Information and pictures about Home Farm, Boreham, Warminster.
Sunday 5th May 2013
The view north-west over Colthouse Field
(Father’s Field), (a field of Home Farm, Boreham),
to Long Wood, Bishopstrow.
The photograph was taken by Danny Howell
on Sunday 5th May 2013.
Wednesday 24th April 2013
FORM 45
COMMONS ACT 2006 – SECTION 15 (1)
Notice of an application for the registration of land as a Town or Village Green.
To every reputed owner, lessee, tenant or occupier of any part of the land described below, and to all others it may concern.
Application has been made to the Wiltshire Council by Mr and Mrs Burnand, Boreham Grange, 20 Grange Lane, Warminster under section 15(1) of the Commons Act 2006 and in accordance with the Commons (Registration of Town or Village Greens) (Interim Arrangements) (England) of the land described in the Schedule below which is claimed to have qualified for registration as a town or village green on 22 February 2012 by virtue of use without force, stealth, licence or permission by local people for many many years to enjoy lawful sports and pastimes. The pastimes include picnics, bicycle riding, kite flying, running, blackberry picking, dog walking, etc.
The application, which includes a plan of the land proposed for registration, may be inspected at the following offices, Newbury House, Aintree Avenue, White Horse Business Park, North Bradley, Trowbridge, BA14 0XB between the hours of 8.30 a.m. – 5 p.m. weekdays, please ask for Barbara Burke, and at the offices of Warminster Town Council at the Civic Centre, Sambourne Road, Warminster, BA12 8LB between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. weekdays, please ask for Heather Abernethie.
If the registration authority is satisfied that the land described below qualifies for registration as a town or village green, it will register the land.
Any person wishing to object to the registration of the land as a town or village green should send a statement of the facts on which the objection is based to Barbara Burke, Neighbourhood Services, Wiltshire Council, County Hall, Trowbridge, BA14 8JN on or before the 10 June 2013. Any representations that are to be taken into account by the Authority in reaching a decision on the application cannot be treated as confidential and will be copied to the applicant for comment and may be disclosed to other interested parties.
Dated 11 April 2013
Wiltshire Council
Schedule
Description of the land claimed to have qualified for registration as a town or village green. Land to the east of The Dene, usually referred to as as the field at the end of the Grange Lane footpath. The centre of the land is grid reference ST89390 44620.
Wiltshire Council. Where everybody matters.
www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Tuesday 2nd April 2013
Warminster Town Council’s Annual Report 2012 – 2013 states:
It is anticipated that the future will bring discussions on a development site that has been identified in the Core Strategy and is known as the West Warminster Urban Extension, plus discussions on the registered strategic land sites and development of land east of The Dene [Home Farm, Boreham]. The Planning Committee will do its utmost to engage with the public to establish their views on all applications.
Monday 1st April 2013
A Bank Holiday Monday may be the perfect excuse to relax, especially at Easter when there’s chocolate to be consumed, but it goes without saying that serious matters are still being considered behind the scenes and feelings are still running high when it comes to the threat of the fields at Home Farm, Boreham, on the east side of Warminster, becoming 320 houses if land development agents Hallam Land Management should get their way.
EBRAG (the East Boreham Residents Action Group) have a second public meeting advertised for Thursday 11th April at St. John’s Church, Boreham Road, starting at 6.30 p.m.
And the Bard of Boreham, Rikardo, who is no stranger to protesting with poetry, has just submitted his latest verse/song ~ a message from local people to those elsewhere who threaten Boreham’s much-loved landscape and the rural environment which nestles between Battlesbury and Bishopstrow. Here are Rikardo’s latest lyrics:
OLD DIRT ROAD
People out a’ walking
Along the old dirt road,
Stepping out without fear
And having confidence;
Not subjected to Highway Code.
Long may they walk
Not letting their feet erode,
Protecting their freeway from calamity
And from the opposition who are ignorant to ode.
People are a’ talking
About devastation, not far from the hill.
The sycophants, the bully-boys and the parasites
Are on a mission, they’re out to kill.
A time to stand up to the Philistines
Who are driven by greed and bad will.
A reason for a season to battle
‘Til the end, to conquer and to fulfill.
People are just happy
When you leave them well alone.
Get back to the city and your glamorous lights,
Slip back into your zone.
The karma wheel is spinning fast
And the truth will be written on stone.
Get out of here and kindly return
To the seat of your tyrannical throne.
People out a’ walking
Along the old dirt road,
Stepping out without fear
And having confidence;
Not subjected to Highway Code.
Long may they walk
Not letting their feet erode,
Protecting their freeway from calamity
And from the opposition who are ignorant to ode.
