RESIDENTS in Southwick have rallied together to form a campaign group after many raised concerns over how the village has been eyed up for potential housing developments.

The group, named Save Our Southwick, has managed to build up support over the last few weeks in response to the publication of Wiltshire Council’s Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) map.

It shows areas put forward to the council by private land owners or developers who believe the spaces would be suitable for housing developments – with much of Southwick’s green areas earmarked.

John Eaton, of Blind Lane, launched a petition following the formation of the group and so far has gained over 500 signatures opposing any development in the village.

“There is no housing shortage in Southwick or the Trowbridge community area and I understand from Trowbridge Town Council that we have made allocations until 2026,” the 59-year-old said. “Why are we even considering building houses?

“The SHLAA map is a bizarre process because someone could put my land up and I wouldn’t even know about it.

“If there is a large scale development going on it would change the feel of the village and the way of life in Southwick and I think that is what people don’t realise.”

Since its inception, SoS has held two resident meetings to discuss people’s concerns including the lack of infrastructure in the village to support an influx of new houses including school places and roads.

Barbara Johnson, 69 also of Blind Lane, said if she had known about the SHLAA map before moving to the village seven years ago, her and her husband Bill would have thought twice about settling in Southwick.

"Our concern is regarding the flooding,” she added. “We have a lot of surface water flooding on several sites particularly on the site behind Blind Lane and we have been flooded three times in seven years.

"There is also a lot of wildlife because the stream runs through the fields and from the beginning that is another thing I'm worried for because we have water voles and kingfishers.

"Who knows how many sites will be developed but you can't be complacent.”

Mr Johnson, 69 added: "We know they won't build on all of them but the SHLAA has blighted the area because who is going to come and buy a house here with speculative housing spaces all around us.

"We aren't against building houses because we know we need to fit a criteria but there needs to be the right infrastructure in place."

Wiltshire Council have said they do not submit sites but instead invite others to do so for consideration but even that does not mean houses will be built on the areas listed.

To sign the petition, visit https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-4