Wednesday 10th July 2013
Nick Parker, Chairman of EBRAG (the East Boreham Residents Action Group) writes:-
Just to remind you that the Wiltshire Council Core Strategy for sustainable residential development in Warminster until 2026 is due to be examined tomorrow by the Planning Inspector in Trowbridge Civic centre. The examination is due to start at 0930 hrs. I have attached an outline of the agenda below to give all a taste of the proceedings during the day.
EBRAG have represented concern to the Planning Inspector, in writing, about the soundness of the Sustainability  Assessment, conducted by Wiltshire Council, for development of Home Farm land. EBRAG views will be taken into consideration during any review. EBRAG will not therefore be representing these views again verbally tomorrow, but committee members will be present to monitor the arguments put forward against the Wiltshire Core Strategy. It is expect that the main objectors to the plan are agents, acting on behalf of the developers and land owners, who will argue that West Warminster Urban Extension cannot be completed early enough and therefore other land should be developed to compensate. The numbers of houses proposed for Warminster and town boundary developement limits could also be contested.
The results of the examination with the findings and judgement of the Inspector should be known in the Autumn – exact date to be confirmed.
EBRAG committee will continue to keep you updated.
Agenda
1. Welcome and Introductions (09.30)
2. Factual updates and clarifications (as necessary)
3. Focus for Discussion
Matter 9: Community Areas – Warminster, Westbury and Wilton
Does the CS take a robust approach to the identified community areas of Wiltshire and key settlements? Is the approach consistent with national policy and will the objectives of the plan be capable of effective delivery?
R) Warminster Community Area
With due regard to the consideration of alternatives, does the CS take a justified approach towards the Warminster Community Area? Will it be effective in terms of delivery?
1. What is the justification for the strategy embodied in CP 31?
2. Does the CS reflect adequately the community strategy for the area?
3. Is the approach of the CS supported by adequate evidence pertaining to the Habitats Directive, particularly in relation to the River Avon SAC and the Salisbury Plain SPA? Does the urban extension take into account its potential effect upon the AONB?
4. Is the distribution and amount of employment land clear, justified and deliverable? Are needs to be met? How have alternatives been considered?
5. Is the level and distribution of housing justified adequately with due regard to alternatives and the demands upon infrastructure?
a. Is the strategic allocation for the area justified by the evidence base and of an appropriately defined size and location? How have alternatives been considered?
b. Is the CS clear as to the deliverability of the non strategic housing?
Should specific sites be allocated?
6. Is the town boundary defined appropriately with regard to 44 and 48 Bath Road?
7. Does the CS make an adequate assessment of the infrastructure, including water supply, education and the emergency services, needs of the area to support the development proposed?
8. How will the housing and employment land be phased to deliver the strategic intentions of the CS?
9. Is Chapmanslade justified as a large village?
Strategic Allocations – Development Template Appendix A
10. What evidence supports the development template for the land at West Warminster Urban Extension? How will this site be reflected adequately on the Policies Map?
11. Does the template provide adequate information in relation to likely infrastructure requirements and implications? Are these justified and deliverable with due regard to the viability of development?
12. Are the housing requirements clear and justified, including affordable housing?
13. Does the template acknowledge effects upon heritage assets adequately?
14. Do Natural England and the Environment Agency have any outstanding concerns in relation to this site?