The following are planning applications, appeals, decisions and more from Wiltshire, recently:

PL/2021/05887: Plans to convert disused agricultural buildings for business use have been canned by the council.

The Ramsbury Estate of Priory Farm in Axford applied to Wiltshire Council to convert a range of farm buildings from agriculture to business use complete with car parking.

One of the principal reasons for officers rejecting the bid is the site’s location in “open countryside” and that officers were unclear how the development would support farming.

They added: “The works needed to the modern buildings would involve a degree of rebuilding that would change the character of the buildings and that as such they fall outside the scope of ‘conversion’.

“It is not demonstrated that the works needed to the historic farm buildings or the development as a whole would safeguard the heritage significance of the Grade II listed Harrow Farmhouse and the associated curtilage listed farm buildings.

“Due to the distance to local services, facilities and amenities and absence of public transport or other sustainable travel options, occupants of the development would likely be heavily reliant on the use of private motor transport, contrary to the principles of sustainable development and the aims of reducing the need to travel.

“Due to the absence of information on the nature, location and extent of the proposed uses and any necessary measures to control noise from the commercial uses on the site, the proposal fails to demonstrate that it would have an acceptable impact on neighbouring residential amenities.”

PL/2021/09922: A bid to extend a block of 25 flats in Purton has been approved.

Mark Stevens of Hooks Hill Development Ltd in Swindon applied for the extension, alteration and refurbishment of 25 flats to include the addition of 4 new dwellings.

The proposals also include minor alterations to the facades and external landscaping works to include new parking, bicycle and bin storage and footpaths at Hooks Hill, Purton.

PL/2021/08597: A bid to replace a garage with a new house have been approved.

Mr and Mrs Kasakliev of 18 Cherry Gardens, Trowbridge have been green lit for their plans to demolish their garage and replace it with a house.

The permission will allow the couple to build a two-storey, three-bedroom property which would “continue the character of the area”.

PL/2021/04125: An appeal has been launched to overturn a Wiltshire Council decision to block an application to use agricultural land for education and therapy.

Mr Buscombe of Manor Cottage in Hilmarton applied to use the land at his address for the purposes of agriculture, together with educational/therapy sessions by prior arrangement.

However, Mr Buscombe had his application rejected.

In rejecting the application, officers wrote: “Insufficient precise and unambiguous evidence has been presented within this application to demonstrate that on the balance of probabilities the applicant’s primary use of the land and building is agriculture.

“Furthermore, the therapy, animal handling, alpaca walking and education sessions operated by the Dave & Ewe business, are not considered to be an agricultural use, or a use that would be considered ancillary or incidental to an agricultural use.

“The Council is not satisfied that the legal tests are met in relation to use of the land or building and therefore, a Lawful Development Certificate cannot be granted.”

Now Mr Buscombe has launched an appeal against the council decision. Any interested parties should contact the planning inspectorate by Monday, February 28, 2022.

PL/2021/11005: A solar powered carport will soon be installed at Delhi Barracks after planning permission was granted.

The application by the Secretary of State for Defence put in for the plans at Delhi Barracks, Tidworth Garrison in Tidworth.

The development will result in the loss of 29 existing car parking bays which will be replaced by 20 electric vehicle charging spaces, including one disabled access space. The officers report says: “The proposal necessitates the loss of seven trees which are to be replaced across the camp with new hedge planting provided to the rear of the parking bays and a new tarmac pedestrian footpath adjacent to the charging stations. The proposal is one of several sustainability initiatives being employed by the Army to support the Government’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon by 2050.”