Garage site proposal rejected (From Wiltshire Times)

Garage site proposal rejected

10:39am Tuesday 13th March 2007 in Melksham By Charley Morgan

PLANS to build four houses and 12 flats on a former garage in Melksham were given the thumbs down by town councillors last night.

Residents of Snarlton Lane turned up at the town council's planning committee meeting to raise concerns over the development on the former Sandridge Road garage.

They said the development was too high and would overlook their properties, would exacerbate flooding problems in the area and would involve the removal of a hedgerow that harboured many wild birds and animals.

They also said a footpath on the plan going from Sandridge Road to Snarlton Lane with a water feature beside it would encourage anti-social behaviour as people would use it as a cut through and loiter there.

Councillors objected to the plan on the grounds that it would exacerbate flooding problems in the area, would involve the removal of a hedgerow, it was not in keeping with the area and there was not enough car parking provision.

They also raised concerns over the potential for the footpath to be used as a rat run by people to get from Sandridge Road to Snarlton Lane.