WHY THIS MATTERS
Key Planning Issues
Wyatt Homes is expected to submit a planning application for around 310 new homes on land south of Harnham. We believe the proposals should be carefully assessed against planning policy, independent evidence and local knowledge. These are the principal issues we will be examining.
Wiltshire Council has not properly consulted with the local community or other organisations.
Beautiful greenfield land and its unique habitats are at risk of destruction.
Increased traffic in Harnham, will cause gridlock in Harnham and disruption in surrounding villages.
Why This Matters
Traffic & Transport
This development will significantly increase traffic congestion
Heighten reliance on cars
The proportion of journeys likely to be taken by foot or bike are overestimated, considering the hilly terrain and the lack of sustainable transport routes.
There is no safe, buggy-friendly route to schools, and all major and healthcare services are across New Bridge Road.
This will increase the demand car journeys.
Increased Congestion
The already congested roads of Salisbury, including the Harnham gyratory, will experience gridlock.
With the addition of 1,330 new homes on Netherhampton Road, Harnham will see at least 1,660 more cars on the road.
Ambulances may face delays reaching patients and the hospital during busy periods.
No robust traffic improvement plan
The road network, especially the Harnham Gyratory and Newbridge Road, cannot cope with the increased traffic associated with these new developments.
Wiltshire Council does not have a funded plan to deal with the increases in vehicle capacity
Use of ratruns
There will be increased traffic on smaller roads and through villages, such as Old Blandford Road and the Coombe Bissett to Odstock Road.
These roads often do not have safe pavements and therefore increases the risk to pedestrians.
These issues do not seem to have been considered within the traffic modelling work done.
Why This Matters
Landscape & Countryside
This development will destroy this greenfield land forever
Impact on community recreation
Development on Sites 8 & 9 will impact the health, living conditions and natural environment enjoyed by hundreds of walkers, ramblers, and dog-walker who currently use the site.
The feeling of tranquillity will be significantly impacted by houses built on the west side of the field as they will impede the sweeping views.
No prior consultation with Cranborne Chase AONB
The sites are within the setting of the Cranborne Chase Natural Landscape (AONB), and should be considered as valued landscapes and are part of a rolling landscape indistinguishable from the AONB.
The CCAONB write that 'it is concerning that sites identified in policies 27 and 28 [Land South of Harnham and Land West of Coombe Road] have been put forward to public consultation without prior discussion with the AONB Partnership."
Dark Skies
There is no evidence that the effect of development on sites 8 & 9 on the International Dark Sky area of the Cranborne Chase Dark Sky Reserve would be acceptable.
The AONB strongly advise reconsideration
Development on sites 8 & 9 does not conserve the natural beauty of the AONB and its setting, or the valued landscapes which, due to the elevated and sloping nature of the site, cannot be adequately mitigated by landscape modification and planting.
“The CCAONB Partnership does, therefore, strongly advise that the allocations in policies 27 and 28 are reconsidered."
Why This Matters
Brownfield First
This development would not be necessary if brownfield sites were developed.
No Brownfield sites included in the plan
Contrary to the Local Plan objectives, no brownfield sites have been allocated for development in Salisbury.
Sites not included (with little explanation) include the Old Gasworks, Quidhampton Quarry and Churchfields.
No allocation for the Maltings
There is no allocation for the Maltings and Central Car Park (Policy 23) despite housing being part of the development plan. This could generate 200 centrally located, affordable homes.
Dismissal of proactive brownfield developers
Quidhampton Developments (the landowner of Quidhampton Quarry) state that the council has not properly considered the site that could provide over 400 new homes.
Windfall allowance too low
Independent analysis of windfall numbers confirm that the current allocation of just 350 dwellings for Salisbury Principal Settlement is too low and probably half the number that it should be.
Why This Matters
Heritage & Setting
This development will severely risk the interpretation of a Historic Monument
Archaeological potential
High archaeological potential due to close proximity to the Ancient Villages site.
Ancient Monument
The development is in close proximity to the Woodbury Hillfort and Ancient Villages settlement
(Scheduled Ancient Monument).
Any development built within view will likely damage the setting appreciation of the Monument.
Heritage Impact Assessment
Wiltshire Council's Heritage Impact Assessment identified one third of proposed land as an 'Area of no development'.
Even with mitigation strategies there is a high risk of residual harm.
Why This Matters
Wildlife & Biodiversity
This development will damage the local wildlife environment
Destruction of Habitats
The habitat of hundreds of species, including badgers, bats, swifts, skylarks, and slow worms, will be destroyed.
Pressure on Lime Kiln Open Space
The flora and fauna of Lime Kiln Open Space will be affected by increased use from hundreds of residents and visitors.
Why This Matters
Community Engagement
Local communities should be fully informed, meaningfully consulted and given clear opportunities to comment throughout the planning process.
Planning Evidence
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We will examine whether the planning application is supported by robust evidence on transport, landscape, biodiversity, flooding and infrastructure
Community Engagement
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We expect local communities to be properly informed and given a meaningful opportunity to comment before decisions are made.
Independent Expert Review
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Independent planning, transport and landscape experts will help us scrutinise the technical evidence submitted by Wyatt Homes.
Planning Process
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We will monitor the planning process carefully and provide residents with clear information about key dates and opportunities to participate.
