Reponses to Question 20 – Royal Wootton Bassett & Community Area - Core Policy 20 Please note that this document should be read in conjunction with the Consultation Statement January 2012 Report and the User Guide for the Record of Comments.

Cross No. Comments Officer Comments Issue Reference How much adjustment can be made when the future of RAF Lyneham is clear - this seems an Planning Authorities have a duty to plan using information obvious place for some of the county's development, as is the case for development on other ex- that is available at the time. At the time of the military sites. consultation Lyneham's future was unsure and, while this was recognised, it was not a reason to fail to consider Lyneham / Military 2 other proposals. In the event, this proved to be the correct Sites approach as the Government's recent announcement makes it clear that the base will remain in military use.

I have read through the planning document and some of the responses published so far and I'm Language afraid to say that I have to agree with the comment "please publish in common mans language" (or presentation of something similar.) Most of the survey appertains to areas outside of my immediate domain and CS therefore has little relevance to my needs. I would support any improvements suggested for the

"Large Towns" which will be of benefit to the general public, as long as they remain within a budget

framework of the public purse. I have been a user of the network and its towpaths,within the

boundaries of , although now moored else where on the system. This is a wonderful public

amenity sometimes abused by a minority of users who refuse to pay for their responsibility.I would

like the facility to be policed more stringently by to ensure all users pay their taxes

so that Counties through which the Kennet & Avon Canal flows are paid accordingly. My immediate

concern is for the village of Bradenstoke and any future considerations for planning. The planning

document indicates that there are no present plans to allow development outside the present Village

boundaries and that any such proposed building plans would have to be "in fill". Does this also

include possible expansion of the present mobile home site at Lillybrook? My personal concern is for Efforts will continue to be made to balance the technical access to this village. There are only two minor arterial roads into the village,Hollow Way and Clack and legal requirements of the Core Strategy (which will Hill. The latter is fit only for light traffic, almost entirely single track, and with a few non dedicated inevitably dictate the language used) with the recognition passing places. Hollow Way is the primary route and this in fact has two bottlenecks between the first that this is a public document that needs to be understood lane accessing the RAF Lyneham Crash Gate (un-named lane) and Horse fairs Lane. The 89 by the public as a whole. We shall bear this in mind when narrowness does not allow two cars to cross simultaneously. This part of Hollow Way has been drafting the submission draft. Comments regarding blocked on a number of occasions, since I moved here in 1979, on one such occasion the Highways issues have been forwarded to the appropriate Police/Ambulance Helicopter had to becalled to remove a casualty. There are in addition to the department. houses added to the area beyond St. Mary's Close, two large Mobile Home sites at Church Park and

Bungalow Park. These are exclusive for the use of the elderly (Over 55s only I think) and do have a

number of incapacitated residents. The narrowness of Hollow Way between St. Mary's Close and

Clack Hill, even with single side road parking again only allows for single traffic, particularly after work

hours and at weekends.A particular headache for the larger Fire response vehicles. In the event of a

major Fire in the western end of the village and a possible road blockage in Hollow Way the village

could possibly be serviced by the Fire Service from RAF Lyneham, accessing through their Crash

gates. However the last aircraft departs Lyneham this Friday and Lyneham ceases to be an airfield

from the end of July. I do not know of the planned Fire response planned after that time. In

conclusion, I would suggest that any consideration of future planning applications should take into

account these concerns. Maybe the Highways Authority might consider widening Hollow Way or

improving Clack Hill before any applications are considered. May I assume that my concerns will be

forwarded to the appropriate planning departments within the Council Offices ? Once again may I

thank you for getting back to me and giving me electronic access to the "Wiltshire Core Strategy

Consultation Document". Good luck in your ventures. Cross No. Comments Officer Comments Issue Reference 5.20.8 Lyneham airfield I believe that serious efforts should be made to maintain Lyneham as an airport. Extra commercial runway capacity appears to be needed in the south of England and The future of Lynham has now been determined by Lyneham is so close to M4 that a new link could be provided at reasonable cost. You should consult central Government and it will remain in military use. Lyneham / Military 113 with Borough Council which should be interested in an airport facility so close to that rapidly Sites developing town. The site might be attractive to BA as a maintenance facility. It has big hangers and

a skilled workforce to offer. Kemble has been maintained as an operational facility, why not Lyneham?

Consideration will be given to adding the AONB to text. The North Wessex Downs AONB is shown on map 5.19 but is not referred to in the text. There are However a Core Strategy document has to be as concise long distance views over this area from the AONB so there is the potential for development to impact as possible. Too much detail can swap the overall Landscape / 150 on the setting of the AONB. Reference to consideration of the North Wessex Downs AONB should message and space for text is limited. These concerns, AONB therefore be added to the text, and reference could also be added to its Management Plan 2009-2014 and Government guidance on the subject, must therefore and its Position Statement on "Setting" 2011. weigh against a natural desire to be as comprehensive as possible.

We wish to see inclusion of the in the last bullet point of 5.20.9, without Consideration will be given to adding the T and S canal to which the restoration of the Wilts & Berks Canal will not be fully effective. Recognizing the flood risk the text as suggested. The point regarding housing is issues, we believe that there will be pressures for further housing in the Cricklade Latton and Marston 292 noted; however the Core Strategy is squarely aimed at Canal Network Meysey areas, as a result of proximity to Swindon and arising from further recreational development preventing coalescence of settlements with Swindon. in the northernmost part of the County, including achievement of the development of the canal

network.

Lyneham / Military Sites . Public Transport 1) Need improvement to Rural Transport to Connect Purton to the rest of the Community Area – i.e. Noted. Accommodation Cricklade – Lyneham. 2) Need provision in Purton for Elderly. Sheltered and Nursing. 3) Need for Elderly. provision for some new Industrial units out of control of one major land owner 4) Area has high level Gypsy and 460 of Gypsy & Travellers, need more provision nearer the major town – i.e. W/B as north of W/B around Travellers 64 existing pitches and 7 pitches in W/B 5) Need infrastructure in first 6) Need firm Rural Buffer Infrastructure between Purton and Swindon 7) Regard needs to be taken into account of water shed and existing Rural Buffer / flood problems. Coalescence with Swindon Flooding

Page 115, Wootton Bassett & Cricklade Community Area We note that RAF Lyneham may close in Unfortunately control of the rail network is not something 2013. Should this happen and the site be designated for industrial development, we would like to see that is enjoyed by the Core Strategy. Nevertheless we will provision for a railway station on the main line at Dauntsey and for a rail connection into the site. Our continue to push for more sustainable transport solutions. WB Railway 511 reply to Question 20 would amend 5.20.9 to include: "Sustainable transport solutions to the high level The comment has been passed to Luke Francis who is Station of out-commuting to Swindon via Junction 16 including reopening of Wootton Bassett station, which preparing the Infrastructure delivery Plan. Junction16 could be feasible as a result of main line electrification."

Cross No. Comments Officer Comments Issue Reference

We also wish to point out what appears to be an oversight in the core strategy, the fact that Swindon Junction16 wish to make alterations to Junction 16 of the M4.The junction stands wholly in Wiltshire and has

been subject to a recent judicial review, in which the judge suggested that Section 278 be applied. The Core Strategy recognises the issue of getting the The traffic engineers for the developer of Wychelstowe proposed a redesigned junction 16 with a Junction 16 Issue right, from a technical point of view, but traffic signal allowing a contra flow phase, to enable traffic ,to flow against the normal direction, to get as importantly from the Community's point of view. Work from Wootton Bassett towards Wroughton without going around junction 16. According to 571 is ongoing so it is not possible at this stage to state a independent traffic engineers this system has never been used in the UK and therefore untried. Also solution in the plan, but the matter is a valid concern. there is not enough space available to make the changes safely. At a public meeting in Wootton

Bassett some years ago the developers traffic engineers advised us that ifthe proposal were to go

ahead we could expect 50% increase in volume of traffic through Hook as it is seen that more use will

be made of Hook Street as a "Rat Run, at present we get as many as 1,000 cars an hour in peak

times.

