Blog

Will There Be A Place For Your Child In A Local Warminster School?

Tuesday 17th February 2026

From the Facebook page of EBBRAG:

Will there be a place for your child in a local Warminster school?

According to National Statistics, if all the current, planned developments in Warminster go ahead, despite our protests, at least a further 494 extra school places will be needed – 325 primary places and 169 secondary places. If you include the West Warminster Urban Extension, this jumps to 566 primary places and 294 secondary places needed.

At the very least this will mean larger classes and there is also the possibility of not being able to get your child into your first choice of school.

Warminster needs YOU to find a voice.

As a resident of Warminster, you will already be aware of the huge West Warminster Urban Extension/Jubilee Gardens where 1,000 new homes are currently being built, with another 500 due by 2042. Did you also know that a further approximately 700+ houses are at the planning stage?

  • Cley Hill View, 227 homes already approved and being advertised.
  • Ashley Coombe, 77 homes; planning permission applied for.
  • Westbury Road, 205 homes; rejected once in 2025, outline planning applied for again.
  • Home Farm, 135 homes; planning application expected imminently (the Neighbourhood Plan suggests 90 but the developer Bellway Homes would like 135).
  • Grovelands, 68 homes; building already started.

    Are these homes ALL really needed?

    Are they being planned in a responsible and sustainable way? They are all eating up green areas, rather than using brown field sites.

    What impact will these developments have on the lives of people already living in our town?

Despite what the Town Council would have us believe, a Neighbourhood Plan does not offer Warminster protection against these speculative development bids.

The whole premise of naming a potential site in the Neighbourhood Plan is to offer legal protection for the rest of Warminster for up to five years. Consider this example – Melksham Parish Council had an adopted Neighbourhood Plan, fully supported by local residents which excluded a site Snarlton Farm from designated building. On appeal, the developer has now gone to The Secretary of State for Housing, taking the decision right out of local hands.

And consider this – by the time the current draft Neighbourhood Plan is finalised, it is likely that all of the developments listed above will already have gone through the planning process and have been approved, not just the one they have named.

What can you do?

  • Register on the EBBRAG website. Our contact form is here: https://www.ebbrag.com/contact/
  • Make it known to our Town Council that you do not support any more large scale developments, in the absence of improved infrastructure and local services. You can email the council here: admin@warminster-tc.gov.uk

    How?
  • Sign up to say you agree with our Open Letter to The Town Council. https://www.ebbrag.com/letter/
  • Register your concerns in the draft Warminster Neighbourhood Plan Consultation. https://www.warminsterplan.com/
  • For further details from EBBRAG, email info@ebbrag.com or visit the EBBRAG website: https://www.ebbrag.com/

Botany Farm Contracting

Tuesday 17th February 2026

A message from Guy Burton:

Hello to you all from Botany Farm, Warminster.

This year we will again be making our lovely hay , Meadow with and without Timothy, still as four string bales.

We do have more exciting news as this year our fourth year here we will be starting Botany Farm Contracting as we know first hand how stressful it is when you’ve got your years hard work ready to be mown, tedded, raked and baled only to find that one of the contractors can’t make it!!!

So we definitely have the knowledge and over those years have built up great machines to help others out!

We will be launching a web site soon where everything you’ll need to know will be explained

Roll on the warm weather!

Thankyou!

Are You Struggling To Get A GP Appointment In Warminster When You Need To?

Monday 16th February 2026

From the Facebook page of EBBRAG:

Are you struggling to get a GP appointment in Warminster when you need to?

Our local practice staff work so hard, but are just overwhelmed by the demands on them. Well, no wonder. There are just over 18,000 people registered at Avenue Surgery, but only 7 partners and 4 salaried GPs. That’s ONE GP for every 1636 residents!

If all the planned developments go ahead in addition to the West Urban Extension, the numbers of households will increase by a further 1200. At just two people per household on average, that could mean an additional 2,400 patients at least!

How many of you received Wednesday 11th February’s text from The Avenue Surgery stating that they could only offer emergency provision for the day?

And not for the first time!

Increased housing is only going to make the situation worse.

