IT is little wonder that some residents of this small hamlet here near Woodborough have nicknamed the recent private development here as ‘Bottlesford Manor’.
This development is the result of a planning approval (over some years and re-applications), for a ground and first floor extension to a small pre-war bungalow which was set back from the lane.
Unfortunately, it seems, our Wiltshire Planning Department failed to look more closely at the submitted plans. Possibly, in fairness to them, due to central Government austerity resulting in cutbacks in staffing levels at County Hall.
Having said that, the local parish council, and the local area district councillor, were long ago alerted to the forthcoming and subsequent resultant situation. But their only ‘concern’ raised in a hand-written planning comment, was they feared it may at sometime in the future be used for bed and breakfast, and subsequently all kept their heads well and truly below the parapet.
This has resulted in the original bungalow being completely ‘torn down’ (their words), and the large complete new dwelling being erected, (“due to changes required during construction”, it was stated) and which has now, at long last, received very retrospective approval by the county planning enforcement officer, who has thanked local Bottlesford residents in writing for bringing it to his attention.
Perhaps our local MP (Claire Perry) may wish to consider the implications and results of her government’s austerity, and the obvious result (in this case) on their disastrous ‘affordable housing’ programme?
MR & MRS N COOPER
Bottlesford