In December 2009 Cricklade Town Council responded to the Wiltshire 2026 consultation and the Status of main points raised were: Emphasis on Wootton Bassett at the expense of Cricklade and the rest of Cricklade vis a vis the Area Board Area The lack of consideration of the impact of Swindon from coalescence The Wootton Bassett lack of an integrated transport plan The lack of a strategic flood risk assessment The lack of plans Rural Buffer / to deal with housing for the elderly The lack of emphasis on tourism Inadequate parking and Coalescence with inadequate public open space. Have our previous comments been listened to? In the current Swindon document the emphasis is still very much on Wootton Bassett in terms of new housing and Housing for employment land. The impact of Swindon and the dangers of coalescence, identified at that time Elderly have not gone away. This affects the whole Community Area. The Core Strategy does not identify a Sustainable specific rural buffer as this is considered to conflict with national planning policy. Instead, core policy Transport 34 has the rather vague wording as it "seeks to protect, conserve and enhance the locally distinctive HGVs character of settlements and their landscape settings, the separate identity of settlements, by Flooding Comments from Cricklade have been carefully listened to, requiring that these aspects of landscape character are considered as part of all development Tourism including sending an officer directly to an additional Town proposals." This does not we feel give us the protection we require of a rural buffer. There is no Parking Council meeting above and beyond the normal reference to transport matters in Cricklade; the emphasis yet again seems to be on the principal public open space consultation process carried out in for example, Wootton settlements targeted for growth in terms of homes and jobs. This ignores the problem of all the Bassett. The new document is felt to represent both Wiltshire Towns and villages that border Swindon and the problems that they experience from traffic Wooton Bassett and Cricklade fairly and evenly. Some generated from this major conurbation by both commuters and HGVs using unsuitable routes as 'rat comments here are inaccurate - for instance an SFRA runs'. In respect of flood risks it would seem that the proposed topic paper on water management was carried out and this does inform the Core Strategy. 646 and flooding will not be produced and reliance is placed on the existing 2007/2009 Flood Risk Additionally in terms of the rural buffer the need is Assessment. Cricklade is only mentioned once in the overview as having fluvial flooding at the recognised and will be taken forward by the appropraite Thames Bridge in 1995 even though we have provided considerable data regarding fluvial, surface mechanism in the plan. It must be appreciated that legally water and sewerage flooding to Wiltshire Council subsequently. We are not listed as having any the Council cannot simply draw a containing line on a sewage flooding and do not even show on the map because only Wessex Water and not Thames map, but it is possible to achieve much the same ends by Water has been consulted. In our Community Area we are the town with three rivers and an adjacent written policy. It is firmly part of the Core Strategy that the flood risk zone. This is not acceptable. The map included in the document clearly shows the flood risk identity of settlements should be preserved and that zones 2 (medium) and 3 (high) to the north, east and south east of the town. The general principle is coalescence with Swindon should be avoided. that development proposals in such zones would need to be supported by clear evidence that no alternative lower risk sites are available. Additional Comments Housing Provision - The core strategy envisages 37,000 new houses in the county between 2006 and 2026 of which 1250 will be in the Wootton Bassett and Cricklade community area. 920 of these are proposed for Wootton Bassett town with the 330 balance for the rest of the area. Once completions to date and permissions already granted are deducted there remain 134 plots to be identified in 2011- 2026. This cannot be described as over development and it could be considered too low. Gypsy and Travellers - We made no response to this in our 2009 consultation response but, in view of recent developments in our area, it is obvious from reading topic paper 18 that the task of estimating the potential number of plots required is little more than educated guesswork. In core policy 31 it is similarly obvious that the preponderance (51 out of 93) of the anticipated pitch provision 2006-2016 is in the old NWDC area. Permanent permission has already been granted for 39 pitches leaving a residual requirement of 12. Cross No. Comments Officer Comments Issue Reference A further, 19 temporary permissions have been granted and so, potentially, this area could exceed the proposed total. To summarise therefore the important points that require consideration are: The robustness of the proposed policy following the demise of the rural buffer The further questions raised regarding transport and flooding issues, in particular as a result of the large proposed developments at Ridgeway Farm and Tadpole Farm To consider the housing number projections To consider request to spread gypsy and traveller sites county-wide.

Core Policy 20 Wootton Bassett After "business park" add new sentence "Jobs must be provided WB Railway before any further housing comes forward in Wootton Bassett." The number of jobs needed must be Station set out, ensuring there is no continuing imbalance." Paragraph 5.20.9 1 st bullet, after "the M4" add 657 Noted. Junction16 "by re-opening the station at Wootton Bassett." The proposed improvements to Junction 16 will only Employment / take the extra traffic from Wichelstowe (9,000 a day) and the proposed improvements have not been housing balance proved to be safe. The Junction is restricted in size with bridges over the motorway."

5.20.3 The future of RAF Lyneham has now been determined but there will be no significant inward Affordable movement of personnel until 2014 and therefore therethe economy of the area will suffer a significant housing downturn in the next three years, The StrategicBackground Paper accompanying the original draft Economy/ strategy identified up to 2000 people, both civilian and service, living in Wootton Bassett but working employment at RAF Lyneham. It seems clear that a significant number of these workers will have to relocate Lyneham leaving a large number of empty properties in the town. W.C. refused two planning applications for a Rural Buffer / total of 150 houses on Brynards Hill but the decisions were overturned on appeal and I would suggest Coalescence with that this would not have happened if officers had concentrated on the closure of Lyneham, and hence Swindon the fact that a Strategic Site for Wootton Bassett was unecessary. 5.20.4 See above. The jobs lost Employment / Noted, however we do not share the pessimistic view due to the closure of Lyneham are mainly highly skilled ones and there are no similar jobs available in housing balance concerning jobs in Wootton Bassett. Exact deployments the area making relocation highly likely. Any jobs generated in Wootton Bassettwill almost certainly Junction 16 by the MOD are still not known so it is not possible to be of the unskilled warehouse type and most of the people employed will be unable to afford to buy a Brynards Hill accurately make such predictions. house, and therefore it is more than likelythat if any of the vacant or newproperties are sold they Sports Hub

would be purchased by commuters. 5.20.5 See 5.20.4 above.The 30% of affordable housing on new Decisions regarding Brynards Hill were made in the light developments will obviously be snapped up butwho is going to be able to afford to buyto other 70% of of the situation at the time, as legally has to be the case. what could be termed unafforable housing? No new housing is required in the town in the foreseeable

future. The Community Area is at risk from unchecked expansion of Swindon. The RSS

recommended that the expansion of Swindon should be concentrated to the east of the town within

their own boundaries with an after thought that some additional houses should be built to the west in

North Wiltshire. The reality is that Swindon are concentrating on building more and more houses in 710 Wiltshire. Could this be that SBC or developers own most of the land in question? In the interregnum

the Wiltshire and Swindon Plan applies and thisstates that a minimum of 1000 houses could be built

in North Wiltshire for SBC. Canwe have your assurance that W.C. will oppose any

planningapplication by Swindon for additional housesin excess ofthe 1000 in the Plan? Infrastructure

requirements The Swindon proposal for a under the will result in an additional

9000 vehicles per day using the J16 roundabout which is already gridlocked at peak periods. Many

people living in Wootton Bassett and the nearby towns and villages commute either to Swindon on

along the motorway to other towns all of them via the J16 roundabout and the plan for a further

roundabout in Wiltshire, not in Swindon, will do nothing to mitigate this situation.This proposed tunnel

has been the subject of a Judicial Review regarding Swindon's decision to discharge condition 99,

and whilst this review was not successful the Judge laid down several conditions, see attached

summary prepared by CPRE. Please note particularly the paragraph in italics on page 2 and paragraphs 5 and 6 regarding the next stage. It is vital that W.C. insist on a s278 agreement before construction commences because there are significant safety issues in addition to the traffic gridlock which will be generated. Swindon have agreed that there is an alternative to the tunnel i.e. a bridge over the railway which was the original proposal. The sustainable transport solution is not to build this tunnel. Question 20 Suggested Changes to Core Policy 1. Recognise that building more houses in the Area will only result in more commuting sincemost jobs created will be low paid ones. 2. There are no jobs available in Wootton Bassett of any kind, e.g. a minimum wage job for a part time shop assistant attracted over 100 applicants. Also Swindon cannot at present provide any employment Cross No. Comments Officer Comments Issue Reference opportunities. Therefore why build any more houses in the Area for either Wiltshire or Swindon residents? 3.Officially oppose Swindon building any more houses in NorthWiltshire by refusing planning applications initiated by SBC. 4. Officially object to Swindon's proposal for new traffic arrangements at J16 of the M4 for safety reasons and the adverse effect on motorists from Wiltshire wishing to travel to Swindon or to access the motorway, bearing in mind the fact that the roundabout is in Wiltshire and not in Swindon. This is not a sustainable transport solution to the high level of out commuting to Swindon and other towns via Junction16 of the M4. 5. Re-examine the proposal for a Sports Hub for Wootton Bassett which will only deliver an additional four tennis courts i.e. no additional rugby, football or cricket pitches at the expense of building 268 houses on the existing Sports Club and Rugby grounds.

Comments on the position of Cricklade within the settlement hierarchy and its location within the area board structure in Wiltshire, where in many respects it does not really belong.

Noted, however the Core Strategy is concerned only with Status of Detailed comments on Cricklade regarding flooding and support for CP 49, Green Infrastructure, the use of land and is not the appropriate mechanism to Cricklade vis a vis retail, tourism, traffic (need for bypass), make alterations to the Area Board system. In planning Wootton Bassett.

841 terms the settlements of Cricklade and Wootton Bassett Various other

have one very big thing in common - they are both Cricklade issues. Welcome news that West of Swindon development has been scrapped. Smaller scale development influenced to a large degree by proximity to Swindon. For Infrastructure. supported. this reason and their proximity to each other it makes Bypass.

sense to plan for them both together.

Do not believe that more housing is necessary to pay for infrastructure.

