Development of 50 houses at Wiltshire village refused permission

Artist’s impression of the western edge of the refused development. (Image: Urban Design Box)

Plans for 50 new homes between Melksham and Devizes have been refused by Wiltshire Council.

The outline planning application was submitted to the council in December 2023 and proposed a housing development on land west of Sand’s Lane in Rowde.

The design included a community building, associated car park, public open space and footpath links.

Rowde Parish Council objected to the application due to the size of the proposal, as well as a lack of employment and infrastructure in the village.

It also mentioned pre-existing issues in the area, such as “low water pressure”, “regular power cuts” and “bottlenecks of traffic.”

40 written responses were received from local residents during the consultation period, many of which expressed similar concerns, including suggestions that drainage and environmental impacts would be problematic.

Wiltshire Council Urban Design criticised the proposed cul de sac roads and the effect they would have on circulation.

The case officer report stated: “The development is considered to be in conflict with the development plan, as the proposal would not provide a suitable location for housing and would be contrary to the relevant policies in relation to the development strategy for the area.

“The proposal would have an adverse visual impact on the landscape.”

Wiltshire Council informed the developer of its decision to refuse the proposal on Monday, February 5.