Land at Sopworth Road, Sherston, Malmesbury

1. 1.The proposed residential development, by reason of being outside of the defined settlement boundary, represents unjustified development within open countryside. The proposal conflicts with the spatial strategy set out in Core Policies CP1, CP2, and CP13 of the Wiltshire Core Strategy which seek to direct new housing development to sustainable locations within defined settlement limits unless supported by exception policies, none of which apply in this case. The site is not allocated for development within the Sherston Neighbourhood Development Plan and the proposal would result in unplanned and piecemeal expansion of the settlement, undermining the coordinated approach to settlement growth. Furthermore, future occupiers would be reliant on the private car to access day-to- day services and facilities, in conflict with the aims of Core Policies CP60 and CP61 of the Wiltshire Core Strategy. The principle of residential development in this location is unacceptable and contrary to the development plan taken as a whole and the overarching objectives of the National Planning Policy Framework.
2. 2.The site lies within the Cotswolds National Landscape, where great weight must be given to conserving and enhancing landscape and scenic beauty. The undeveloped and open character of the site contributes to the rural setting of Sherston and forms part of a transitional buffer between the settlement and wider countryside. The proposal would extend built development beyond the planned settlement edge, eroding the transition and encroaching built form into the open countryside which would result in harm to the character and scenic quality of the National Landscape, contrary to Core Policy CP51 of the Wiltshire Core Strategy, the Cotswold National Landscape Management Plan, as well as paragraphs 187 and 189 of the National Planning Policy Framework. It has not been demonstrated that the development would conserve or enhance, or seek to further, the natural beauty of the National Landscape, as required by Section 85 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000

From the council's decision notice.

Application type

Permission in Principle

Scale / size

Small

Parish

Sherston CP

Date validated

1 June 2026

Consultation expiry

22 June 2026

Consultation end

22 June 2026

Target decision date

6 July 2026

Case officer

Isobella Wise

Statutory period

35 days

Documents

12