The Western Area Planning Committee of Wiltshire Council was scheduled to consider several planning applications and rights of way orders. Key discussions were expected to include the diversion of a public footpath in Corsley and Selwood, the extinguishment of a footpath in Melksham, and proposals for new workshop units at Enfield Works.

Rights of Way Diversion and Extinguishment

The committee was scheduled to consider the Wiltshire Council Parish of Corsley Path No.7 and Parish of Selwood (Somerset) Path FR/14/24 (Part) Diversion Order 2026¹. This order proposed diverting a public footpath, citing reasons such as the current route being blocked by historic buildings, posing public safety concerns due to crossing a busy farm with livestock and machinery, and aiming to create a more pleasant walk. The agenda indicated that a single statutory objection had been made to the order, which the committee was to consider. The officer's proposal was to recommend that the order be forwarded to the Secretary of State for confirmation without modification.

Also scheduled for consideration was The Wiltshire Council Parish of Melksham Path No.103 Extinguishment and Definitive Map and Statement Modification Order 2026². The application for this order was made by property owners on Fieldfare Way, who stated the path was rarely used, attracted anti-social activity, and that an adopted alternative highway, Fieldfare Way, was available and superior. The agenda noted three statutory objections and 63 representations of support or no objection to this order. The officer's proposal was to recommend that this order also be forwarded to the Secretary of State for confirmation without modification.

Planning Applications

Enfield Works, Upper Westwood

A planning application for Enfield Works, Upper Westwood, Wiltshire, BA15 2DH³ was scheduled for discussion. The proposal involved the demolition of an existing office building (Class E) and its replacement with two new workshop units (Class E), along with a new workshop unit as an extension to an existing pottery workshop (Class E). Associated drainage and landscaping works were also part of the plan. The recommendation was to approve the application with conditions. The site is located within the Cotswolds National Landscape⁴ (formerly an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), the West Wiltshire Green Belt, and a Special Landscape Area. It is also within the Westwood Conservation Area, and near a Grade II listed building. Concerns raised by the local ward member, Cllr Nigel White⁵, included the scale and visual impact of the development on the surrounding area, its relationship to adjoining properties, and environmental and highway impacts.

Old Stable House, Melksham

The committee was to consider an application for Old Stable House, 12A High Street, Melksham, SN12 6JU⁶. This application concerned the erection of a pair of hinged steel gates across a private driveway, to be attached to the wall of an adjacent building. The recommendation was for approval with conditions. The site is located within the Melksham Conservation Area and adjacent to Grade II listed buildings at numbers 12 and 14 High Street. Objections raised included concerns that the gates would impede safe movement, create risks of dangerous manoeuvres, cause noise and disturbance, and harm the character and setting of the listed buildings and conservation area. The planning assessment indicated no policy conflict, with the gates described as modest and visually recessive, and a neutral heritage impact confirmed by the Conservation Officer.

172 Littleworth Lane, Whitley, Melksham

A planning application for 172 Littleworth Lane, Whitley, Melksham, SN12 8RF⁷ was scheduled for review. The proposal involved a two-storey side extension, a single-storey front extension and porch, and associated external alterations, including demolition works. The recommendation was to approve the application with conditions. The site is subject to policies concerning high-quality design, landscape character, and the conservation of the historic environment.

Planning Appeals and Updates

The committee was also scheduled to receive details of completed and pending planning appeals, as well as other relevant updates. This included information on appeals received and decided between March 2025 and April 2026.