Fear 'pocket of paradise' will be lost to new homes

Residents fear losing a "pocket of paradise" as 49 new houses could be built.

Backhouse Ltd has submitted an outline planning application to develop land between Damask Way, Upper Marsh Road and Smallbrook Road in Warminster, Wiltshire.

Clare Hancock said residents are "devastated" by the proposals and worry about the impact on animals, adding: "It's a pocket of paradise up there."

Faith Beeson, Backhouse's planning manager, said: "Any issues raised [by residents] will be considered alongside the technical assessments, planning policy and consultee responses before any decision is made on the application."

Sustainable Warminster, a volunteer group which promotes environmental issues, has also objected to the plans.

Amy Darbyshire, from the group, said in a statement: "It's the most unsuitable and irresponsible place to develop."

She stressed the group "accepts that Warminster needs more houses", but that they "need to be elsewhere".

Previously, Backhouse submitted proposals for 28 houses on the same land, but the plans eventually fell through after a wave of backlash.

Andrew Rushton lives on Damask Way and said people's concerns from last time "had not changed".

"The previous reasons for objection are still valid," he added.

Debbie Bailey, who also lives on Damask Way, said she fears Lower Marsh Road will struggle to cope with an influx of traffic.

She said: "This road already experiences congestion and presents safety concerns for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists."

Backhouse has sent 8,000 leaflets to households in Warminster about its proposals.

The company's bosses said feedback received at this outline planning stage will "inform the continued evolution of the scheme through the planning process".

Michelle Hyde, backhouse managing director, added: "Throughout the evolution of the proposals, our focus has been on creating a high quality and sustainable development that reflects the character of the area while helping to meet local housing needs.

"We recognise that new development can generate questions within the community and we remain committed to maintaining an open and constructive dialogue throughout the planning process."

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