I was shocked to read in last week’s Gazette & Herald that, despite local opposition, building permission had been granted in Burbage outside the ‘Limit of Development’ and, some six weeks later, another application has been submitted using this as a precedent.

This is tantamount to committing a crime and then committing another based on the fact that the first made it acceptable! 

Following interest from Claire Perry MP, the use of the Local Plan to protect our communities has already been tested to the highest level when Eric Pickles MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, stated that the refusal to approve the application for the Coate Bridge housing estate near Devizes was correct as it was outside the Limit of Development. I therefore assumed that it would be fairly applied to all future applications. How wrong I was.

I would welcome any comments on this matter from Wiltshire Council. They have to send out a clear message to the community (and the developers) that the Local Plan and therefore the Limit of Development, designed to protect its residents and enhance the locality, will be taken seriously. Otherwise, what is the point of this well-considered document?

Garry Stevens,
Astley Close,
Pewsey.