A VILLAGE “will lose its character and identity”, and an iconic view of Salisbury Cathedral, if hundreds of homes are built, councillors and residents fear.
Wiltshire Council’s Local Plan Review has identified two separate spots - Site 6, between Salisbury and Britford north of Downton Road, and Site 7 to the south of Downton Road behind Britford park and ride - as potential areas for development in future.
If these plans go ahead, the review suggests that up to 220 houses could be built in Site 6 and up to 115 in Site 7.
Britford Parish Council has criticised the impact hundreds of new dwellings could have on the village’s identity, as well as raising concerns about flooding and ecological damage risks.
Britford Farm Shop’s Robert Lewis also fears new housing would spoil the view of Salisbury Cathedral across the skyline, adding that his business’ sign is under strict planning rules to not obstruct the “importance of the view”.
As well as highlighting the frequent flooding in the village, Mr Lewis questioned the need for housing in this area.
He said: “We don’t have a university or any huge factories or industrial complexes, I just question whether all these houses are actually needed in Salisbury.”
When asked if additional housing would increase his footfall, Mr Lewis told the Journal: "We're always busy and full, people come to me for the location and enjoy looking to the cathedral.
"I'm just a small part of this procedure, but the greatest impact will be from those driving along that road into Salisbury. There is this wonderful view, a lot of people may just be passing through Salisbury but that has always been something that draws them in another time."
In letters to the Journal, a number of residents also expressed concern about the proposed sites, with some describing the potential development’s impact as “catastrophic” - worsening traffic, air quality and spoiling the view of the cathedral.
Others also echoed potential flooding risks in the area.
A website titled Downton Road Development has been created in response to the Local Plan consultation and its suggestions for Britford, which lists more issues connected to giving Sites 6 and 7 the green light for development.
Britford Parish Council said it is “disappointed” that Site 6 has been selected, adding it was considered “unsuitable” the last time discussions were had about the land there.
In a statement it added: “Clearly the parish council is concerned that if the field is developed in this way the village will lose its character and identity and the far reaching views of the cathedral will be lost.
“Possible groundwater flooding and damage to the precious and diverse ecology of the SSSI [Site of Special Scientific Interest] are a real concern, as is the additional traffic on the Downton Road.
"We understand that housing requirements need to be met but we share the Salisbury City Council Planning Committees’ view that brown field sites should be considered before any more development takes place on greenfield sites.”
During a Salisbury City Council planning committee meeting last week, members voted to oppose the development of Site 6 but did not oppose the adjacent Site 7.
Wiltshire Council’s report said the potential developments would include a 'sightline' to view the cathedral, as well as new woodland, a potential country park, and walking and cycling links to the city.
Outraged objectors have argued an artificial country park is no substitute for the area’s existing natural beauty.
In response to issues raised, Councillor Toby Sturgis, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for planning, said: “Prospective locations for development around Salisbury have undergone a rigorous process of site selection, including assessment of any flood risk, historic landscape considerations and appraisal of other environmental factors to help guide the emerging Local Plan proposals.
“The ongoing consultation seeks people’s views on proposals to inform the Local Plan review, including this site, and I would urge people to take part and share their views before the consultation closes on Tuesday.
"All the Local Plan consultation documents and an online form for people to have their say are on our website, and anyone without internet access who wants to have their say can call 0300 456 0100 to speak with our Spatial Planning team to find out more about the consultation and how to submit their comments.”
Comments on the Local Plan, which also includes other ideas for future development in Salisbury, can be made until March 9 - visit the Wiltshire Council website.
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