Mike Wilmott Knapp Farm Head of Development Bishopstrow Development Services Central Warminster County Hall, BA12 9HH Wiltshire Council Bythesea Road, Trowbridge Wiltshire, BA14 8JN 9th December 2016

Dear Sir

I have strong objections to the Outline Planning Application No: 16/10502/OUT to build 135 new houses, requiring the demolition of an existing agricultural building and the removal of a section of boundary wall on Boreham Road with associated access on Home Farm, Warminster.

I object strongly to the proposal for the following reasons:

(i) This application site is not included or approved by the Wiltshire Core Strategy, or Warminster Neighborhood Plan for residential development. The application is not in accordance with local wishes.

(ii) The application fails to contribute to the town Infrastructure and it will add further strain to those services that are already overstretched.

(iii) National Statistics show that for 135 houses an additional 230 cars will exit daily. This will cause an increase in cross town traffic as new residents conduct school runs, travel to work in Trowbridge/ Frome/ Bath and travel to shops, doctors and other amenities. Warminster town already struggles with current traffic levels and there are frequent delays trying to cross the town.

(iv) The local area and the proposed development land have a wide and diverse wildlife enjoyed by countless local residents and visitors to Warminster and Wiltshire. The impact of this development would therefore have far reaching consequences for the Bishopstrow Conservation Area, the River Wylye to the south and Salisbury Plain to the north.

(v) This ancient area is also particularly picturesque, allowing magnificent views to the north onto Salisbury Plain and also south from Battlesbury Hill. The substantial noise and disturbance due to construction would have a devastating effect on this environment.

(vi) There is currently not enough sewage or foul water drainage capacity for this site. Existing facilities are at full capacity and any development would require significant investment to upgrade drainage infrastructure.

1 (vii) The application site is grade 2 agricultural land, the best kind for agricultural, whose loss would be a tragedy.

(viii) There is currently insufficient surface water drainage capacity in Warminster, especially along Boreham Road into Bishopstrow, where property and frequent road flooding highlight the issue. The entrance to Home Farm is frequently under water following rain. This proposed development would add serious pressure to an already overburdened flood infrastructure .

(ix) Research by local residents and archaeologists have identified evidence of archaeological remains within the proposed site.

(x) The planning application is being made on an outline only basis and final detailed submission could vary significantly if permission is granted

In summary I strongly object to this application as it will have a significant negative impact on the area and is not in accordance with the well thought out development plan for Warminster.

Yours sincerely,

Huw Jessop

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