At present, there seem to be no concrete plans for significant additional health provision. Its not as easy as just saying recruit more staff as there is a recruitment crisis in the NHS.

Warminster needs YOU to find a voice.

As a resident of Warminster, you will already be aware of the huge West Urban Extension/Jubilee Gardens where 1000 new homes are currently being built, with another 500 due by 2042. Did you also know that a further approximately 700+ houses are at the planning stage?

  • Cley Hill View, 227 homes already approved and being advertised.
  • Ashley Coombe, 77 homes; planning permission applied for.
  • Westbury Road, 205 homes; rejected once in 2025, outline planning applied for again.
  • Home Farm, 135 homes; planning application expected imminently (the Neighbourhood Plan suggests 90 but the developer Bellway Homes would like 135).
  • Grovelands, 68 homes; building already started.

Are these homes ALL really needed?

Are they being planned in a responsible and sustainable way?

They are all eating up green areas, rather than using brown field sites.

What impact will these developments have on the lives of people already living in our town?

Despite what the Town Council would have us believe, a Neighbourhood Plan does not offer Warminster protection against these speculative development bids.

The whole premise of naming a potential site in the Neighbourhood Plan is to offer legal protection for the rest of Warminster for up to five years. Consider this example – Melksham Parish Council had an adopted Neighbourhood Plan, fully supported by local residents which excluded a site Snarlton Farm from designated building. On appeal, the developer has now gone to The Secretary of State for Housing, taking the decision right out of local hands.

And consider this – by the time the current draft Neighbourhood Plan is finalised, it is likely that all of the developments listed above will already have gone through the planning process and have been approved, not just the one they have named.

What can you do?

  • Register on the EBBRAG website. Our contact form is here : https://www.ebbrag.com/contact/
  • Make it known to our Town Council that you do not support any more large scale developments, in the absence of improved infrastructure and local services. You can email the council here. Email: admin@warminster-tc.gov.uk

How?

Concerns Following Temporary Closure Of The Bath Arms, Crockerton

Saturday 14th February 2026

An anonymous post on the Facebook page Spotted In Warminster Town:

The “temporary” closure of The Bath Arms in Shearwater has caused real concern across the community, particularly amid fears about possible sewage pollution affecting the nearby river.

There has been extensive local discussion about wastewater infrastructure and environmental issues playing a role in the decision.

Yet clear public information remains limited, and residents are understandably calling for transparency.

The closure’s impact on staff has also been deeply felt.

Despite being described as temporary, both part-time and permanent employees have reportedly lost their jobs all within a week, while seasonal roles remain.

This has left many people confused about how decisions have been made, especially if the pub could reopen within weeks.

The Bath Arms team, from kitchen to front-of-house, worked tirelessly to make the pub a thriving part of village life, and their contribution is widely valued.

Above all, the community is asking for two things: clarity about the environmental situation affecting the river and reassurance the staff who helped make the Bath Arms Shearwater what it is, are being treated with care and respect.

Sugar Hut Is Sweet And Special

Friday 13th February 2026

A message from The Sugar Hut, 11a Silver Street, Warminster, BA12 8PS:

Just over a year ago, Sugar Hut opened its doors in the heart of Warminster. My mum had a vision to bring something sweet and special to our little town, because there was nothing quite like it here. She wanted to create a place full of colour, happiness and treats that would make people smile.

Sadly, my mum passed away not long after opening, and at just 16 years old I made the decision to take over and continue what she started. It hasn’t always been easy, but the support from our amazing community has meant everything to me.

Since taking over, the shop has grown into such a success, and I’m so proud of how far we’ve come. Every jar we fill and every customer who walks through the door reminds me why she started this journey in the first place.

I’m working every day to fulfil my mum’s dream to make it bigger, better, and even sweeter than she imagined. Thank you to everyone who has supported us this past year. You’re not just supporting a small business, you’re helping keep my mum’s dream alive.

Here’s to many more sweet years ahead.

www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565483296831

sugarhut1986@gmail.com

Flood Warning: Warminster To Wilton

Wednesday 11th February 2026

A flood warning has been issued by the Environment Agency.

