The Latest News From EBRAG

Monday 24th June 2013

The Committee of EBRAG (the East Boreham Residents Action Group) have just issued their latest update, with regards their fight against the residential development (320 houses) of Home Farm, Boreham, Warminster ~

EBRAG’s successful public meeting held in St. John’s Church, Boreham, in April 2013, was another excellent show of continued community opposition towards the speculative proposal to develop Home Farm. Very positive feedback was received by email and telephone following the meeting. 

The Hallam Land Management proposal was explained by Nick Parker at the meeting, with EBRAG actions highlighted, before two councillors Andrew Davis and Fleur de Rhe-Philipe (and also one standing for election – Paul Macdonald – later elected) took to the floor to answer questions, explaining that their response must be restrained due to the impending elections. Their input generated much discussion, which was welcome. EBRAG, on behalf of the community, has thanked them for their attendance and for contributing to the evening.

The Planning Inspector continues with his examination of the Wiltshire Council Core Strategy for development of residential housing to 2026. Members of EBRAG have attended recent examination hearings, where Wiltshire Council Planning Department are robustly defending their plan. Developers are arguing that the Wiltshire Council plan to build 39,000 houses (11,500 affordable), supported by infrastructure and employment opportunities will not meet the needs of Wiltshire by 2026, therefore the plan is not sound and the Inspector needs to increase housing numbers to at least 45,000+. Wiltshire Council maintain the plan is consistent with national policy, the forecast requirement for housing is reducing from that previously calculated and any increase above the figure proposed by Wiltshire Council will not be sustainable. In addition, an increase will have significant impact on supporting infrastructure, the surrounding environment and is not required. EBRAG represented formally against Wiltshire Council’s criteria to assess the suitability of Home Farm land for development. 

Of interest the Warminster plan will be examined by the Inspector in Trowbridge on Thursday 11th July 2013 starting at 0930hrs. Anyone requiring further information can visit the Wiltshire Council website or phone the mobile number below. The Inspectors findings and observations on the Wiltshire Council plan are likely to be published in September 2013, however it is anticipated that there may be some delay.

As part of their defence against increased housing numbers, Wiltshire Council have stated that they are very keen on the local community taking control of development through Neighbourhood Plans. 

Warminster Town Council are considering developing a Neighbourhood Plan and EBRAG believe that this should be be a priority. A Neighbourhood Plan would allow the community of Warminster to decide the type and location of future housing. More importantly the people of Warminster will have an input in the monitoring of the local services improvements that the Wiltshire Core Strategy has stated are required to support the 900 houses on the Warminster West Urban extension. Without a Neighbourhood Plan, it will be left to Wiltshire Council and Persimmon/Hannick to decide on the provision of local shops, play areas, doctors’ surgeries, the Kingdown School extension and the host of other changes that Warminster requires to support this large increase in the population of Warminster.

A community led application to seek Village Green status for the Home Farm land immediately behind the Dene has been submitted to Wiltshire Council. The deadline for comment has now passed and the review on the application has commenced. A recent letter in the Warminster Journal, with name and address withheld, accused EBRAG of “stealing” the land and therefore the loss of the authors sympathy towards “loss of views for those surrounding Home Farm”. Unfortunately the author failed to comment on how the proposal to build 320 houses at maximum density on prime agricultural land, for the profit of the land owners and development company only, would benefit the infrastructure and local community! This application, although fully supported by EBRAG, has actually been instigated by the community, mainly residents of the Dene, based on their communal use of the land over many years. If successful, the application will preserve the use of the land by local residents for recreational pursuits.

The EBRAG committee still requires input from any persons with expertise or interest in archaeology and if any one has some time to help, it will be gratefully received. 

The EBRAG website and social pages continued to attract attention, with the website now exceeding 1,000 hits since the counter was installed in the spring. 

The Planning Consultant, hired to advise on the Core Strategy, has submitted an excellent document for consideration by the Inspector and EBRAG now has access to further professionals when required.

The EBRAG committee continue to meet regularly and welcome input, comments, help and advice. There will be a further EBRAG update after the examination of the Warminster plan by the Inspector on Thursday 11th July 2013.

EBRAG Committee ~ telephone 07801-815463