A PLANNING committee was split down the middle as plans for four new homes in Bratton was given approval.

The final decision to allow four homes at The Butts was made by Western Planning Committee chair Christopher Newbury, after councillors failed to come to a consensus. Two detached homes will replace the current house on the plot, with two semi detached homes built on surrounding land.

The applicant argued they would bring more families to the village and fill school places at the primary which currently has a surplus. Cllr Stewart Palmen said: “I think this housing will be of benefit to the village. It would have been nice if there was some more social housing instead of large homes. The objections were not substantive enough to win on appeal.”

Cabinet member Cllr Jerry Wickham had concerns over the scale of plans and Bratton Parish Council said: “The development would generate a significant amount of additional traffic in already congested and narrow lanes."

12 letters were sent into Wiltshire Council by residents, concerned over increased traffic and inadequate transport links for the proposed homes.

Developers working on behalf of the applicant Simon Ellinger said: “The proposal for additional dwellings would make more efficient use of land within a sustainable location, and whilst modest, would nonetheless help contribute to meeting the governments objection of significantly boosting the supply of homes.

“There is a clearly identified need for additional units in the village as has been highlighted by the case officer’s delegated report under applications.”