Flood warning in force: Lower Wylye from Warminster to Wilton

Flooding is expected for: Heytesbury, Suffers Bridge, Boyton, Codford St Peter, Wylye, Great Wishford and Wilton.

High river levels are expected to cause flooding today.

Flooding is expected on 11 February 2026. River levels are expected to cause flooding.

River levels continue to rise due to the previous days of rain and high groundwater levels. The weather forecast looks unsettled and further rainfall is forecast over the next few days. River levels are forecast to continue to rise.

We are closely monitoring the rainfall and the river levels. Start acting on your flood plan if you have one and activate any flood protection products you may have.

We are closely monitoring the situation.

Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water.

This message will be updated by 1:00PM on 12 February 2026 or as the situation changes.

Act now

You should: go to Check for flooding to see a map of the area and monitor up-to-date local flood information, and act on your personal flood plan if you have one. Follow the guidance in what to do before or during a flood. You can also read more about what flood warnings are.

Stay up to date. To get the latest flood information, you can: go to Check for flooding. Monitor local weather, news and travel updates. call Floodline on 0345 988 1188, using quick dial code 166057

Warning Of Ground Water Flooding For The Wylye Valley At Warminster

Wednesday 11th February 2026

From the Facebook page of Bill Parks, Cllr Warminster North and Rural:

Currently the Environment Agency – South and South West has a flood warning for groundwater flooding for the Wylye Valley at Warminster.

Please check the flood warnings and if your property is at risk, take steps now to protect yourselves and your property.

Full details https://orlo.uk/vDEgY

Flooding information https://orlo.uk/5lP07

Sign up for flood warnings https://orlo.uk/acWCc

www.facebook.com/BillParksWNR

Upgrade To The Sewerage System At The Bath Arms, Crockerton

Monday 9th February 2026

From the Facebook page of The Bath Arms, Shearwater at Crockerton:

It is with regret that we announce the temporary closure of the Bath Arms on 16th February for essential upgrades to our sewage system.

We would like to thank all our loyal customers and employees for their support since we opened in the summer of 2023 and look forward to welcoming you all back once the works are completed.

In the meantime the team will be offering service as normal until close of business this coming Sunday so please do join us before the closure.

Meeting: Should The Raymond Trust Fund Make An Offer For The Unsold Recreational Land In Heytesbury?

To bid or not to bid?

Do you think the Raymond Trust Fund should make an offer for the unsold recreational land in Heytesbury?

All residents of Heytesbury, Knook and Tytherington are invited to an open meeting of the Raymond Trust:

Tuesday 10th February 2026, at 7.00pm in Heytesbury Church.

An Ongoing Review Of Flood Behaviour Within The River Wylye Catchment Area Around Boreham And Bishopstrow

Friday 6th February 2026

A letter from the Boreham & Bishopstrow Flood Group to Wessex Water Planning/Developer Services Team:

Dear Wessex Water Planning / Developer Services Team,

I am writing on behalf of the Boreham & Bishopstrow Flood Group in relation to ongoing review of flood behaviour within the River Wylye catchment around Boreham and Bishopstrow.

We are currently engaging with the Environment Agency regarding cumulative flood behaviour.

Following a number of recent flood events, the group is seeking to better understand potential cumulative drivers affecting river loading and downstream flood risk. As part of this work, we are reviewing whether wastewater infrastructure and discharge patterns may contribute to baseline flows within the catchment.

We would therefore be grateful if you could provide general clarification on the following points:

  • Whether wastewater networks or treatment works serving the Boreham / River Wylye catchment operate under known hydraulic constraints;
  • Whether surcharge conditions or storm overflow activation occur during peak rainfall or flow events;
  • Whether additional development within this catchment would typically require reinforcement or capacity assessment of existing wastewater infrastructure.

This enquiry is intended to support a catchment-level understanding of system-wide pressures rather than assessment of any individual site.

We appreciate that detailed responses may depend on specific proposals, but any general guidance or direction to relevant published information would be extremely helpful.

Many thanks for your time and assistance.

Kind regards,

Jeremy Kelton
On behalf of the Boreham & Bishopstrow Flood Group.

error: Content is protected !!