Major Housing Scheme in Rural Wiltshire Permitted

Tetlow King Planning has successfully negotiated the grant of permission on a former employment site in Wiltshire, using dual applications to increase the number of units to 42 dwellings on a Westlea Housing Association scheme.

The Jam Factory previously on the site had been demolished and development had commenced on a 38 unit scheme in the village of Easterton, completing all 12 affordable housing units. Changes were necessary to allow the scheme to be completed and Tetlow King Planning were brought in to review the strategy alongside architects, Trower Davies Ltd.

Since implementing the 38 unit scheme and paying the S106 financial contributions, Wiltshire Council had adopted a CIL Charging Schedule. This removed the option to submit a fresh planning application as this would place a significant additional cost on the new dwellings.

Positive negotiation with the planning officer who had detailed knowledge of the site lead to an agreement to submit a Section 73 variation of condition application, allowing the scheme to be tweaked. Those amendments made the scheme more efficient and also made space for four new dwellings for which a separate, full application was required.

Highlighting the benefits of the new design and four additional units to local residents and the Parish Council, who had been closely involved with the site’s planning history, formed a critical part of getting local support. Clear public consultation and ongoing open discussion resulted in only a single objection being lodged by a local resident. Clear dialogue with the Parish Council also resulted in unspent S106 financial contributions being redirected to help with the shortfall in funds for improvements to the village hall.

TKP is delighted that this strategy now means that the scheme can be completed.

For any further information regarding the above, or other difficult developments please contact Jonathan Adams or Meghan Rossiter  on 0117 9561916.