Infrastructure- suggested amendments To support Green Infrastructure and Leisure and Tourism Sustainable restoration of the Thames & Severn and Wilts & Berks , and the Cricklade County Way project. 861 Noted. Transport To support sustainable transport - protection for the proposed route of the Swindon & Cricklade Canals Railway from Mouldon Hill to Moredon Bridge junction with the Swindon to railway line

Noted. However Government policy, tested in Previous Local Plans have been able to designate a buffer zone preventing development between Examination by Inspectors, has confirmed that a linear Swindon and Wootton Bassett that would 'join up' Swindon and Wootton Basett. The Core Strategy buffer, in the style of a Green Belt (a National designation) has a general policy which opposes coalescence and aims to keep settlements identities. Buit I would may not be used in the case of a Core Strategy for the like to see something that gives stronger protection to very critical areas suchh as that between purpose proposed. The respondent should rest assured Swindon and Wootton Bassett. The strategy suggests around 200 more houses would be needed for however that preventing coalescence and keeping the Wootton Bassett but I think there will be pressure from developers for more. I would like to see a Rural Buffer / separate identities of settlements is a central theme of the 951 Neighbourhood Planning Process in place to guide where development should take place. rather than Coalescence with Core Strategy in this area. We will simply have to achieve just responding to uncoordinated pressures. As a member of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust I support Swindon Canals this by other means - for instance, worded policies or, as the restoration of the Canal especially in the Wootton Bassett area where I live. The Canal already the respondent themselves suggests, Neighbourhood provides a popular leisure facility. In the North Wilts Local Plan the route was protected from Planning. development and this is needed to be carried through into the Core Strategy. The canal can provide a

distinctive facility in new housing developments, and new moorings might enable farm diversificaton

where the canal goes through open country.

Cross No. Comments Officer Comments Issue Reference

We note that no strategic sites are allocated in this policy, despite various options having been considered in the 2009 consultation. While the SSSI is mentioned in paragraph 5.20.5, the Core SSSI Policy should state that development must protect and enhance both the SSSI and the Jubilee Lake Wildlife 1035 Fields County Wildlife Site, as well as any other sites affected by future plans. There is no mention in Noted. Landscape / the Core Policy of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Any AONB development must have due regard to the AONB, including an assessment of the likely impact of proposed development on the AONB.

I have very serious concerns about the projected number of properties to be built in Malmesbury. The Levels of housing in Wootton Basset have been carefully percentage increase is significantly higher than in other local towns yet the number of jobs in set to counter the town's dormitory status and to match Malmesbury is hardly increasing-so are we to become a dormitory town? Social services are already housing more closely with employment, thereby improving housing people from other towns-in particular Wootton Bassett-in the Filands development, some of self containment and sustainability through reducing need Proposed 1049 whom are making life unpleasant for these residents who have purchased their houses there-why are to travel. Housing Levels you not proposing higher levels of building in Wootton Bassett? These levels of buildings will change the nature of this beautiful, ancient historic town and ruin it. It appears to be developer-led rather than planning-led and this is highly suspicious.

The entire Community Area has been considered and none of it ignored. Flooding issues will be taken care of by the SFRA (already completed) and through EA responses on actual schemes. It is not legally permissible to create the rural buffer proposed as a line on a map, but the strategy is committed to preventing coalescence by other Flooding Flooding-sewerage-Only 1 mention of Cricklade in the supporting documents despite evidence and means, namely worded polices. This is a Core Strategy, Affordable data submitted to WC on fluvial, sewerage and surface water flooding. All policy info based on not a detailed planning document, and development Housing Wessex water. Purton & Cricklade have Thameswater as a supplier, therefore strategy not levels have been set at a level that aims to match housing Gypsy Sites comprehensive, lack of rural buffer-wording not strong enough to prevent future development. Not with jobs, as a strategic priority. However, as noted in the Rural Areas (Too 1051 enough development showing for Cricklade, an aging population does not keep a town "alive". More CS, there is flexibility to consider more if this is what the much focus on affordable housing required for young families. Gypsy sites-flawed maths in document. This for North community wants, through the Neighbourhood Planning WB) of the county is ignored in so many areas and yet gypsy sites prevail in this area and we have more process. Regarding Gypsy sites, the number in North Rural Buffer / than our fair share. The document appears to be have been focussed on the largest town in the area Wiltshire is based on the historical meeting of various Coalescence with Wootton Bassett and the rest of the area ignored. traveller routes which just happen to cross there. It is Swindon historical that more demand occurs in this area than anywhere else due to this fact and the Council is duty bound to respond.

Developing the housing area Cricklade needs a certain amount of family style affordable housing in Noted. These are aims of the Core Strategy. Housing order to maintain a level of services. In particular the schools, library and leisure centre. Also shops in 1083 Community the High Street require numbers of people- especially those at home during the day to keep the facilities shops going.

Wootton Bassett Reference should be made in the text (as shown on the map) to the existence of 1105 Noted. AONB the North Wessex Downs AONB and views of it towards Wootton Bassett. Cross No. Comments Officer Comments Issue Reference Chapter 5 : We comment on this chapter generally. We believe that this needs a fundamental re- It is accepted that the existence of numerous plans (each write. There is too much overlap, and therefore confusion between core strategy, community area of which in fact has quite different functions) can be strategy, community area plan, community strategy, community plan, neighbourhood plan and confusing. However the 'rationalisation' proposed is not development plan. We believe that the core strategy should take this opportunity to rationalise all possible due to the tight legal constraints on the scope these "plans" and "strategies". We believe that must be considerable costs associated with all these and format of Local Plans (which can only concern plans and strategies and that a rationalisation will produce much benefit in terms of cost savings, themselves with the use of land). Comments concerning councillor time and community time. Amendment required Revised first part of chapter accordingly changes to the Community Area Plan should therefore be Rural areas (Too Chapter 5.20 : Referring to the Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Community Area Strategy, this made to the Community Area Board. 1133 much focus on appears not to be a strategy about the Area but, rather, it appears to be about the development of WB) Wootton Bassett. Whilst this is perfectly legitimate, there is far more to the Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Community Area than Wootton Bassett. It would seem that all the smaller parishes in the area have been forgotten. It should be remembered that most people in this community area live in the surrounding parishes not in Wootton Bassett, or even in Cricklade. We believe that this particular community area strategy has lost several opportunities, and we believe that this is a considerable failure of this core strategy. Amendment required Re-write the community area strategy so that it reflects the predominant form of habitation; within parishes, not the town of Wootton Bassett.

I would just like to say there is far too much emphasis placed on housing en mass and urbanisation of the countryside, and far too little value placed on open green space and tranquillity, Speaking as one who lives in Wootton Bassett I feel well qualified to say this especially as the towns last open green Open Space fields, where people could take a quiet walk to the canal, watch the birds or in the winter do some Noted. Canals 1213 sledging and other winter pursuits is being built on as I'm writing and this after we've had thousands Housing of houses built on the old st Ivel dairy site. I might add this latest development is not needed or (quantum) wanted or welcome, and it was refused planning permission by the town council which was then overruled by Wilts CC. The fact is there is no more capacity for more and more houses, and I for one prefer to live by open green spaces in the countryside.

Paragraph 5.20.1 says "Wootton Bassett is the largest town within the community area, located approximately 6 miles from Swindon and 2 miles from the M4, and as such is ideally located to Noted. Quantum of develop into an important employment centre. However, the town currently functions as a dormitory development 1333 settlement to Swindon and experiences high levels of out-commuting." Paragraph 5.20.8 discusses proposed overall the closure of RAF Lyneham and the importance of its future to Wootton Bassett and surrounding (Insufficient) villages. On the face of it the housing and business development allocated to the community area should be increased as it seems to provide an ideal site, certainly better than Trowbridge

The voices of smaller settlements have been, and will continue to be heard. The Core Strategy has to comply The development of Wootton Bassett seems to feature far too much in the Wootton Bassett and with tight legal constraints that define its scope. In Cricklade Community Area Strategy. Purton is a large settlement in fact it is the same size as particular the level of detail it can contain is limited. Later Rural areas (Too 1412 Cricklade and if the Rigeway Farm Development goes ahead then it will be signifciantly bigger, given DPDs and SPDs, together with the neighbourhood much focus on its size it deserves due recognition. It is clear to see that villages and hamlets that lie outside of the Planning process will continue to give the smaller WB) market towns will have to work very hard to have their voices heard. settlements a voice.

Cross No. Comments Officer Comments Issue Reference

Noted, and the Core Strategy makes clear that capacity 5.20.9 We are unhappy about the role of J16, M4. The proposed improvements will only just cope of the junction is an issue. However the precise design of with the extra traffic from Wichelstowe, and are not proved to be safe because of the cross-over from junctions is not a matter for the Core Strategy. These Wootton Bassett towards Wichelstowe. Traffic consultants, Scott Wilson, maintain there is not enough valued comments have however been passed to the lane space for the roundabout to work properly with the proposed design. If J16 goes ahead with the Highways department. 1472 design in its present form, with Judge Hickenbottom having, among other things, pointed out that their Junction 16 of M4

example for the cross-over was not relevant, questions could be asked. Wiltshire could be at fault if it

is shown that the safety issues were not properly addressed, and there were accidents. Judge

Hickenbottom and the Appeal Judge both brought the issues of an EIA and S278 into their

summaries, and that the safety issues for the Junction needed to be addressed.

