2 Rathill Cottages SN14 7LB

11 January 2017

Mr Richard Sewell Development Services Wiltshire Council Monkton Park Chippenham SN15 1ER

Dear Mr Sewell

Ref : Ref 18/10196FUL & 16/10522/LBC, 16/10205FUL & 16/10551/LBC, 16/10204/FUL

As long standing residents of the Parish of Grittleton (one of us since 1970), we wish to give our full support for the above referenced planning applications.

Grittleton is a unique village, and to a large extent we can thank the Neeld family who once owned the Grittleton Estate for the village as we find it today. The massively wealthly Joseph Neeld came from in 1828 and began a program of remodelling the village and rebuilt Grittleton House. It should be noted that Joseph did not have the hindrance of modern planning laws and no doubt the building of Grittleton House (which adds much character to the village) would never get permission today. However, build it he did, to the benefit of us all.

The village continued to be developed right though until the early 20th century at which point to the Neeld family ran out of enthusiasm or money, it seems. The village became stuck in time and very little changed for many years. Of course, in the 1950’s when Grittleton should have taken its fair share of local authority housing, the Neeld family were still able to muster enough energy to ensure that this housing was put in Yatton Keynell , rather than in their own ‘back yard’.

Over the past 40 years there has been sporadic in-filling, some of which is sympathetic and some less sympathetic. Grittleton has very much stagnated.

It seems widely accepted that Manor Farm Grittleton has ‘had its day’. Whilst it was, no doubt, a model farm in the 19th century estate, it is not fit for the 21st century. The current occupants struggle to farm from its antiquated (listed) buildings and have done their utmost to keep the farm business running in entirely unsuitable buildings.

The ambitious plans submitted by the current caretakers (and we use that word carefully and wisely, for they are only managing the farm for future generations) are entirely reasonable.

The farm buildings are semi-derelict and redundant. Their conversion to dwellings is long overdue when one looks at similar old farms across the country. This must surely be without doubt? The new build housing is in-filling. Yes, in-filling on a larger than normal scale in Grittleton, but in- filling all the same. Grittleton missed out on new builds in the 1950’s and now it is time to play catch up.

Despite claims to the contrary, the houses will not be visible from the road, will not destroy the character of the village, will in no way cause extra parking issues in the High Street, will not cause accidents at the crossroads, will create far less traffic than the recently closed Grittleton House School used to create, will not cause the drains to overflow and the new influx of residents (heaven forbid) will not destroy the dynamics of the community. This is all scaremongering.

The new farm is a farm for the 21st century. We, as inhabitants of Grittleton, expect Wi-fi, fast broadband, underfloor heating, power showers, environmentally efficient housing, but it seems many do not want the local farmer to join us in this century, because it will spoil our view, de-value our property, destroy the status quo and attract new people.

The new farm is away from the village, removing immediate smells, noise and pollution. The anti- lobby cry out, ‘it will make smells, noise and pollution’. Ask yourself; should we just close the farm, sell the land to someone wishing to invest their fortunes, (conveniently avoiding inheritance tax along the way) and buy our beef from Argentina? Or, do we embrace the farm and everything it stands for and say ‘yes’ it is an important part of the village and long may it continue to be so ?

The objectors are vocal in their objection, but many cannot even be bothered to pen their own letter, rather, just choosing to add their names to a pre-worded draft in the hope that with minimal effort it will prevent any development of any sort in their tranquil ideal.

Whilst we accept that some immediate neighbours have very valid and real concerns, these are relatively trivial and we hope and trust that the Applicants will address these issues to their satisfaction. Otherwise, we hope that it is time for Grittleton to move on.

Yours sincerely

Justin and Annie PIckford