Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

The first tentative steps are being taken ...
The West Wiltshire Core Strategy is part of the Local Development Framework which will replace the District Plan.

The Core Strategy will set out a spatial vision for the towns and villages within West Wiltshire for the next 20 years and how it will be delivered through development and the use of land. It will replace the strategic parts of the District Plan and will indicate broad areas for future growth.

The Issues and Options Paper puts forward 3 alternative development strategies for West Wiltshire, identifies policy options covering such areas as the distribution of housing supply, provision of affordable housing, urban and rural employment, town centre and retail development, health and education provision, environmental issues etc. The paper also identifies broad areas of potential growth at the 5 main towns based upon sites put forward by landowners and developers earlier in the year.

The Issues and Options Paper is now available from the district council. Public consultation is scheduled to end on 29th February 2008 and public exhibitions will be held. The document and information about the consultation process can also be viewed via the Council's website using “Your place – Your future” at WWDC web site

On page 47 of the document three broad options relating to Hilperton are shown.

Option 1 is for 88 hectares of land for housing and other uses to the north east of Marsh Road around the old nursery site. This land has been put forward by Doric Developments and Edward Oatley & Son Ltd.

Option 2 is for 110 hectares of land for mixed use to the south of the A361. This land has been put forward by Edward Oatley & Son Ltd.

Option 8 is for 20 hectares of land for housing and mixed use in the Hilperton Gap (west of the proposed new road) and south of Devizes Road around The Grange. These parcels of land have been put forward by The Fare Trust and Persimmon, the owners of The Grange and Gallagher.

This is an important document that has, to date, received little publicity. You might like to get a copy of the document from the council and let them know your thoughts before the end of February!!

Hilperton Parish Council has organised an exhibition on Monday 18th February at the village hall, commencing at 7.30 pm. A representative of the district council will be there together with the WWDC display on the proposals.