The Status of Lydiard Millicent has been reviewed in the 5.20.2 Cricklade should be regarded as one of the Market Towns, rather than just a Service Centre. light of this and other comments and its status changed to We consider Lydiard Millicent is a Small Village, not a Large Village as stated. There are only 1300 Small Village. residents, no shop and no Post Office. It is deserving of the protection afforded to small villages.

5.20.5 We deplore the removal of the RBZs, and feel that the protection of the Countryside deserves Settlement 1473 stronger and more defined policies. We would like to see the continuance of the policy to prevent Hierarchy coalescence between towns and villages, especially where adjacent, as we are, to conurbations such

as Swindon. It should be made clear what the "appropriate and strong policy mechanisms" are, that is

suggested will protect the open countryside. We are very pleased to learn that the Lyneham RAF site

is to be used by the Forces for Educational purposes

The Status of Lydiard Millicent has been reviewed in the Position of Core Policy 20 Wootton Bassett Lydiard Millicent, which does not have a post office, nor a shop; has light of this and other comments and its status changed to Lydiard Millicent 1302 residents according to the August 2011 figures, and so surely should be defined as a small Small Village. in settlement village, especially when compared with the large village sizes of Lyneham (3647) and Purton (3440) hierarchy and their facilities. II) Please also view comparative area sizes in appendix 1 (Northern Community Employment / Area Plan - map on page 5) Lydiard Millicent, with its proximity so close to Swindon, needs the housing balance 1509 protection of a small village designation. After "business park" add new sentence "Jobs must be WB Railway provided before any further housing comes forward in Wootton Bassett." The number of jobs needed Station must be set out, ensuring there is no continuing imbalance." Paragraph 5.20.9 1 st bullet, after "the Junction16 M4" add "by re-opening the station at Wootton Bassett." The proposed improvements to Junction 16 Rural Buffer / will only take the extra traffic from Wichelstowe (9,000 a day) and the proposed improvements have Coalescence with not been proved to be safe. The Junction is restricted in size with bridges over the motorway. Swindon

Noted. However, please unde4rstand that the Local Plan is not a detailed transport Planning document. Comments We have studied the Wiltshire Core Strategy Consultation Document with special attention paid to however are valued and have been passed on to the 5.20 Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Community Area Strategy. However we can find no reference to Highways department. the impact on transport links from this area into Swindon. Our particular concerns are the possible Transport / 1538 developments at Ridgeway and Pry Farms and the impact that further development to the West congestion would have on the traffic flows through Rodbourne Cheney. It is concerning that no reference has

been made to transport links within Wootton Bassett and Cricklade, although you acknowldge in

5.20.1 that these area experience high levels of out-commuting.

Cross No. Comments Officer Comments Issue Reference Noted. Neighbourhood Plans will been the primary vehicle Wootton Bassett & Cricklade Community Area Detailed analysis of the evidence base is essential to for taking forward small applications, including infilling, establish how the three settlements of Wootton Bassett, Purton and Cricklade are considered, and within settlements. the resulted policy is justified. Detailed analysis of the evidence base and topic papers is essential prior to making comprehensive representations regarding the Wootton Bassett and Cricklade community area. A realistic approach must be adopted to development outside of the principal Overall Spatial 1553 community area settlement. Successive local plans have denuded the ability for „infilling‟ to contribute Strategy meaningfully to the provision of dwellings in the rural area, a policy context that places development in the „most sustainable locations‟ without reliance on an artificially defined boundary to a given settlement is the most appropriate method to deliver essential residential and commercial development, at an appropriate scale in the rural context.

Noted. Comments passed to Highways department. We would look for the Cricklade Country Way, namely the railway and the canal to have a protected

corridor to the west of the town of Cricklade to allow expansion north of the town. We would also see

the link for the Swindon & Cricklade Railway with the National Network to be supported and Railway / Freight

protected. This will provide non car transport opportunities to Swindon and beyond. It would also Canals

1555 provide Freight to be moved by rail from Chelworth Industrial Estate and also from gravel pits north of Road Traffic

Cricklade. This will reduce road traffic on local roads and the A419. This proposal is entirely within the Cricklade Country

policy T6 and T7 in the draft topic paper on transport. It would also make the proposed gravel Way

extraction compliant with PPG 13 paragraph 47, and for Chelworth with paragraph 45. For other rail

travel paragraph 48 is applicable.

We do not agree with the allocation of Bradenstoke as a „small village'. Bradenstoke is closely related Noted. However, the status of each settlement which has to Lyneham both geographically and as a community area through its administration which is been carefully considered is felt to be accurate and is not Status of undertaken by the existing Parish Council. The Council's planning department also addresses felt to compromise the ability of the Community to plan Bradenstoke as a Lyneham and Bradenstoke as a whole when considering specific issues such as affordable housing. using the neighbourhood Plan process. 'Small Village'. 1673 If the Parish Council (Lyneham and Bradenstoke) decide to follow other local Parishes and produce a Neighbourhood Plan to address the future land use needs of the Parish, it will be significantly disadvantaged if Bradenstoke is allocated as a small village and Lyneham a large village. They should be considered as a whole and defined as a large village. We hope the Parish Council support this view.

Table 1 Town 2006 Total Dwellings Housing requirement Growth % 2006-26 Community Area % Comments noted. Proposed housing figures are based on Population 2006-26 Amesbury 8161 2100 25.7 15.7 Bradford-upon-Avon 4396 510 11.6 11.3 a detailed analysis and we believe the figures are robust. Calne 6914 1240 17.9 22.2 Corsham 4015 1050 26.2 19.0 Devizes 7381 1730 23.4 11.7

Malmesbury 2347 760 32.4 12.9 Marlborough 3280 610 18.6 4.2 Melksham 8309 1930 23.2 13.6

Tidworth & Ludgershall 4121 1750 42.5 50.4 Warminster 7820 1650 21.1 10.2 Westbury 5994

1290 21.5 24.2 Wootton Bassett 4859 920 18.9 10.3 All Market Towns 67597 15540 23.0 Quantum of

Sources; Topic Paper 3 Settlement Strategy Appendices Sheet H2 Housing, Sheet P2 Population development 1720 Topic Paper 17 Housing Requirement Technical Paper Table ES1 Proposed Housing Requirements proposed overall

From Table 1 it can be seen that Market Towns are expected to grow at significantly different rates (insufficient).

and this will be dealt with in Questions 9 to 20. From Table 1 above it can be seen that the proposed

Housing Delivery for Wootton Bassett town does not provide the „locally significant development‟

demanded by Core Policy 1. There seem to be fewer infrastructure and environmental constraints

than those affecting other Market Towns. The projected growth of 18.9% in the Plan Period (920 in

addition to 4,859 dwellings in 2006) is low. Cross No. Comments Officer Comments Issue Reference 5.20.4 - The proposal to locate strategic employment growth at Wootton Bassett is welcomed as it Comments noted. Highways related issues passed on to has the potential to reduce commuting into Swindon and could stem the increase in traffic on Highways department. Swindon‟s road system. Given the close proximity of the two settlements, it must also be recognised

that it has the potential to have the opposite effect if significant new jobs are taken up by Swindon

residents, particularly if this employment land competes with the offer in Swindon. However, the Overall Spatial

intention is supported as it meets sustainability objectives. 5.20.5 - Whilst housing growth is able to Strategy.

help deliver affordable housing, the document has stressed that Wootton Bassett is a dormitory town Quantum of

1786 to Swindon (5.20.1). It seems unlikely that employment growth at Wootton Bassett will have a development

significant impact on this, although it is clearly right to attempt it. However, additional housing growth proposed overall

could dilute the beneficial impact of this desirable sustainability objective. It is not clear how the Sustainable

housing figures have been derived, but there should be no excess above the level to balance Transport

employment and housing, as such excess could lead to an increase in out-commuting to Swindon,

with a consequent unnecessary increase in traffic on Swindon‟s roads. 5.20.9 - Sustainable transport

solutions to reduce the impact on Swindon‟s roads of commuting from Wiltshire into Swindon is

supported. An example might be a park and ride site between Wootton Bassett and Junction 16.

We would support new settlement boundaries being identified around large villages as the current Noted. Generally we feel that the main mechanism for boundaries are too restrictive and have led to nearly all gardens being built on within the framework taking forward development in smaller settlements will be this leaves very littel green areas within the villages. Purton in particular could benefit if the boundary Neighbourhood Plans, where boundary issues can be Village 1821 was extended as several relatively small areas would lend themselves to sensitive development for considered in detail. Boundaries example East of Station Road. These are immediately adjacent to the present boundary could be included within the village and still maintain the village identify rather than allow huge developments further into the countryside.

