Windmill Farm Consultation in Wincanton Memorial Hall

A steady stream of Wincanton residents went to the Memorial Hall on Tuesday 25th March to look at outline plans for residential development and public open space on land at Windmill Farm, to the east of the town adjoining Penn View.

The consultation day was organised by planning consultants Plainview Planning from Gloucestershire, whose managing director said they expect to submit an outline application to South Somerset District Council within the next few weeks.

By mid afternoon, there had been more than 120 visitors, many of whom filled in questionnaires about the proposal. MD Ian Woodward-Court said there had already been about 70 questionnaires completed on line.

He defended the outline plans on the basis that more homes are needed in Somerset. Many Wincanton residents had pointed out that there are existing approvals, still to be implemented, for some 700 new homes, but strategic plans for the district, which are under regular review, identify an ongoing need.

He said Plainview had carried out extensive research on the site and the proposals had been drawn up with detailed input from transport, ecology and landscape experts. Views at the consultation day veered from trenchant opposition to positive interest, although there was a general agreement that residents would like to see a high standard of design and that it was essential to have traffic calming on Bayford Hill. Some visitors asked about bungalows and the Plainview team said they would look at the possibility of some single-storey homes.

Other comments included the need for more jobs in Wincanton, for a new school and the urgent need to revitalise the high street.

Mr Woodward-Court said they could look at the possibility of including workshops, work units or workplace homes within the development.

The planning team was told at the exhibition about the historic use of part of Windmill Farm site for allotments, and Mr Woodward-Court said his company could look at the provision of allotment land within the site.

During preliminary discussions with the district council, Plainview had responded to concerns over housing developments at around 40 homes to the hectare. The proposed development of the Windmill Farm site would be at a much lower density of 15 to the hectare, 35 per cent of which would be social housing, said Mr Woodward-Court.

If you didn't get to the consultation day, go online and read the proposals at www.plainview.co.uk/wincanton and fill in the questionnaire.

And more homes proposed at Dancing Lane

EXETER-based Jillings Hutton Planning is consulting on plans for up to 35 new homes on land to the north of Dancing Lane, in line with the government and SSDC commitment to "deliver new homes to meet local need".

The deadline for feedback on this proposal is 31st March – call in at Wincanton Town Hall to find out more.

Comments

Posts: 1

Where will it all end?
Reply #1 on : Wed March 26, 2014, 19:52:09

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On Tuesday 25th March 2014 I took a day off work to help with tree and shrub planting to enhance the town's recreation ground, this was instigated and arranged by the town council, for the good of the community and 'our' town.

My motivation had nothing to do with wealth, exploitation of governmental policies (past and present), that allow me to put up as much housing as I can cram in with minimal outdoor space and no real care for those that live in the area, to increase my slender chances of a Knighthood or any other reason than making the town in which I live, a more enriching place for my family and I to live and grow in.

I understand that there is a need for more housing, more affordable housing, but I am continually frustrated by those who 'know how to play the game', ripping up our wonderful green land. Wincanton is currently fighting back on many fronts, our High Street will not be resurrected by more housing, it will rise again by doing what it has for so long, offering a friendly and efficient place to stay, by offering local produce and by a well managed structure.

I do not have an abundance of qualifications, I do no profess to be an 'expert', on housing and I cannot offer all the answers but all I can say is that I'm bored of seeing our spectacular landscape changed from green to grey by those that do not live here, work here, stay here or care for 'here'. Even within our small town there are sites more suitable for development, they may not create millions for a developer but they would ease the strains on 'respectable', housing.

Please do not wait for somebody else to protect what you have, have your say and make a difference. Contacting the Wincanton Window, local press or Town Council really is easy, if you feel it isn't then just pop into the Town Hall Office during opening hours, be respectful and they will, I'm sure pass on your thoughts and concerns to those that can help.

I am more than happy to respond to your responses. (Sorry for any spelling or gramatical errors in advance).

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