CONSULTATION on Marlborough’s Neighbourhood Plan has begun and could see 180 new houses built in the town in the next 15 years.

Residents have been invited to have their say on how Marlborough is shaped until comments close on March 8.

A Neighbourhood Plan is a legal document which aims to give protection to an area from unwanted development while meeting the needs of the community.

Cllr Mervyn Hall, who heads the Neighbourhood Plan steering group, said: “We’ve done quite extensive public consultation to determine the main needs of the Marlborough community.

“Affordable homes and car parking capacity are two of the things which came out, but there is a list of community needs.

“The plan attempts to address those, but at the same time it affords protections to the environment and our heritage against speculative and unwanted development.”

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Mervyn Hall at the site of Marlborough’s old Gas works Mervyn Hall at the site of Marlborough’s old Gas works

One big feature of the document is the inclusion of five areas which are earmarked to be used to build 180 homes, for sale on the open market and as large areas affordable housing.

Land at Elcot Lane and at the back of Salisbury Road has been allocated for 50 houses each, with 50 per cent of each scheme being affordable housing.

At Barton Dene there are 40 houses proposed with 12 affordable homes and four houses for private rent to current or former Marlborough College employees.

Land at Cherry Orchard (30 houses) and at Kelham Gardens (10) both have a 40 per cent affording housing allocation.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Cherry Orchard is one of the locations earmarked for new development under the neighbourhood plan Photo Trevor PorterCherry Orchard is one of the locations earmarked for new development under the neighbourhood plan Photo Trevor Porter

The Neighbourhood Plan also refers to the idea of using the current home of the health centre on George Lane for housing.

It says it will support the change of use in principal, provided that planning permission if first given for a new doctor’s surgery in the town, and that the any redevelopment fits with the suburban character of George Lane.

A lack of public parking is also being addressed by the draft plan.

Suggestions could see land next to the rugby club used for public parking while keeping a 'meaningful triangle' of green space between the southern end and Hyde Lane.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Marlborough Common where rugby club plans for more car parking Photo Trevor Porter Marlborough Common where rugby club plans for more car parking Photo Trevor Porter

Cllr Hall said Wiltshire Council’s lack of a five-year land supply was a concern but that having a Neighbourhood Plan in place would be an enormous help for any community.

Once the consultation has concluded, the group will make amendments to the plan before it goes out again for public comment, in a consultation run by Wiltshire Council.

Then a public referendum will be held to determine if the plan is formally adopted.

The timescale of this is uncertain because of Covid-19, though Cllr Hall said in normal times he would have wanted the vote to be held alongside the May elections.

See the plans' details at www.marlborough-tc.gov.uk/neighbourhood-plan