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From Ernie Clark.
Firstly, may I wish you a belated Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
2025 has been a bit of a ‘mixed’ year for Hilperton.
In May I was re-elected to represent Hilperton Division – many thanks if you voted for me; and thanks for voting even if it was for another candidate!
The ‘Maxcroft Farm’ housing application off Marsh Road received outline planning permission, but the Hilperton Area Action Group (HAAG) is still of the opinion that there are many issues with the site.
Believe it or not, Elizabeth Way opened ten years ago this year, on 21st October (Trafalgar Day) 2015!!
The planning inspector has upheld refusals on a number of applications. It shows that it is still worth objecting to applications if you have valid grounds.
In addition, the Wiltshire Council (WC) Local Plan was not well-received by the appointed inspectors during the first phase of the inspection. They have asked for more information on various points. The next phase of the plan has been delayed by a few months. Of course, this means that Hilperton (and the rest of Wiltshire) Is again open to speculative planning applications from developers.
As I have mentioned previously, if it wasn’t for the greed of the landowner(s), development would not take place – even this government doesn’t sanction compulsory purchase for ‘open market’ housing. Developers only build on land which the owners want to ‘monetise’ rather than farm.
What will we see in 2026?
The development(s) along Elizabeth Way should be finished and, no doubt, Trowbridge Town Council will apply to have them transferred into the town – pity the owners whose council tax will increase by 1000%. From about £20 per annum, to £200. Might be a bit of a shock to them!
WC will, no doubt, be looking for a 4.99% increase in council tax. The accounts of WC don’t look very rosy and the reduction in government grants to the shires will have an effect running into several million pounds.
It is intended that WC will increase the council tax charge for second, and long-term empty, homes. This is not something that the parish council is allowed to do.
The parish council is scheduled to take over the maintenance of the four Hilperton play areas from WC and progress is being made towards this.
WC will hopefully come up with a better idea for a 20mph zone/area through the village. The current ‘suggestion’ seems to be pointless for 95% of the residents.
The parish council will continue to seek land to purchase as ‘open space’ but will probably receive a polite ‘No thank you’ from anyone approached.