Hillworth Valley housing plans in Devizes approved on appeal

A proposal to build 59 homes in the valley to the west of Hillworth Road, Devizes, was approved by the planning inspectorate on October 13 after a hearing.

This came after Wiltshire Council rejected the plans in November 2022 amidst concerns about the impact on the character and appearance of the area, and on traffic congestion.

At the hearing in June, multiple speakers voiced their opposition to the scheme.

Among those who feared potential “gridlocks” in the area were town councillors Iain Wallis and Maria Hoult.

Cllr Hoult said: “This will cause even more traffic jams and I don’t see how the infrastructure of a very small town will be improved by this.”

Protesters at Hillworth Valley in October, 2022 (Image: Pete Glastonbury)Wiltshire Council agreed the proposals were acceptable from an accessibility perspective but sought to block them due to the “harm” to the surrounding countryside and landscape.

In the statement of common ground, council representatives added: “This would cause irreversible loss of an attractive and historic landscape and fails to protect, conserve and where possible enhance landscape character.”

Representatives for applicants Square Bay argued the development would benefit Devizes and tackle a “significant shortfall” in Wiltshire’s housing supply.

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Planning inspector Martin Allen judged that the scheme would be “harmful to the character and appearance of the area” due to the loss of countryside.

But he ruled this harm was minimised by the fact part of the site was earmarked for development, and therefore did not outweigh the “package of benefits.”

He added that the development would not lead to “unacceptable congestion” on Hillworth Road or at the junction with Long Street.

Hillworth Valley (Image: Newsquest)The developers have agreed to invest thousands into encouraging pedestrian and cycle schemes, providing funds for early years education places, and upgrading playing pitches at Green Lane Sports Club and Devizes School.

Reacting to the verdict on Facebook, campaigners against the scheme revealed their disappointment.

A spokesperson for the Save the Hillworth Valley Facebook page said: “Sad news - planning appeal granted.

“Unfortunately, we have learned today that the planning appeal on the Hillworth Valley outline application has been granted and outline permission given.”

Despite the blow, the group vowed to continue fighting to ensure any future reserved matters application was “suitable” for locals.

They added: “It’s sad news but not the end, please keep following this issue and campaigning to ensure if there is building on this site that it is appropriate.”