The Bard of Boreham ~ Rikardo.
Friday 22nd February 2013
Wiltshire Core Strategy Pre-Hearing Meeting, 28th February 2013
At the first East Boreham Residents’ Action Group (EBRAG) General Meeting, held in St. John’s Church, in November 2012, the community was encouraged to write to Wiltshire Council (WC), expressing concern over residential development of Home Farm and offering support for the future Warminster development plans written by WC.
These plans are called the Core Strategy and exclude Home Farm’s land from future development, suggesting instead that all development should occur to the west of town in the area previously agreed.
In the next few months the Core Strategy will be reviewed by a Planning Inspector, who will examine the content and make a judgement, probably at the end of the year, on whether the plans should be adopted.
All those who wrote to WC should have received a letter of email from WC stating that the Wiltshire Core Strategy Pre-Hearing Meeting will take place on 28th February 2013 at the Civic Centre, Trowbridge. At this meeting, the inspector will explain the examination procedure and the content of the subsequent hearings. It has been brought to the attention of EBRAG that there is some understandable confusion amongst those who have received this letter as to what their role is and whether they should attend.
To clarify: EBRAG committee members plan to attend this meeting in order to monitor what format the examination will take, to listen to the inspector’s view on possible issues for future developments in Warminster and any arguments against the strategy being put forward. This is purely a procedural meeting and the public, although very welcome to attend, will only be allowed to ask questions relating to the procedure for the enquiry and overall Core Strategy issues to be examined. Therefore, unless members of the community have a genuine interest, they should not feel obliged to attend this meeting.
The formal hearings on the Core Strategy for Warminster will take place some time during May / June 2013 and it is at this point that EBRAG may make formal representations to the examination. At this meeting members of the community are encouraged to attend and EBRAG will advise details beforehand of dates and venues.
Following next Thursday’s pre-hearing meeting, EBRAG will distribute another newsletter with more detailed information on what, if any, the issues for Warminster are and all future relevant dates, including the examination on the website: www.ebrag.org.uk
Saturday 12th January 2013
Latest news on the ‘Stop The Development at Home Farm, Boreham’ Campaign, from EBRAG, courtesy of Nick Parker ~
Happy New Year to you all.
EBRAG is continuing its campaign to prevent the proposed development of Home Farm by Hallam Land Management, on behalf the land owners, by:
Raising awareness to a wider community through a combined local, regional and national media campaign and by distributing 1700 flyers in Dec to East Warminster and local villages.
Opening EBRAG website: www.ebrag.org.uk
Continuing to gather and collate all relevant information to fight the proposal.
Attending and speaking at various town council and county area board planning meetings.
Continuing to meet and discuss our concerns with a wide group of interested bodies, including our local MP, Dr Andrew Murrison, who is publically very supportive.
EBRAG has decided to seek professional help to draw together into coherent argument the vast amount of information gathered and provide a legal framework from which to fight this speculative proposal. Unfortunately fees will require payment. As such, there is therefore a need to create a “fighting fund’. While a challenging time of year to fundraise, it is something that we must begin now.
Any contribution you may wish to make can be made through a Bank Transfer or by cheque made payable to EBRAG and sent to any committee member. Alternatively you can contribute via the EBRAG website through PayPal, although PayPal do deduct a percentage fee from your contribution. If you need advice or wish to discuss please contact me on 07801-815463. The amount of any individual contribution will remain anonymous. Any surplus funds remaining after the dissolution of EBRAG will be given or transferred to charitable institutions that share the same aims in protecting our rural heritage.
In addition, we aim to start a petition campaign as soon as possible. Volunteers will shortly be making house calls gathering signatures; anyone willing to assist please contact Trish Thompson, 01985-217238, twooldthompos@me.com or through the web site at info@ebrag.org.uk If you wish to donate cash, our volunteers will be happy to collect it from you then.
EBRAG is also very keen to hear from any professional who can assist with the campaign – especially those who can provide advice directly and/or those with further contacts capable of raising awareness and keeping our concerns in the public eye. I have attached the latest poster for those wishing to display it.
There will be a further public meeting in early spring (for those separately notified, the meeting on Thurs 24 Jan 13 is cancelled). We will inform you of the date and venue as soon as they are confirmed.
Meanwhile, please continue to write to MPs, Town and Wiltshire Councillors, Wiltshire Planning Department, the press – local and national – as well as the many authorities, bodies and organisations affected by this proposal. It is imperative the communities concerns and continued opposition are kept foremost in everyone’s mind. EBRAG believes we are representing local community opinion and therefore rely on your continued support, help, advice and views. Please also continue to pass on local information relating to this proposal, much so far has been invaluable.