Wootton Bassett & Cricklade Community Area Detailed analysis of the evidence base is essential to Noted. Neighbourhood Plans will been the primary vehicle establish how the three settlements of Wootton Bassett, Purton and Cricklade are considered, and for taking forward small applications, including infilling, the resulted policy is justified. Detailed analysis of the evidence base and topic papers is essential within settlements prior to making comprehensive representations regarding the Wootton Bassett and Cricklade

community area. A realistic approach must be adopted to development outside of the principal Overall Spatial 1860 community area settlement. Successive local plans have denuded the ability for 'infilling' to contribute Strategy

meaningfully to the provision of dwellings in the rural area, a policy context that places development

in the 'most sustainable locations' without reliance on an artificially defined boundary to a given

settlement is the most appropriate method to deliver essential residential and commercial

development, at an appropriate scale in the rural context.

The Secretary of State's announced on 18 th July that RAF Lyneham has been selected as the preferred site for the future base of Defence Technical Training. Accordingly we would suggest that all the references throughout the document to the closure of the Lyneham site need to be updated. Any development of the siteis likely tobe through a phased programme. The MOD will work alongside Wiltshire Council during the development of the programme. To support these plans it is important that the employment and settlement strategies reflect the importance of the Lyneham site. It is envisaged that the site will continue to provide living accommodation for service personnel as well as providing Technical Training. The facilities on the site will cater for the day to day needs of these Noted. Policies have been modified and we believe they personnel. As such the site together with Lyneham village will continue to be one of the larger are now suitable for dealing with the changed situation. 2009 Lyneham employment sites and at least a local service centre for Wiltshire. We therefore suggest that both Core Policies 1 and 24, in particular, are amended to reflect this fact and to ensure that they are supportive of redevelopment proposals for the site. Having a supportive planning and highways policy framework for the site will be a key input to investment appraisals being undertaken as part of the DTTCP. It is not currently envisaged that parts of the Lyneham site will become surplus to MOD needs. But as part of the drive to make efficient and effective use of the site, some sections may not be appropriate to be retained for Technical Training uses. If sections are released, these could help to contribute towards making the Lyneham Community area more sustainable by providing housing needed to allow civilian staff to live closer to the site. We suggest there is a need to clarify the Cross No. Comments Officer Comments Issue Reference policies applicable to the Lyneham site. The "current settlement boundary" defined in the N.Wilts Local Plan (and referred to in chapter 4) excludes the Lyneham site. The major redevelopment of the site will help to deliver many of the aims of the plan not least by providing local employment to replace that being lost as part of the Future Brize programme, thereby reducing out commuting. The Technical Training nature of the programme should also help to deliver growth in employment for the younger working age population. The format of the development will be sustainable as the MOD will ensure appropriate facilities are provided for the service personnel as part of the development. It is not always clear whether policies relating to employment sites are intended to apply to the Lyneham site. We suggest that the wording of paragraph 2.18 "bring in additional benefits" and paragraph 4.31 are less clear than the final bullet point in Core Policy 3. The latter clarifies that mitigation needed relates to direct impacts of development, which is more in line with National Policies. We suggest that the use of the words "exceptional design" need clarifying throughout the document. Use of the words "appropriate design" would add clarity. Similarly, there appears to be some confusion arising from the use of the term "Principal Settlements" in paragraph 5.0.6 when compared with the terms included on maps. Levels of "last operational use" traffic (paragraph 6.1.17) are open to interpretation. The existing use of the Lyneham site allows for much higher levels of traffic generation than for the current operational uses, as many units have transferred as part of the „Future Brize Programme'. It should be noted that MOD developments need to accord with National Government Joint Service Publication (JSP) standards. In some cases these may not be directly comparible with the development standards being set in the strategy. We note and support the requirement for additional convenience goods provision in Wootton Bassett identified at Paragraph 5.20.5, in order to reduce expenditure leakage to other nearby towns and improve the overall vitality of the town. The provision of additional convenience retail in Wootton Bassett will assist in meeting Strategic Objective 2 of the Core Strategy, as it will enhance the self- containment of Wootton Bassett, and it will support Strategic Objective 7, as it promotes retail choice in convenient locations. In order for the Core Strategy to be „sound‟, the need for additional convenience retail floorspace should reflect the aims of PPS4. Policy EC1.4 of PPS4 states that Noted. These matters have been taken account of in „when assessing the need for retail and leisure development local planning authorities should take producing policy. account of both the quantitative and qualitative need for additional floorspace for different types of 2138 retail and leisure developments‟ (our emphasis). Part (d) of Policy EC1.4 provides further clarification Retail in WB on assessing qualitative need, and states that Local Planning authorities should: i. „assess whether there is provision and distribution of shopping, leisure and local services which allow genuine choice to meet the needs of the whole community, particularly those living in deprived areas, in light of the objective to promote the vitality and viability of town centres and the application of the sequential approach‟ ii. take into account the degree to which shops may be overtrading and whether there is a need to increase competition and retail mix‟ We also consider that there is a qualitative need for additional convenience floorspace in Wootton Bassett and in order for the draft Core Strategy to accurately reflect current national planning policy guidance in this respect, the qualitative need in the town should also be recognised in policy. Noted. Sustainable drainage is supported in a general Question 20 - Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Community Area (Core Policy 20) We would 2170 policy elsewhere is the Local Plan and not in the area SuDS recommend the policy and text encourages SuDS to be incorporated in developments. specific ones. Cross No. Comments Officer Comments Issue Reference 4. CORE POLICY 20 4.1 Core Policy 20 is the spatial strategy for the Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Community Area. It sets out the following settlement hierarchy: Market Towns: Wootton Bassett; Local Service Centre: Cricklade; Larger Villages: Lydiard Millicent; Lyneham and Purton; and Smaller Villages: Bradenstoke; Broad Town; Hook; Latton and Purton Stoke. 4.2 Core Policy 1 identifies Wootton Bassett as a market town. We consider that this designation is appropriate due to the services and facilities at the town. However we object to Cricklade being designated a Local Service Centre and Purton being defined as a Larger Village along with Lydiard Millicent and Lyneham. 4.3 Core Policy 1 defines Local Service Centres as follows: "Local Service Centres are defined as smaller towns and larger villages which serve a surrounding rural hinterland and possess a level of facilities and services that, together with improved local employment, provide the best opportunities outside the Market Towns for greater self containment." 4.4 Core Policy 1 defines Larger Villages as follows: "Large Villages have been defined as settlements with a limited range of employment, services and facilities. The majority of development will take the form of small sites within existing settlement boundaries. Some limited development may be appropriate adjacent to settlement boundaries." 4.5 From the above quotations, one would assume that Local Service Centres have a greater number of services and facilities than Larger Villages. The table below shows that this is not the case when applied to this Community Area. Cricklade Purton Lydiard Millicent Lyneham Population 4,100 3,370 1,020 4,240 Jobs 750 780 483 4,200 % population to jobs 18% 23% 47% 101% Self Containment 25% 29% 25% 63% Range of Services 4 Basic Facilities + Others 4 Basic Facilities + Others 2 basic Noted and this concern was passed on to the relevant Facilities 4 Basic Facilities + Others Secondary School No Yes No No 4.6 From the above table the officer. However, population size and range of facilities following conclusions can be made: Despite a smaller population, Purton has a greater number of are only two of the criteria used in determining settlement jobs per head (23%) than Cricklade (18%); Purton is more self contained with 29%, against 25% in designation. The status of Lydiard Millicent has been Cricklade; The level of basic services are the same; Purton has a secondary school and Cricklade changed. However we are convinced that the settlement does not; and, Lydiard Millicent is not comparable to Cricklade, Purton or Lyneham. 4.7 We note that hierarchy tool as a whole, as now proposed, is sound Position of the Transport & Communications and Leisure, Recreation & Other Facilities tables in draft Topic Cricklade and 2234 Paper 3 are blank for Purton, despite it having the requisite facilities. Therefore Purton has all the Purton in the necessary services and facilities to be a Local Service Centre. 4.8 The appendices to draft Topic settlement Paper 3 justifies the designation for Purton as follows; "The location of Purton, some 2 miles from the hierarchy. western edge of Swindon and within a reasonable distance to other settlements including Cricklade and Wootton Bassett it is felt unlikely that Purton provides a pronounced role in the area. The range of services and facilities on offer at Swindon cannot be underestimated and support the conclusion that Purton should be categorised as a Large Village." 4.9 This quotation states considers that Purton does not provide a pronounced role in the area and the range of services and facilities at Swindon cannot be underestimated. On the first Wiltshire Council issue, Purton does have a pronounced role as it provides a secondary school for the wider area which includes the west of Swindon. Secondly, the effect of Swindon is equally applicable to Wootton Bassett and Cricklade so a distinction cannot be made for Purton to justify a lower planning status. 4.10 In the appeal decision in 2009 at Widham Farm (APP/Y3940/A/09/2107373), the Council agreed in paragraph 27 that the development was sustainable. This was for 136 dwellings. Therefore the Council's stated position is that Purton is sustainable as that level of development was considered sustainable. Whilst Core Policy 20 accepts that limited development is acceptable in Larger Villages, it is clear that Purton can accommodate this level of development. A new application has been submitted for 50 dwellings which accords with the emerging policy in any case for limited development. This leaves retained land which could be used for further employment land, if needed, in Purton either through an allocation in the LDF or a planning application. 4.11 From the evidence base, it is therefore questionable how Cricklade can be given an enhanced policy status over Purton when the evidence actually points to an equitable, if not enhanced position for Purton, when considered against Cricklade, Lyneham and Lydiard Millicent. This was the case with Wiltshire 2026, and we see no planning reason to depart from that conclusion. Core Policy 20 should be amended as follows: Market Towns: Wootton Bassett; Local Service Centre: Cricklade, Lyneham and Purton; Larger Villages: Lydiard Millicent; and, Smaller Villages: Bradenstoke; Broad Town; Hook; Latton and Purton Stoke. Cross No. Comments Officer Comments Issue Reference

Comments Summary.

