Housing row verdict at Kirstie Allsopp's old Wiltshire home looms

Wiltshire Council currently has a deadline of October 23 to determine a planning application for 170 homes and a serviced plot for a medical centre on land at Wenhill in Calne.

The large new housing estate would border the Grade II-listed Vern Leaze manor, once the family home of Channel 4’s Location, Location, Location presenter Kirstie Allsopp.

There are concerns about the impact of the development on this property, which was valued at £3.5 million in 2021 and remains a site of “national significance” decades after it was sold by Ms Allsopp’s late father, Charles, the 6th Baron Hindlip.

While the decision deadline is subject to change, a decision on the plans could be just weeks away.

This will likely be delayed if the application is called in for discussion by the Northern Area Planning Committee, as has been requested by the leader of Wiltshire Council, Cllr Ian Thorn.

Plans for new homes in Calne(Image: CG Fry & Son)

Cllr Thorn is one of many Calne residents and councillors who want to see the proposal turned down.

The plans are particularly controversial because developer CG Fry and Son would not be responsible for delivering the medical centre.

This facility may not be built even if the housing plans go ahead, as it will be dependent on funding from the NHS Integrated Care Board.

It is hoped that obtaining planning permission would kickstart this process, but residents fear an influx of houses without more health services being delivered.

Another reason for opposition listed by residents and councillors is the argument that a large development off the A3102 Silver Street will worsen existing traffic issues.

Others believe Calne is “bursting at the seams” and needs more infrastructure, on top of the proposed medical centre, before it can accommodate more homes.

Despite local opposition, CG Fry & Son has described the site as “an ideal urban expansion to the west of Calne” during the planning process.

A design and access statement added: “CG Fry & Son, who have completed several successful construction projects in the locality, are committed to achieving a successful outcome on this important site.

“Our aim is to provide an individually designed scheme with a sense of place, which will cherish local distinctiveness, and provide an attractive, comfortable, and safe place to live for its occupants.”