Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

The full letter to WWDC from Semington Parish Council ...
Dear Sir,

The Parish Council has considered the above Planning Application in detail and objects to the proposed development for the following reasons:

a. Retrospective Application. Significant work had been undertaken on the site before the planning application was submitted to WWDC. The Agent employed by the applicant has a history of submitted similar retrospective applications for developments of this nature.

b. Location of Site. The proposed site is too close to the crematorium and is an alien feature on a landscape that is predominantly rural and agricultural. It invades the peace and dignity of the crematorium. The proposed development is inappropriate development in countryside, outside the Village Policy Limits and in close proximity to the crematorium. There is already an existing travellers site to the west of the proposed development. A recent study into possible permanent travellers’ sites investigated the Corsely and Semington rural areas. Semington was rejected because of the lack of amenities. The position with respect to the lack of amenities is unchanged.

c. South West Regional Authority Gypsy and Travellers Needs Assessment. A recent study by the South West Regional Authority into Gypsy and Travellers needs concluded that only one new pitch (equalling two living units) was required in West Wiltshire. The proposed development introduces three pitches and eight caravans. There is no justification for this additional ‘housing’ development.

d. Biodiversity. A full biodiversity assessment of the development site must be undertaken before WWDC is in a position to consider this application. Such assessments and subsequent works to protect the biodiversity were a requirement for sites contiguous with the development site – the crematorium and the A350 Bypass road. The development site is directly adjacent to the ‘Balancing Pond’ that is likely to contain protected species (e.g. the great crested newt).

e. Environmental. The deposition of hardcore/aggregate/material of unknown origin and processing could lead to significant contamination of the ‘Balancing Pond’ and the Semington Brook.

f. Sewage disposal/pollution. It is unlawful to discharge any sewage or treated sewage materials into a watercourse without a consent to discharge being in place allowing this activity. The planning application does not show clearly how such waste is to be disposed.

g. Boundary Fence. The boundary fence is greater than the permitted 1.8m in height and the supporting struts (currently in use trespass on Wiltshire County Council (WCC) land. Soft Landscaping should be employed (trees, hedges etc) with a requirement for its maintenance by the applicant for a five year period.

h. Planning Application Details. There are a number of false statements in the planning application thus:

The answer ‘NO’ is given to the question ‘Is your proposal within 20 metres of a watercourse (e.g. river, stream or beck)’. It is within 20 metres!

In respect of ‘Biodiversity and Geological Conservation’, the answers to (a), (b) and (c) are given as ‘NO’. There are protected and priority species present.

In respect of ‘Vehicle Parking’, 6 cars are indicated. There is currently evidence of vans and light goods vehicles up to 3.5t.

Under ‘Vehicle access and hard standing’ the existing materials are described as ‘Hardcore topped with stone chippings’. Prior to the occupation of the development site the field was purely agricultural and unspoiled. The hardcore and stone chippings have only been imported and laid by the applicant prior to this planning application being submitted. The answer given by the applicant suggests that the hardcore and stone chippings were already there prior to the applicant occupying the site.

i. Highways/Access. The proposed (existing) access on to the A361 road is very dangerous and is within 50m of a busy roundabout. Vehicles exiting the site and turning right on to the A361 block the carriageway and present an additional danger to existing road users. There is no footpath/footway to the development site.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this application.