Detailed response concerning the approach of the Strategy to the relationship between Swindon and north Wiltshire. Noted. The Council understands the arguments put Discussion of growth in the north Wilts / Swindon area, with the conclusion being that the Quantum of forward. However, circumstances are now substantially housing proposed is insufficient. different from when Wiltshire 2026 was published. In Quantum of particular, Swindon BC has now agreed that its needs can housing and It is suggested, inter alia, that Wiltshire must make plans to absorb within its own area some of the be met within its own boundaries, and there is no longer affordable 2325 anticipated growth of Swindon; the need for a strategic allocation as proposed. Based on housing in WB

a careful analysis of need, using a robust methodology (not enough) „it is recommended that a reserve provision of up to 3,000 homes be provided to the West of and bearing in mind the views of the local community, it is Swindon; albeit this site will need to be allocated through the Wiltshire Core Strategy and will require therefore not proposed to make the allocation suggested joint working between the two authorities‟. here.

It is argued that the Core Strategy as proposed would be unsound in the light of the RSS and Government policy, not least because it does not push strongly enough for growth and it housing supply arguments are flawed.

Spatial Strategy Core Policy 20 The policy ignores the role of Wootton Bassett and Cricklade as dormitory settlements Need to allocate in relation to Swindon and other major centres to the west. The proposed development strategy for Disagree. The Core Strategy policy for this Community housing West of this community area will not alter that role and therefore will further exacerbate the problems Area is based squarely on an appreciation of the relative Swindon associated with the need to travel for employment, services and shopping. We have demonstrated roles of Swindon and outlying settlements. The measures

that land west of Swindon (Washpool) is environmentally more acceptable than developing in proposed will clearly address the issues raised. The

Wootton Bassett and other isolated rural settlements in the community area. The Washpool site is Future of RAF Lyneham is now much clearer and will not

environmentally acceptable and can mitigate the majority of negative effects. In respect of „delivery', affect the overall strategy chosen.

the proposed Wootton Bassett and Cricklade community area strategy is flawed due to a variety of

factors: Inability to provide housing completions at the required rate; The extremely high viability The strategy proposed will deliver the housing required

2411 threshold needed to support proposals and mitigate the impact of development; The uncertainty and there is no need to allocate further sites than those

surrounding RAF Lyneham and the „what if' situations; The failure to address the Government's clear already identified. This conclusion is supported by a

intentions to promote growth and deliver significant uplift in housing provision; The failure to strong evidence base, using robust and up to date

acknowledge the certainty of proposals on land at Washpool; NPPF proposed policies further support methodology (for example housing supply needs)and the

the stance taken in these representations to promote the land at Washpool; Proposals for strategy will deliver the growth required by Government

development need to be sustainable, robust, deliverable and capable of meeting a recognised and local community.

housing need in full. [see attached full submission for detail and clarification on this point. This forms

the complete submission that should be taken into account] [appendix A submitted in hard copy only]

Agree with spatial strategy in identifying Wootton Bassett as a market town. Noted, but disagree. The strategy proposed will deliver the housing required and there is no need to allocate However disagree with quantum of development proposed and with a lack of allocated strategic sites. further sites than those already identified. This conclusion Spatial Strategy is supported by a strong evidence base. Need to allocate 2434 Consider that insufficient flexibility is built into the plan, especially in terms of it being able to absorb housing West of outward expansion of Swindon. It is the Council‟s position that the delivery of the Growth Swindon Agenda proposed by the Government is best achieved through the Neighbourhood Planning process. Proposed site for additional 50 houses near Moredon bridge.

Cross No. Comments Officer Comments Issue Reference

The Agency welcomes the strategic employment growth. However we would want to ensure that as far as possible this did not bring about increased in commuting via the M4. All schemes will need to give full consideration to the impact of traffic upon the SRN including junction 16 of the M4. As part of Impact of CS on the Wichelstowe permission an improvement scheme is proposed for junction 16 and as such all Highway network. future proposals will need to consider this as part of any assessment completed. The Agency Noted. We are aware of the issues, and these comments

2474 acknowledges the intention to provide 3.7ha of employment land, the supporting of Principal have been passed to the Highways department.

Employment Areas and 1,250dwellings in the community over the plan period (2006-2026). We would

wish to see a stronger connection with the Swindon Core Strategy being made since proposals for

this Unitary Authority will have an impact on the Wootton Bassett and Cricklade communities and in particular on the operation of the A419 and M4. There is no clear evidence to suggest that this has been assessed.

Noted. Have considered in detail, and the policy approach has been discussed at length with Swindon Borough. Quantum of Detailed response concerning the approach of the Strategy to growth in the north Wilts / Swindon Council (which now feels that it can accommodate growth Housing (not area, and a discussion of the nature of the relationship, with a conclusion that the Quantum of within its own boundaries) , however, we have to enough) housing proposed is insufficient. disagree. Need to allocate housing West of It is argued that the Core Strategy as proposed would be unsound in the light of the RSS and The evidence base robustly justifies the conclusion that Swindon Government policy, not least because it does not adequately consider alternatives. no strategic allocations are required in this area and none are therefore proposed. The representation notes a It is suggested, inter alia, that Wiltshire must make plans to absorb within its own area some of the relationship exists between Swindon and nearby anticipated growth of Swindon. settlements but misrepresents its nature. In particular it is not for Wiltshire to plan to accommodate housing numbers for Swindon that can readily and more sustainably be accommodated within that administrative 2555 area.

The overall strategy, built on the basis of the most up to date figures and a robust methodology, is to retain the character of existing settlements and protect the open countryside. Any significant changes are expected to be delivered through specific DPD‟s or through neighbourhood Plans. The latter in particular will enable the Wiltshire Local Plan, in line with Government policy, to response flexibly to proposals for development whether foreseen or otherwise, and support growth.

Core Policy 20 establishes that the spatial strategy for the Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Community Need to allocate Area will provide 1,250 new homes over the period 2006 to 2026, 920 of which will be provided at the Noted. An interesting comment. However it is the position housing sites in market town of Wootton Basset. Table 5.26 identifies that 153 units have been completed over the of the Wiltshire Local Plan that such applications come WB (Ballard‟s period 2006-10 and that a further 559 dwellings are identified on specific permitted sites. Table 5.26 forward under the Aegis of Neighbourhood Plans. The Ash) therefore concludes that land for a minimum of 208 additional dwellings will need to be found at Council would welcome dialogue regarding the proposal Wootton Bassett over the remainder of the plan period. The Core Strategy recognises at paragraph via that means. 2585 5.20.5, when considering specific issues that need to be addressed at Wootton Bassett, that main food shopping trips from Wootton Bassett are currently lost to neighbouring towns. For this reason the Core Strategy identifies that additional convenience retail development in the town may be appropriate if a suitable site can be identified to improve the retention of convenience trade in the town. In line with the above, Paragraph 5.20.6 states that the Council's future expectation for the Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Community Area is to see that "the retail offer of Wootton Bassett will Cross No. Comments Officer Comments Issue Reference have been enhanced and the town will enjoy a good supply of housing including affordable housing. The town will have an appropriate level of facilities for its size, with a hub for sports provision at Ballards Ash." It is clear that Wootton Bassett, being the only market town within the Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Community Area, is set to accommodate significant growth over the plan period 2006- 2026. In order to address the specific considerations identified for Wootton Bassett and meet the Council's future expectations for the Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Community Area, land will need to be found to accommodate the additional housing. A suitable site for additional retail development will also be required. Leda consider that the area of land adjacent to the Ballards Ash sports hub provides an excellent opportunity to accommodate the identified future growth required at Wootton Bassett (see map 1 below). The area of land adjacent to the Ballards Ash sports hub is unconstrained and offers scope to explore a variety of mixed use development opportunities which could provide housing, retail and public open space in a comprehensive manner, with significant benefits to the Wootton Bassett community. The proposed development area is physically contained and benefits from defensible boundaries in the form of the M4 to the north; the B4042 to the south and East; and the Ballards Ash sports hub to the west. Furthermore, the comprehensive development of this area would also assist the integration of the proposed sports hub with Wootton Bassett and provide the opportunity to facilitate increased accessibility to the hub. Leda therefore consider that the land adjacent to the Ballards Ash sports hub, identified on map 1 below, should be considered for a strategic mixed use allocation to deliver Wootton Bassett's future growth requirements. Noted. Due to limited space it is not possible to list all Para 5.20.5 Bullet point 4. Where is the evidence of outshopping? Wootton Bassett needs to protect Retailing in related information within a Core Strategy. Topic papers its small retail units in the town centre, improve the existing capacity by encouraging small Wootton Bassett however do provide the relevant information. 2640 businesses, not encouraging large national retailers. Para 5.20.9 The issues of which the Courts have

raised in connection with the CPRE's actions need to be addressed and reference to these issues

should be referred to in the policy for Wootton Bassett.

