Category: Warminster Open Spaces Society (WOSPS)

Information for the Warminster Open Spaces Society (WOSPS).

Flooding In Warminster – Support For The Solution

Wednesday 22nd September 1999

Warminster Open Space Protection Society (WOSPS)

Flooding In Warminster – Support For The Solution

Dear WOSP,

Since we formed a little over 3 years ago we have fought the development of Warminster Common, Bugley Barton, St Andrew’s Road, the National Trust site in Boreham Road, Grovelands Way, Warminster School hockey pitch, Home Farm (east of The Dene), Victoria Road (H12) and numerous other incursions proposed in the First Alteration of the District Plan. We have managed to bring planned new houses in Warminster down from about a thousand to approximately 200. After three years of continuous operations some of us are beginning to think that it can be left for someone else to carry on the good work.

Much of our strength is drawn from those who do not use the open spaces that we fight to protect but are members because they oppose development because of the flooding problems that it causes to them, their friends and neighbours. Flooding is a key reason for refusing development but it is also hell on earth for those who suffer the effects. This is an appeal for you to turn out to support the Hydrological Survey which has identified a need for up to £125,000 worth of work for the Fore Street area. Our Councillor members have put a great deal of work into this project but must now fight for the necessary money when £300,000 is to be slashed off the District Council budget next year. They must be seen to have strong local support.

As the First Alteration of the District Plan moves towards its Enquiry In Public (EIP) it is clear that Wren Close, St Andrew’s Road, Bugley Barton and many others are under a sustained threat from developers. Your immediate area of interest may be quiet at the moment but it will come under threat again.

Having attended many council meetings it is clear that when a group of complainants or supporters turn up and some are prepared to speak it has a very real effect on the Councillors.

Please attend the Local Area Committee meeting at Kingdown School on Thursday 30th September at 7pm (and bring a friend). If you wish to speak please book in by 6.30pm. If you need a lift please call me.

Nigel D. Linge, Chairman.
6 Swift Mead, Warminster, Wilts, BA12 8DT.
Telephone (01985) 213644. Fax 300977.

Decisions Made At WOSPS Meeting

Record of decisions from the Warminster Open Spaces Protection Society (WOSPS) Meeting held on Tuesday 22nd September 1999:

Attendance & Apoligies for Absence –
Nigel (Chair) and Wendy Linge
Brenda Trow (Treasurer)
Deidre Waugh (Bradley Road Hedge Focus)
Brian Griggs
Elisabeth Collyns (Warminster Civic Trust)
Reg Judge (Rights Of Way member)
Jock Godenzi
Denise Keating-Wilkes (National Trust Boreham Field site)
Margaret Purkiss (Warminster Civic Trust)
Councillor David Lovelll (Warminster Town Councillor)
Mr & Mrs Cooper
Councillor John Syme (Warminster Town, District and County Councillor)
Chris Bull
Sharon & Mac MacMillan
Tony Jackson
Richard Haes

Chairman’s Address
Nigel explained that he would be in the Philippines on the date of the next meeting and asked for a volunteer to chair the next meeting. None was forthcoming. No further action.

Treasurer’s Report
Brenda reported £50.29 in the kitty.

Boreham Road National Trust Site
This was discussed at length. The Town Council has now agreed the 10 year lease. The Town Council has also written to District Council for this to be included in the Rural Buffer. Nigel suggested that an active East Ward councillor may like to make a Town Green application. Nigel undertook to write to WWDC to get the designation of the land changed to a Recreational one to further inhibit future development plans.

Fore Street Sports & Recreation Ground
This became another heated “Flooding Discussion”. Nigel reported that he had written to the Chief Executive at WWDC but had no acknowledgement. John reported a lot of activity by Chief Executive and others and that the Town Council would contribute £10,000 towards the cost (between £70,000 and £1225,000). Nigel to write to all Members urging them to attend the Southern Area Committee meeting at Kingdown School on Thursday September 30th (by 6.30pm if you wish to speak in the Open Forum).

Ruskin Drive
Not represented. No further action.

Victoria Road (H12)
Tony reported that a dog bin had been erected in North Lane (adjacent to the site). The TPOs had been adopted at last. John Syme passed Tony Jackson a compliment (worthy of note). The Town Council had also suggested that H12 be included in the Rural Buffer. No further action.

The Dene
Chris Bull reported no apparent activity. The Town Council has also applied for this to be included in the Rural Buffer. TPOs for beech trees that would need to be felled if access were to be gained through the rick yard were discussed. John Syme suggested that although a blanket TPO may be in force in the Conservation Area it would be better if a spercific TPO were to be applied for. Chris Bull to liaise with John Syme on getting TPOs.

Grovelands Way
David reported that WWDC had done some work on the Children’s Play Area fencing and that the site was looking better maintained. John Syme reported on a plan to conduct a biological survey and his proposal that some of the area become a local nature reserve (LNR). Newton Homes still have a planning application “on ice”. All members are urged to write to the Planning Policy Group c/o Julia Evans at the Planning Policy Office, WWDC, Bradley Road, Trowbridge, supporting the idea of an LNR.

Warminster Common
Nigel reported that he had chased up WWDC on grass cutting, hedge and tree planting and “doggie bins” (a letter confirming this will happen has since arrived). Town Green status was discussed. Nigel reported that he is still waiting for 12 councillors to reply. David, John and Tony very co-operative on this subject. Nigel to produce the paperwork for West Ward Councillors to process through the Town Council.

Any Other Business
Flooding. Nigel emphasised that members must attend Council meetings if we were to have any influence on decisions.
AGM. Now moved back to Wednesday December 15th (a chance to combine with a Christmas celebration).
E-mail. David suggested that we use E-mail to distribute minutes. Nigel to include a space for E-mail address and post code on the Attendance Form.

Future meetings (all at the Bell & Crown at 7.30 pm.
Tuesday October 19th
Monday November 15th
an AGM on Wednesday December 15th.