The Eastern Area Planning Committee of Wiltshire Council met on 2 October 2025, and approved a dormer extension and retrospective change of use at The Barn, Spin Hill, and a two-storey side and rear extension at 8 Duck Street, Potterne, both subject to conditions. The committee also noted several planning appeals and updates.

Planning Appeals and Updates

Ruaridh O'Donoghue, Senior Conservation and Planning Officer, provided an overview of recent planning appeals. The committee noted the dismissal of an appeal relating to land west of Sand's Lane, Rowde (PL/2023/00386), highlighting the importance of settlement boundaries, transport sustainability, community use, local identity, and legally sound planning obligations.

The committee also noted that an appeal for Urchfont Garage, Urchfont (PL/2024/07035) was allowed, with full costs awarded against Wiltshire Council, and that an appeal for 8 The Orchard, Urchfont (PL/2024/02062) was dismissed.

PL/2025/04249 - The Barn, Spin Hill, Market Lavington

The committee approved a proposed dormer extension and retrospective change of use of a barn at The Barn, Spin Hill, Market Lavington, from agricultural use to a home-work space, home gym, and dog grooming business.

Fred Davis spoke in objection to the application, while Liz Bridewell and Nick Dolman spoke in support. Councillor Chloe Stevens spoke on behalf of Market Lavington Parish Council.

Jemma Foster, Senior Conservation and Planning Officer, introduced the report, outlining the scale and principle of development, visual impact, relationship to adjoining properties, design, and objections from the parish council.

Councillor Dominic Muns raised concerns about the history of the site, suggesting the permitted building had never been used for agricultural purposes and conflicted with Core Policies CP51 and CP57 due to its non-agricultural use in a rural location. He also suggested the dormer extension would cause further harm to the landscape.

Jemma Foster clarified that retrospective applications are permissible and that material planning harm must be demonstrated for refusal. She added that the height changes to the windows were minimal and would not be out of character.

During the debate, councillors discussed the deviation from the originally approved agricultural use and the possibility of the applicant having sought a change of use earlier. Some councillors supported the investment in rural areas and the development of businesses, while others raised concerns about the lack of conversion work to the building.

The committee was advised that existing breaches of planning control are not material considerations and that enforcement is a separate matter. They were also advised that the view of the barn was not a detriment to the enjoyment of the public footpath by a reasonable person.

The committee voted to approve the application, subject to conditions:

• The development must begin within three years.
• The development must be carried out in accordance with approved plans.
• A static caravan used for the dog grooming business must be removed within three months.
• The store, office, and gym must only be used for purposes ancillary to the residential use of the main dwelling.
• The dog grooming business must only operate in association with the host dwelling.
• The dog grooming business can only operate between 8:30 and 16:00, Mondays to Saturdays, and not on Sundays or bank holidays.
• The dog grooming business is restricted to one customer at a time.

An informative was added regarding biodiversity net gain¹.

PL/2025/02951 - 8 Duck Street, Potterne

The committee approved the demolition of a rear single-storey lean-to and erection of a two-storey side and rear extension, single-storey rear extension, and new front porch with internal alterations at 8 Duck Street, Potterne.

Karen Melville spoke in support of the application. Councillor Tamara Reay read a statement objecting to the application on behalf of residents Paul Jones and Dan Pike, and Councillor Richard Clark spoke on behalf of Potterne Parish Council.

Joe Leesam, Conservation and Planning Officer, introduced the report, covering the scale of development, visual impact, relationship to adjoining properties, design, and environmental and highways impacts.

Councillor Tamara Reay raised concerns from Potterne Parish Council regarding the proposal, including the construction management plan.

Joe Leesam responded that the proposals were in keeping with neighbouring properties and that parking regulations would not need to be changed. He assured the committee that a construction management statement could be imposed as a condition.

During the debate, councillors noted the need for buildings to adapt to modern life and that the plans ensured high quality with minimal impact on neighbours.

The committee voted to approve the application, subject to conditions:

• The development must begin within three years.
• The development must be carried out in accordance with approved plans.
• A construction management statement must be submitted and approved before any development commences.
• The northernmost window in the west elevation servicing the bathroom must be glazed with obscure glass.
• No equipment, machinery, or materials shall be stored within 0.5m of the crown spread of any tree or hedge.
• No fires shall be lit within 5 metres of the canopy of any retained tree or hedgerow, and no chemicals shall be mixed or stored within 10 metres of any tree.

Informatives were added regarding private property rights and rights of way.