We would like the following additional information considered as an issue that needs addressing: This community area includes a large part of the Braydon Forest where intensive bat study has recently Biodiversity been undertaken by the Cotswold Water Park Trust and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. A new large

Bechstein's bat maternity roost has been found; Barbastelles have also been caught in the same

woodland. Greater Horseshoe and Lesser Horseshoe bats have also been recorded here; these four Noted. However the Core Strategy is not the appropriate

species are listed on Annex 2 of the EU Habitats Directive, enabling Special Areas of Conservation to mechanism for such designati

2690 be designated for these species and their habitats. The Braydon Forest is a significant area for bats

and other wildlife, notable for its SSSI Ancient Woodlands and Species-rich Grasslands; the

landscape-scale corridors here make this an important area for bats. This community area includes a

large part of the Cotswold Water Park, where nature conservation work and enhancements are

coordinated through the CWP Biodiversity Action Plan. Fourteen of the eighteen species of UK bat

have been found here including the Bechstein's, Barbastelle, Greater Horseshoe, Lesser Horseshoe and Nathusius's Pipistrelle bat.

We would like the following additional information considered as an issue that needs addressing: Since this Community Area comprise a large area of the Braydon Forest, comments above for Section 5.2 (Wootton Bassett & Cricklade) also apply here. This area also comprises a key linkage 2693 Noted. Braydon Forest between the Horseshoe populations of the Cotswold Hills and those within the wider Wiltshire. Horseshoe colonies are known throughout this area; support should be given to enhancing habitat linkages and roosting sites.

Para 5.20.5 Bullet point 4. Where is the evidence of outshopping? Wootton Bassett needs to protect Noted. Due to limited space it is not possible to list all its small retail units in the town centre, improve the existing capacity by encouraging small related information within a Core Strategy. Retailing in 2722 businesses, not encouraging large national retailers. Para 5.20.9 The issues of which the Courts have Wootton Bassett raised in connection with the CPRE's actions need to be addressed and reference to these issues should be referred to in the policy for Wootton Bassett. Cross No. Comments Officer Comments Issue Reference

There may be an error on some of the mapping which needs addressing: this comment may apply throughout the document, however I specifically reference examples in Community Areas 5.9 and 5.20. The map (Map 5.19) omits the Standing Open Water County Wildlife Sites of the Cotswold Accuracy of Water Park. Although SSSI are included they are incorrectly labelled as County Wildlife Sites. This is Noted mapping in 2764 misleading. North Meadow should also be noted as a Special Area of Conservation under the EU relation to SSSI Habitats Directive. It should be noted that sites which are designated as SSSI are not then notified as designations County Wildlife Sites as well, since the CWS system is to apply to sites not protected by other means. The SSSI system has more strength; to mislabel sites such as North Meadow SSSI/SAC as simply a County Wildlife Site is misleading, downplaying its importance.

5.20 Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Community Area Strategy This Community Area Strategy fails to Noted. However the focus of the Core Strategy has to be Scope of the 2768 make any linkage with the CWP, or recognise that the CWP is a key component of the Community narrow, focussing on strategic land use issues only. Core Strategy Area. Further comment as for 5.9 Malmsbury Community Area as above.

The list of evidence base documents includes the „West of Swindon Study‟. The reasons why the Coalescence outcomes of the Study are not recognised in the Core Strategy Document (imminent intended between North abolition of the dRSS and a consequent re-assessment of overall housing requirement at Swindon) Wiltshire Noted. However, as the Carla Homes judgement makes should be clearly set out. Since the strategic requirement to allocate housing land to the west of Settlements and clear, the RSS is still part of the development plan and Swindon, as required by draft RSS, no longer exists, an alternative strategy for the area between Swindon cannot yet be disregarded. However, the Core Strategy Swindon and Wootton Bassett/Purton/Lydiard Millicent needs to be established. It needs to specify 2798 does make clear that a strategy exists for the land in that the strategic gap should be protected from inappropriate development to avoid coalescence of question and this is aimed at preventing coalescence as Wiltshire settlements with Swindon, so that there is no negative impact on Swindon‟s roads, facilities, suggested here. and other infrastructure. At the very least the Wiltshire Core Strategy should recognise that any

development that may occur in Wiltshire adjacent to Swindon will have a high impact on the existing infrastructure and services of West Swindon.

The Settlement Strategy Topic Paper recognises that Purton has a role as a Local Service Centre. It Settlement is also acknowledged that the assessment criteria and related data used to then categorise the hierarchy (and settlement as a large village is not exact. If Purton is to maintain its existing level of services, especially role of particularly with regard to its Senior School, which serves the wider community area, and mindful of Purton within it) the aging population, it is important that it be allowed to provide for development in order to safeguard

its wider role. The comparison with the definition of Cricklade as a Local Service Centreforces the

conclusion that Purton is also a Local Service Centre by any logical and local understanding. It clearly Noted. However, designation of settlements is made

services the surrounding areas and possess a good level of services, which both need and can according to a matrix that includes much more than the

support appropriate levels of growth. Previous consultation responses submitted in respect of this range of facilities they provide. 2800 process, most recently regarding the 'Wiltshire 2026' publication note that the need to achieve self-

containment is important for Purton's ongoing vitality. Quite simply therefore is should be moved up

the hierarchy (as a Local Service Centre) to allow an appropriate level of housing (particularly to

address the settlement's affordable housing needs). Again, as stated by reference to those comments

made in response to Question 1, and notwithstanding that the figures may have changed, those

issues raised in my correspondence of 22nd December 2009, responding to the Wiltshire 2026

Consultation, confirm the need for Purton to be allowed to grow on a similarly commensurate basis, in

keeping with its function, which is more than just a large village. The assessment criteria applied have

incorrectly skewed the position. Cross No. Comments Officer Comments Issue Reference Settlement Persimmon Homes support the identification of Wootton Bassett as a Market Town, Cricklade as a hierarchy. Local Service Centre and Purton as a Large Village. Persimmon Homes object to the overall level of Noted. However we are convinced that there is no

development in the Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Community Area and the remainders for the town requirement for strategic growth over that already

and remainder of the community area, having regard to the implications of the latest household identified. This is based on a robust methodology using Need for housing projections. Persimmon Homes seek an increase in provision to a much more realistic level which the most up to date evidence. growth proposed takes account of the Ryland‟s Way Sports Ground redevelopment and other growth at the town and to be increased. allows for some limited growth at the Local Service Centre of Cricklade and the identified villages, However the Council is supportive of appropriate growth

including the Large Village of Purton. Persimmon Homes are progressing the redevelopment of the and economic development – indeed this is a priority for 2845 Ryland‟s Way Sports Ground and the provision of improved recreation facilities at the town at the Wiltshire Local Plan. Neighbourhood plans provide a

Ballard‟s Ash. The proposal has been approved subject to the completion of a S106 agreement. The flexible mechanism to deliver such growth that is

Core Strategy should take account of this proposal. [further details provided in hard copy report] supported by the community.

Purton Parish Council is concerned that with the strong focus on Wootton Bassett, and to a lesser extent on Cricklade, in Chapter 5.20 that it effectively side-lines the needs and issues of all the other communities within the Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Community Area. Purton parish is almost as large as Cricklade and when the development at Moredon Bridge is complete will be potentially larger. If the development at Ridgeway Farm is approved then Purton will become the larger of the two. We are therefore surprised the potential for this growth in Purton has not been considered particularly as this will be an urban extension of Swindon. Swindon is the main centre for employment, retail and leisure for the majority of the residents of Purton but the growth of Swindon has led to an intolerable level of traffic through and around the village particular at peak hours. This Consideration will be given to adding reference in the can only get worse when the new development north of Swindon at Tadpole Farm is completed. The Wootton Bassett and Cricklade area strategy to planning large numbers of buses taking pupils to Bradon Forest School in the centre of Purton using rural for the future growth of Swindon. roads originally built for the horse and cart. The parish council believes the core strategy is an opportunity to address this. The June 2011 consultation document indicates that an additional 134 dwellings will need to be provided in the The parish council believes there needs to be some housing development in the parish to meet local remainder of the Wootton Bassett Community Area, over 2902 needs and that it must include a level of affordable housing. and above those which are already built or committed.

