42-home outline scheme at Land At Hodson Road, Chiseldon, Swindon

The proposal

The application seeks outline permission for up to 42 homes, open space, landscaping and engineering works, with only access decided now.

“Proposal: Outline planning application (with all matters except access reserved) for the erection of up to 42 no. dwellings, open space, landscaping and associated engineering works.”

“The Proposal: This application seeks outline planning permission for the erection of up to 42 dwellings with all matters reserved except for access on land at Hodson Road, Chiseldon.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 2.59-hectare field lies north of Hodson Road, beside homes, a cycle route, a lane, the National Landscape and the conservation area.

“The Site and Surroundings: The site is an irregularly shaped plot of land located to the north of Hodson Road, Chiseldon. The plot is 2.59 hectares in area and is a largely open field with boundary planting, which slopes downwards towards the north eastern corner.”

“A cycle way (Sustrans National Cycle Route) runs along the eastern boundary and a narrow lane is located to the southern boundary with the latter providing access to several dwellings as well as footpath access beyond to the village (Chiseldon). Beyond this cycle way and lane are residential properties plus what would also appear to be a paddock to the east. To the north (in part), west and beyond Hodson Road to the south west are further residential properties.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The parish council and most public respondents objected, while highways withdrew its objection after revisions and other consultees raised no objections subject to conditions or contributions.

“Representations: Public consultation was carried out once the application was validated in September 2024 and again earlier this year as a result of revised and additional information. A site notice was also posted and a notice placed in the local newspaper. The below is a summary of the representations received as a result of these. The material planning considerations raised are covered in the ‘discussion’ section below.”

“Highways: Initial objections raised regarding the proposed access arrangement as it was considered to be poor and prejudiced an existing access driveway leading to an increased risk of collisions and secondly that the site is inaccessible and unsustainable resulting in an inherently car dependent development. NB upon submission of revised and additional details the Highways Officer removed their objection regarding the proposed access.”

Officer report

What people were concerned about

Objections covered the location, highways, countryside, landscape, sewerage, services, wildlife, heritage, agricultural land, amenity and conflict with planning policies.

“- Unsuitable location - Principle of development - Outside of village boundary - Application is premature - Local housing needs already at Burderop Park, Wichelstowe etc - Highway Safety (new access on bend, traffic, new crossing, vehicle speeds, construction traffic, changes to bridleway access) - Bus service not good enough/not enough services in village - Impact upon AONB/National Landscape (major development/exceptional circumstances, Countryside and Rights of Way Act) -…”

“- Area has historical importance – part of Icknield Way - Noise disturbance/impact upon residential amenity - Light pollution - Pollution from traffic - Loss of agricultural land - Query whether affordable housing will really be affordable - Setting of precedent - Application submission is deficient/there are inaccuracies - Applicant’s public consultation - Conflict with Local Plan and Neighbourhood Plan…”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

The meeting heard from a ward councillor, the agent, three objectors and two parish councillors.

Why the application was deferred

Members unanimously deferred the application so officers could examine highway safety and explore options for improving the junction.

“Councillor Neil Hopkins proposed that the application be deferred for Officers to look at highways safety issues and in order to explore options for improving the safety of the junction. Councillor Gary Sumner seconded the proposal. All Councillors were in favour of the proposal, and none were opposed.”

“Resolved – That the application be deferred for Officers to look at highways safety issues and in order to explore options for improving the safety of the junction. 76.”

Minutes