WILTSHIRE Council has refused a planning application to build 300 homes on the edge of Westbury.

The application by Robert Hitchins Homes was refused unanimously last Wednesday by Wiltshire Council’s Strategic Planning Committee on a number of grounds.

These included the site being outside the town limits as set out by Wiltshire Core Strategy and access being taken directly off the A350 which would severely impact traffic flow.

It would also have had a significant effect on the character and appearance of the area and the developers did not agree for a viability assessment to be undertaken.

Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee, Councillor Andrew Davis, said: “The decision that was taken was unanimous by the committee for this piece of land to be developed because of two major reasons.

“The first was that the proposal was outside the building line for Westbury and more importantly, and what caused the most discussion in the meeting, that access would be by a roundabout on the A350 which was very strongly opposed.

“These were the main objections for this particular project.”

The proposed site, on land east of the A350, would have extended from Bitham Park to the railway line, opposite the already permitted site at The Mead on the other side of the main road.

The scheme would also have involved a new roundabout access from Trowbridge Road, a new emergency/cycle and pedestrian access from Coach Road, open space, drainage works and ancillary works.

A public consultation for the plans was held on June 13 to build the new houses on the 27.5 acre site.

A spokesman for Robert Hitchins Ltd said: “We’re disappointed that the application has been turned down. We’d like to help provide new homes in Westbury so that local people can get on to the property ladder.

“There’s also a huge housing shortage in Wiltshire.

“This is a good scheme with 90 affordable homes, open space, good transport links and a significant contribution towards education provision and transport.

“It’s a pity all that has been rejected and we are considering our options going forward.”