The core strategy therefore includes an allowance for We also believe there must be provision for sites for local employment in Purton and think incubator some housing to come forward in Purton. units for start-up business should be considered. Whilst 3.7 Hectares of employment land has been designated, how much of this will be for local communities to increase the self sufficiency of rural Other comments noted. areas in an effort to reduce out-commuting. The parish council believes it needs to be specified in greater detail. Whilst chapter 5.20 covers most towns and villages in the Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Community Area, it does not seem to include the very small villages/ hamlets such as Green Hill, Greatfield and Braydon for example, and the parish council wonders how these are supposed to be covered within the Core Strategy. Amendment required o Include the needs and issues of the other communities in the Core Strategy so they can be effectively considered, o Consider the impact of the existing and potential urban extensions to the west of Swindon in Wiltshire, o Consider the impact of traffic on Wiltshire roads caused by the continuing growth of Swindon, and o Consider the need for employment in the smaller communities outside the main Market Towns and Local Service Centres to provide more employment opportunities and to reduce out-commuting from these communities. Cross No. Comments Officer Comments Issue Reference Purton parish council notes the Core Policy 20 proposes 1,250 new homes will be provided in the Wootton Bassett and Cricklade community area over the plan period 2006 to 2026. Of these, 920 will be in Wootton Bassett and the remaining 330 across the rest of the community area. However the parish council is confused by the breakdown of the 330 homes in table 5.26 as to whether it includes the 200 homes currently under construct at Moredon Bridge as an urban extension of Swindon in Wiltshire. The figures as presented suggest they are not. The parish council is concerned that any development to the west of Swindon but in Wiltshire may be counted in Swindon housing numbers. The current Regional Strategy to 2016 states in policy DP10B that the shortfall of a 1,000 homes built in Areas G (which is in Wiltshire) would count towards the shortfall in the housing for the Swindon Principal Urban Area. The Swindon Borough Council‟s Revised Proposed Submission Document (just Comments noted. Presentational issues will be completed its consultation) states that any houses built as an urban extension of Swindon in Wiltshire considered and responded to where necessary. The 200 2903 would count toward their housing needs, see Box 1 on page 30 of Swindon‟s Proposed Revised homes at Moredon Bridge fall within the allowance for the

Submission Document. Whilst the Draft Topic Paper 14 on the Site Selection Process recognises the west of Swindon. This is over and above the allowance for 200 dwelling at Moredon Bridge and clearly states that No site will be proposed west of Swindon, the the Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Community Area. Wiltshire Core Strategy Consultation Document makes no such statement. Amendment required o Clarify that the 200 home at Moredon Bridge built as an urban extension of Swindon in Wiltshire will count towards the housing needs of the Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Community Area, o The 700 at Ridgeway Farm, if (unfortunately) approved, will likewise be counted towards the housing needs of the Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Community Area, and o There is a clear statement that no site will be proposed west of Swindon in Wiltshire. The parish council notes that if the 700 dwellings at Ridgeway Farm are approved together with the 50 dwellings at Widham Farm on top of the 200 dwellings currently under construction at Moredon Bridge, then no more sites would need to be identified in the Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Community Area to meet its total housing need. Paragraph 5 - Purton parish council is troubled at the removal of the Rural Buffer as it prevented the unfettered growth of Swindon westward and the potential for the future coalescence of Swindon with our village and the loss of our individual rural identity and culture. It is a similar case for the villages of Lydiard Millicent and Hook and the towns of Cricklade and Wootton Bassett. Whilst the risk from Swindon‟s expansion is acknowledged in the consultation document, the parish council does not believe such a vague statement as “appropriate and strong policy mechanisms” will prevent communities to the west of Swindon from being swamped as Swindon continues to grow over time. Amendment required o The protection of the open countryside and the uniqueness of the individual settlements from the unchecked expansion of Swindon should be an imperative and not just an important objective, and o The mechanisms to protect the open countryside and to protect local communities from coalescence with Swindon should be fully defined in the strategy and must be quantitative and not qualitative. Paragraph 9 - Whilst the issue of traffic has been identified as a problem for many of the community areas in the Consultation Document, there is no mention at all of the traffic issues for the Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Community Area other than the vague Comments regarding coalescence noted – more detail will reference to the level of out-commuting at junction 16 of the M4. The parish council has seen be provided where appropriate. The strategy includes a 2904 significant growth in traffic both through the village and on the rural roads in this community area number of policy which seek to promote sustainable forms

caused in the main due to the large growth in Swindon over the years. However whilst Swindon has of transport and provide adequate infrastructure alongside done much to improve its road infrastructure to handle its increased level of traffic, there has not been new development. any substantial improvement to the road infrastructure in our community area in Wiltshire to handle the increased levels of traffic that daily flows into and out of Swindon. Swindon is the main centre for shopping, employment and leisure for the residents of the villages to the west of Swindon but as Swindon has expanded over the years, residents have found the journey to Swindon progressively more difficult with the increase in the numbers of roundabouts, traffic lights, re-routing of roads and most importantly the increased levels of traffic. The parish council is dismayed to see in the objective to discourage trips along Tadpole lane in Swindon‟s Revised Proposed Submission Document which will make it more difficult for the residents of Purton to travel to East Swindon, Great Western Hospital, and junction 15 of the M4. Amendment required o The levels of traffic in the Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Community Area needs to be addressed in the core strategy with proposals of how to mitigate any further increase in traffic volumes, particularly at peak hours and from the growth of Swindon, o Where a major development is proposed for Swindon, such as Tadpole Farm, the cost to mitigate the impact of traffic flowing from that development into this community area should be Cross No. Comments Officer Comments Issue Reference included as part of that development (as Swindon has regarding developments in Wiltshire in its Core Strategy), and o To improve working between Wiltshire and Swindon to ensure effective traffic improvements and free flowing traffic between the two Unitary Authorities

Question 20 Comment No. 2 Comment No. 1213 Comment No. 2325 Mr Allan Brodie CL Reeves Mr Anthony Aitken Comment No. 89 Comment No. 1333 Colliers International Mr Jim Ryan Dom Verschoyle Unknown Comment No. 113 Comment No. 1412 Mactaggart & Mickel David Feather Shirley Bevington Comment No. 2411 Comment No. 150 Comment No. 1472 Mr Steve Briggs Mr Andrew Lord Tom Pepperall Partner Smiths Gore Planning Advisor North Wessex Downs AONB Lydiard Millicent Parish Council Unknown Comment No. 292 Comment No. 1473 D J Raker Ltd and Cooper Estates N Nelder Tom Pepperall Comment No. 2434 Development Adviser Lydiard Millicent Parish Council Stephen Harris Comment No. 460 Comment No. 1509 Emery Planning Partnership Cllr Jacqui Lay Mollie Groom Unknown NORTHERN COMMUNITY AREA Wainhomes (South West) Holdings Comment No. 511 PARTNERSHIP Ltd Mr N Bray Comment No. 1538 Comment No. 2474 Branch Secretary RailFuture Severnside Terry Hunt Ms Meghann Downing Chairman Rodbourne Cheney Comment No. 571 Residents Assocaition Asset Manager Highways Agency Mrs A Roe Comment No. 1553 Comment No. 2555 Lydiard Tregoz Parish Council Mr B Pearce Mrs Maggie Wood Land Development & Planning Associate Director DPDS Comment No. 646 Consultants Limited Consulting Group Mrs Shelley Parker Comment No. 1555 Unknown Assistant Town Clerk Cricklade Primegate Properties (Hooksouth) Town Council Mr Adrian Crafer Ltd Company Secretary Swindon and Comment No. 657 Cricklade Railway Comment No. 2585 Mrs C Spickernell Comment No. 1672 Mr Tom Smailes Comment No. 710 David Wilson Kemp and Kemp LLP Senior Town Planner Thames Geoff Yates Water Property Services Unknown Comment No. 841 Comment No. 1720 LEDA Properties Ltd J Harmer Phil Rice Comment No. 2640 Comment No. 861 Malmesbury Town Council Mr George McDonic Chairman Campaign to Protect Mr Ken Oliver Comment No. 1786 Rural England - Wiltshire Branch Canal Officer Wiltshire Council Bob Hillman Comment No. 2690 Senior Planner (LDF) Swindon Comment No. 951 Borough Council Gareth Harris Mrs Jenny Stratton Comment No. 1821 Wiltshire Bat Group Comment No. 1035 Mr A D Matthews Comment No. 2693 Ms Jenny Hawley Comment No. 2009 Gareth Harris Environmental Intelligence Officer Wiltshire Wildlife Trust Ellen O'Grady Wiltshire Bat Group Comment No. 1049 Defence Estates Comment No. 2722 KM Coole Comment No. 2138 Mr George McDonic Comment No. 1051 Peter Keenan Comment No. 2764 Mrs Gina Chapman Peter Brett Asscoiates Gareth Harris Comment No. 1083 Unknown Cotswold Water Park Trust Property & Development Division Mary Coole WM Morrison Supermarkets PLC Comment No. 2768 Comment No. 1105 Comment No. 2170 Gareth Harris

Charles Routh Miss Katherine Burt Cotswold Water Park Trust Planning Liaison Technical Planning and Local Government Specialist Natural England (Wessex Area) Comment No. 2798 Comment No. 1133 Comment No. 2234 Bob Hillman Senior Planner (LDF) Swindon Dr Richard Pagett Mr C Cornell Borough Council Chair Ps and Qs Stephen Harris Comment No. 2800 Emery Planning Partnership Mr S Chambers LPC (Trull) Ltd Comment No. 2845 Mr Mark Fox Pegasus Planning Group Unknown Unknown Persimmon Homes

Comment No. 2902, 2903, 2904 Mrs Shirley Bevington Purton Parish Council