photo copied ‘standard’ letters of objection.

Road and rail links are shocking for Trowbridge whereas Chippenham has a railway mainline to London, Wales and the south west together with a short dual carriageway to the M4. Salisbury has direct rail links to London and the south west and only a short road link to get to the A303. Why are these areas not being utilised for more of the extra housing that has to be found?