Nick Parker – Phone 07801-815463
Sunday 6th January 2013
dannyhowell.net readers will no doubt recall a poem published here at the end of October 2012, by Rikardo, called The Tranquil And Beautiful Battlesbury (Our Land, Our Hill), which he wrote in protest against plans to develop the fields of Home Farm, Boreham, into a massive housing estate. The poem was well received and was likened to a rallying call for the Stop The Development Of Home Farm protestors. Rikardo, who is rapidly becoming “The Bard of Boreham” has now written the lyrics to a song he calls On Top Of The Hill (The Dream), which he says was inspired by the view from Battlesbury (or ‘The Lyric Factory’ as he refers to it). This would-be anthem for the people features between verses one and two a suggested instrumental ‘cacophany’, which Rikardo describes as similar to the crescendo near the end of A Day In The Life, the final track on The Beatles 1967 album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Rikardo’s song could easily conclude with a reprise of his suggested instrumental, maybe lasting several minutes. Maybe a budding composer out there could come up with the music?
On Top Of The Hill (The Dream)
As I sit on top of the hill
It’s a good place to be
It’s a good place to chill
I look high into the sky
Knowing some day that I’m gonna die
But being here
Is all about living
In God’s beautiful world
Who is so renowned for giving
And then I look down
To the fields and the ground
There’s a breaking of silence
There’s a gathering of sound
Instrumental (3 minutes):
An avant-garde ~ classical/orchestral ~ upheaval. A clash between the musicians and their instruments, creating a non-melodic rumpus, replicating the breaking of a silence, to the gathering of sound.
Humans in helmets
Vehicles and machinery of all colours
Yellow orange red white and blue
Ripping up the land (without mercy!)
To a plan full of folly that’s so outrageous
Drawn out by an arrogant and narrow-minded
Bunch of hypocrites
Better known as the Motley Crew
Opening my eyes
And getting my head together
I sigh with relief
Knowing I’d only been dreaming
But sometimes our dreams
Can become reality
Sometimes so beautiful
Complete and true
And there are times when our dreams
Become a living nightmare
Check it out
And be aware of what’s happening around you
Sunday 28th October 2012:
Rikardo, anxiously moved by the threat of a speculative developer to build houses on Home Farm, at Boreham, which in turns threatens the peace and tranquility of Battlesbury Hill which overlooks the area, has sent us this poem he has written. He says “I’m concerned about all these houses and the cars this development will bring, and the pollution that will result.” Encouraging everyone to take a pro-active stand against the development, he adds: “Revolution provokes and prolongs decision, giving a voice to the people and alternative choice.”
The Tranquil And Beautiful Battlesbury
(Our Land, Our Hill)
We’re saying no to the houses
To the overspill
The cars and the pollution
And anything that threatens
To spoil or kill
The tranquil and beautiful Battlesbury
Our land, Our hill.
It’s all about the big money
The fat wallets and the till
A tale of greed on overflow
From the topping of your fill.
Just let it be
Listen and see
What we’re all standing for
You won’t shut us up
You won’t shut us out
We’ll keep hammering hard
Breaking down your door
Forever into eternity.
Long may we continue
To give peace a chance
To the tranquil and beautiful Battlesbury
Our land, Our hill.
Battlesbury Hill, photographed by Danny Howell.
The view looks north from Home Farm at Boreham.
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.
Thursday 23rd October 1997
Meeting of residents affected by suggested development east of The Dene (Home Farm). WAR/D/5037. The Way Forward.
Venue: Bishopstrow Hall.
Time: 7.30 p.m.
Date: Thursday 23rd October 1997.
To report all of the further developments of the Town Council Meeting (20/10/97), in order to gather information, formulate letter of opposition and plan our further efforts. Please try to attend. We need as many people and ideas as possible in order to fulfil our goals.
If you care about potential problems that this suggested development will incur, re: schools, traffic, drainage, right on your doorstep then please attend.
(If you came to the prelininary meeting on Sunday, please attend on Thursday also).
Meeting – Thursday 23rd October 1997 – Agenda
1) Welcome.
2) Results of Town Council Meeting on Monday 20th October 1997.
3) Speakers:
Rev. Denis Brett – Power of voices in unison. Contact with Councillors.
Danny Howell – Historical Perspective.
Astrid Elstow – Status of planning applications.
4) Appointment of Committee officers (Chairman, Secretary, Committee members).
5) Action to be taken – Letters of objection. Any other suggestions.
6) Date and time of next meeting.
