"Housing bulge" fear for village

The development caused mixed reaction among residents and Wiltshire Council officers had recommended the development be refused.

However after an impassioned plea by leader of Wiltshire Council Jane Scott and the chair of Grittleton parish council, councillors on the northern Planning Committee overturned the decision.

The homes will be built on Manor Farm land and fund the business's move out to a new modern facility.

Owner Julian Brunt said that the farm could not move unless permission was given to build a range of new houses, conversions and updated listed buildings.

Previous plans at the site were rejected after the proposal of several detached houses was deemed too big for the small village.

Cllr Scott spoke out in support the application, stating it would ensure farming could continue in new, modern, out of village facilities for future years.

Resident Peter Mcgarrick said: “There would be a significant increase but no extra employment in Grittleton. Each home would possibly house commuter families with two cars per household. It would cause a development bulge.”

But Johnny Walker, chair of the parish council said the application had broad support from vilagers and said: “They would bring a broad mix of families who would use and boost the community’s facilities.The removal of the farm detritus to return the site to an agricultural paddock would greatly improve life.”Cllr Peter Hutton said: “Far too often we see parishes resisting development whereas in towns we have to take on huge housing developments. I see this is of benefit to Grittleton to sustain pubs, shops and communities. The new homes will sustain the farm for many years.”The planning committee went against officer recommendations to refuse the site, approving plans nine votes for, two against.