At a Wiltshire Council meeting on Tuesday 18th July 2023 in County Hall, Trowbridge, members endorsed and approved publication of Pre-Submission draft of the Wiltshire Local Plan in line with Regulation 19 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulation 12 (as amended) for at least six weeks public consultation.

Agenda, papers and minutes have been published on Wiltshire Council’s website, see following link: –

https://cms.wiltshire.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=130&MId=14757

The Town Council Planning Committee met on Thursday 20th July 2023 to discuss the proposed 1500 homes to be built to 2038; their location, impact on the town’s infrastructure  and character of Royal Wootton Bassett, and ultimately decide on what work needed to be carried out for the town council to submit a timely response to the statutory public consultation in September.

Decisions from this meeting were to: –
·       Instruct a Planning Consultant to provide professional advice on the soundness and impact of the plan,
·       Consult with National Highways England on the effect of increased traffic to Junction 16 of the M4,
·       Engage in talks with utility companies, such as Thames Water, Wessex Water and Scottish and Southern Electric (SSE), to identify the challenges they face in delivering   their services to the proposed housing numbers and sites,
·       Liaise with Neighbouring Parishes in co-ordinating consultation events.

Wiltshire Council officers have recently informed the town council, that the Local Plan consultation will most likely start in late September, lasting around eight weeks. Local drop-in-person sessions, where residents can ask questions of officers in attendance, and online engagement activities will be happening throughout this time and the Town Council will keep residents informed when and where these will be taking place.