Update on planning row at Kirstie Allsopp's old home

A planning row over a proposed 170-home development on land at Wenhill in Calne has been rumbling on since an application was first submitted in July by developer CG Fry and Son.

There is concern about the planned estate’s impact on the surrounding area, including the neighbouring Grade II-listed Vern Leaze manor.

This manor house was the family home of Channel 4’s Location, Location, Location presenter Kirstie Allsopp until her late father, Charles, the 6th Baron Hindlip, sold it.

The property, valued at £3.5 million in 2021, remains a site of “national significance” decades later.

In November, Wiltshire Council told this paper it had missed its deadline of October 23 to determine the application because it was waiting for more information to be submitted.

Since then, no new documents have been publicly submitted, however a new decision deadline has been set.

The council now expects to determine the application by January 31 next year.

This could still be subject to change, particularly if the application is sent to the Northern Area Planning Committee for deliberation.

The leader of Wiltshire Council, Cllr Ian Thorn, has already requested that this happens amidst concern over the development.

As well as 170 homes, CG Fry and Son is seeking planning permission for a medical centre on the land.

The developer would not be responsible for building this facility and its delivery would rely on funding from the NHS Integrated Care Board.

Many fear the proposed medical centre would never materialise, leading to additional strain on the town’s infrastructure when the 170 homes are built.

Throughout the planning process, CG Fry & Son has labelled its plans “an ideal urban expansion to the west of Calne”.

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.”

Many locals disagree, arguing that Calne is “bursting at the seams” due to the increasing number of housing developments being built in the area.

They remain concerned about the loss of valued green space and the additional traffic the development would bring to busy roads like the A3102 Silver Street.