BISHOPSTOW village, on the eastern edge of Warminster, has been chosen by Wiltshire Council for housing development, including affordable housing, in spite of the protests of large numbers of local people.
Not only is this greenfield site adjacent to the River Wylye but also a SSSI and therefore environmentally sensitive with a rare chalk stream and protected wildlife.
The chosen site is outside the Warminster settlement area, is not included in Wiltshire’s Core Stategy and the high density of the development is inappropriate for a rural location.
Moreover, there are brownfield sites in Warminster that could be used instead. The Council has failed to comply with requirements for Flood Risk Assessment and Management Plans and has no historical flood data for a site that is known to flood.
No reports for the site have been sought from Natural England or from the Environment Agency. It should also be noted that Cllr. Magnus MacDonald (Lib Dem) thought it appropriate to vote in favour of this site. He is a Director of Selwood Housing, the company chosen to deliver this housing development.
We call on the Council to re-consider their vote and decline the application.
Christine Sylvester, West Wilts. Green Party
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