Wiltshire Council confirms approval for Ludgershall homes

The application proposed the construction of 190 homes on land at Empress Way, adjacent to another development by the same applicant, Foreman Homes.

It was first approved in 2022, at which time the council received over 60 letters of objection expressing fears of overdevelopment and traffic issues.

The site is an L-shaped parcel of land located at the south-eastern edge of the settlement of Ludgershall. (Image: Foreman Homes) Although the plans were given the go-ahead, the section 106 legal agreement between the developer and Wiltshire Council was not fulfilled, which means the council had to review the application in light of the recent changes to the National Planning Policy Framework.

Wiltshire Council’s strategic planning committee was also required to discuss adjustments that had since been made by the developer.

These included the relocation of the Skylark and Lapwing mitigation scheme, as well as the play area.

Foreman Homes also requested that the second access to the site be removed from the list of conditions provided by Wiltshire Council, as the developer considered it unnecessary.

However, the council’s highway officer maintained that “such a large development” relying on a singular access would be “inappropriate”.

Cllr Robert Yuill questioned the relocation of the Skylark plots to Beacon Hill where permission is being sought for an extension to the existing shooting range.

He was told that officers would check if the potential disturbance was acceptable for the birds with an ecologist.

Councillors were also informed that the section 106 legal agreement between the developer and Wiltshire Council included a sum of £90,820 to address any traffic issues.

The committee was happy to accept the plans, so long as the second access was completed prior to the occupation of the 160th dwelling.

Cllr Adrian Foster noted that the local community “deserved” this condition, given that it would take “some pressure off Empress Way”.

A Foreman Homes spokesperson attended the meeting and noted that the developer hopes to begin construction early next year.

The development will include a mixture of detached, semi-detached, terraces and apartments.

The application stated: “The appearance and character of the proposed residential development has been carefully considered to ensure that it responds closely to its context.

“Drawing upon local built form, details and materials enables the site to progress as visually cohesive, connected and complementary to the locality though with a distinct identity.”