The Southern Area Planning Committee of Wiltshire Council is scheduled to convene on Thursday 18 June 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a discussion on the proposed extinguishment of a public footpath in Fovant, as well as a full planning application for industrial units at Solstice Park, Amesbury.

Highways Act 1980 - The Wiltshire Council Parish of Fovant Path no.20 Extinguishment and Definitive Map and Statement Modification Order 2025

A significant item scheduled for discussion concerns The Wiltshire Council Parish of Fovant Path no.20 Extinguishment and Definitive Map and Statement Modification Order 2025 . This item relates to a proposal to extinguish a public footpath, known as Fovant Path no.20, and modify the definitive map and statement of public rights of way. The report pack indicates that the committee will consider objections and representations received following the advertisement of the order. It is scheduled to recommend that the order be forwarded to the Secretary of State for determination, with a recommendation from Wiltshire Council that the order be confirmed without modification. The report details the history of the footpath, including its addition to the definitive map following a public inquiry in 1983, and the subsequent obstruction and lack of public use since the 1960s. Objections have been raised by Fovant Parish Council and local residents, who argue that the path is needed for pedestrian safety, particularly to avoid a dangerous junction at the War Memorial. They also contend that the non-use of the path is due to obstruction and that temporary circumstances preventing use should be disregarded under the Highways Act 1980. Supporters of the extinguishment argue that the junction of the path onto Dinton Road would also be dangerous and that the path offers little benefit to the overall rights of way network.

Application Number: PL/2023/04997 - Land to the South of Sunrise Way, Solstice Park, Amesbury

The committee is also scheduled to consider a full planning application for land to the south of Sunrise Way, Solstice Park, Amesbury. The application, numbered PL/2023/04997, seeks permission for four units comprising Use Class E(g)(iii) (light industry), B2 (general industrial), and B8 (storage and distribution) uses, along with associated access, parking, landscaping, and services. The report pack highlights that Solstice Park is allocated as a Principal Employment Area in the Wiltshire Core Strategy, and the principle of employment development on this site has been established through previous planning permissions. The application site is located on the south-west edge of Solstice Park, adjacent to existing industrial units and to the north of a residential area. The report details extensive consultations with various bodies, including Wiltshire Council's Highways, Landscape, Public Protection, and Ecology teams, as well as National Highways and Active Travel England. Numerous objections have been received from local residents, primarily concerning noise, dust, vibration, traffic impact, and the scale and design of Unit 15, which is proposed to be larger and closer to the residential area. The report addresses these concerns, noting that technical consultees have raised no objections subject to recommended conditions, particularly regarding noise mitigation, construction management, and biodiversity net gain. The planning balance considers the significant weight given to the employment land allocation against the potential amenity impacts on nearby residents.

Planning Appeals and Updates

The committee is also scheduled to receive details of completed and pending planning appeals and other relevant updates. This item will provide information on recent appeal decisions and ongoing appeal processes.

Highways Act 1980 - Section 118 - The Wiltshire Council Parish of Fovant Path no.20 Extinguishment and Definitive Map and Statement Modification Order 2025

This item, detailed above, concerns the proposed extinguishment of Fovant Path no.20. The report pack outlines the legal tests for extinguishment under Section 118 of the Highways Act 1980, the objections received, and the views of the Local Highways Team and Countryside Access Officers. The report will present the case for forwarding the order to the Secretary of State for determination, with a recommendation for confirmation without modification.

Urgent Items

The agenda also includes a provision for any other urgent items of business that the Chairman deems should be taken as a matter of urgency.