Controversial plans for 200 homes, a takeaway, and a drinking establishment have taken a step forward.
The proposal, for land near the junction of Windsor Drive and Coate Road in Devizes, was approved on appeal last May.
Wiltshire Council had previously refused to grant outline planning permission for the scheme, but this decision was overturned after applicant Robert Hitchins Ltd appealed.
As well as the significant residential development, the scheme will eventually include a local centre comprising a drinking establishment and hot food takeaway.
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In October, the project took another step forward as developer Bellway Homes brought forward plans for the residential phases of the development.
While the local centre site is owned by a different developer, Bellway is seeking approval for the appearance, landscaping, layout, and scale of the planned residential estate.
A public consultation on these updated plans will run until November 28 before a decision is made by Wiltshire Council.
At the time that the plans were approved, there was strong opposition to the development from both residents and councillors.
Danny Kruger, who at the time was the MP for the area, labelled the scheme “ugly” and “inappropriate.”
He tweeted in response to the approval: “Wiltshire needs (and is building) a lot of new homes - we don't need ugly inappropriate imposed developments like this.
“Yesterday the application was approved despite objections by me, CPRE [Campaign to Protect Rural England], the town council and all. Why? Because of the arbitrary Five-Year Housing Land Supply rule.”
Devizes Town Council also lodged strong objections to the plans, claiming they would damage the countryside on the outskirts of the town.
A spokesperson said: “The development does not meet the criteria of the Neighbourhood Plan; the location is outside the settlement boundary of Devizes.
“It would have a highly deleterious effect on this part of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the development would be too remote from the town and relevant services.”
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Bellway Homes says the project will address the county’s “acute” housing need.
“The proposed development will support the Government’s objective to significantly boost the supply of homes
“Overall, the proposed development will deliver a high quality, sustainable development and will provide new homes meeting local housing need.
“As evidenced through the submitted application material, the proposals are in full accordance with the Development Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework.
“It is concluded that, particularly in light of Wiltshire’s acute housing need, the reserved matters application should be approved without delay.”
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