Village near Trowbridge to gain 30 new homes

New Housing Development Proposed Near Trowbridge

Plans for the construction of up to 30 new homes in a village close to Trowbridge are set to be reviewed by Wiltshire Council’s Western Area Planning Committee. The meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, July 9, will see councillors decide on an application submitted by Southwick Village Developments Ltd. The proposed development includes the creation of new estate roads and footpaths on land located west of Wesley Lane at Lamberts Marsh, Southwick.

The application has been referred to the committee by divisional ward councillor Chris Brautigam, who represents Southwick under the Reform UK party. This means that the final decision will be made by the councillors rather than planning officers. The site, which is surrounded by houses on three sides, lies outside the settlement boundary of Southwick but is designated for housing in the Southwick Neighbourhood Development Plan covering the period from 2018 to 2036.

The land being considered (marked in red) is part of a larger area (marked in blue) owned by the applicant. The proposal aims to secure full planning permission for the construction of a new vehicular access and roadway, along with the building of 30 houses. Nine of these homes would be available as locally discounted First Homes.

Southwick Parish Council has expressed support for the application, and there have been no objections from Wiltshire Council’s major consultees, including the Highways Authority and Drainage Authority. However, approximately 100 representations have been submitted to the council, with many coming from duplicate addresses. Most of these submissions express opposition to the scheme.

The proposed homes would include a mix of traditional two-storey and contemporary three-storey dwellings. In the case of the three-storey properties, the third storey would be integrated within the roof structure.

The application has received a recommendation for approval, indicating that the planning officers believe the proposal meets the necessary criteria. However, the final decision rests with the councillors, who will take into account the various representations and concerns raised during the consultation period.

This development could significantly impact the local community, offering new housing options while also raising questions about the balance between growth and preserving the character of the village. As the planning committee prepares to deliberate, residents and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the decision unfolds.

Community Response and Concerns

The proposal has sparked a mixed reaction from the local community. While some residents and officials support the idea of expanding housing options, others are concerned about the potential effects on the area’s landscape, traffic, and infrastructure. The presence of over 100 representations, many of which are duplicates, highlights the level of interest and concern among the public.

Local groups and residents have raised several issues, including the impact on existing roads, the need for additional drainage solutions, and the overall design of the new homes. There are also concerns about the long-term sustainability of the development and whether it aligns with the broader goals of the Southwick Neighbourhood Development Plan.

Despite these concerns, the support from Southwick Parish Council and the absence of formal objections from key authorities suggest that the project has a strong foundation. However, the final outcome will depend on the deliberations of the planning committee, which will weigh all factors before making a decision.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether this development will proceed and how it will shape the future of Southwick.