Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Persimmon told to think again.
The importance of 'contested', (those where the district council wants to give permission, but the parish council objects), planning applications being looked at by elected councillors was proved last night, when Persimmon had two planning applications refused.

In both cases the advice of the planning department was to grant approval, but the planning committee held a different view. The first application (04/00941) would have built across the line of the 'Staverton Diversion' which, whilst no longer in the local plan, is still a long term aspiration for the council. The second (04/01427) would have seen housing hard-up against the tow path and was refused as it would be out of harmony with the quality of the area, would dominate the landscape, would create an urban style of building in a rural setting, and would have a poor relationship with adjoining buildings. No doubt Persimmon will go to appeal, rather than compromise with the views of local residents and the parish council; but then that is what the people of West wiltshire are beginning to expect from this organisation.

The proposals for refusal were put forward by myself and Cllr. Carbin and, despite our differing views on 'political' matters it was interesting to see just how similar our views were on these applications. Perhaps there is something to be said for two member Wards, after all!!