A PLANNING application which included plans for a new policing hub at High Post business park has been turned down. 

The proposals were for the development of land adjacent to the High Post Business Park.

It would have been: "A mixed-use, employment-led development including the erection of five buildings (Use Classes E(office), B2 (general industrial) and B8 (storage and distribution); with external areas, access, parking, landscaping and associated works."

A Southern Policing Hub for Wiltshire Police was included in Outline only, with subsequent Reserved Matters applications to follow.

The application was submitted in December last year, and was one of a number of options being explored by the Police and Crime Commissioner's Office. 

In turning down the application, the planning officer's decision letter says: "Developing this visually prominent and exposed hilltop site will have an adverse impact upon the landscape. The site largely comprises Grade 2 agricultural land which is defined as best and most versatile (BMV) and is designated a Special Landscape Area.

"It is considered that the loss of BMV, the loss of the woodland and the introduction of large scale-built form will amount to an overall adverse nature of effect for landscape elements and landscape character."

It adds: "The A345 junction modelling assessment is not considered representative of the true operation of the A345 junction and does not include full geometric details of the existing signalised junction. No consideration is made for tracking of the junction, nor the potential implications of right turning HGV’s blocking the junction."

Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “High Post was one of several options being explored by my team. Providing Wiltshire Police with the right estate and tools needed to provide a quality, frontline, policing service that residents want, and deserve, is a key priority for me.

"Both the Chief Constable and I are committed to finding a solution which will provide a Southern Policing Hub and work continues, at pace, to deliver that."

You can read the decision notice in full here. 

More to follow.