The society has made representations on the development proposals for the Chalke Valley put forward by Salisbury District Council and now Wiltshire Council. The aim of the society is to preserve the character of the valley by keeping development small scale and in keeping with local building styles. Government lead development plans are constantly being revised or replaced and the society monitors them regularly to ensure that no large scale and damaging schemes are implemented in the valley.
LOCALISM ACT 2011 AND DRAFT NATIONAL POLICY FRAMEWORK
SOUTH WILTSHIRE CORE STRATEGY 2012
A brief resume of the provisions by Roderick Mackay.
The Localism Act was passed by Parliament in November 2011 but the basic detail of policies is in the National Policy Framework which is to be the central government advice to planning authorities and a simplification of the current system.
The National Policy Framework has been issued in draft for comments and these have been completed. The final document is to be published in April 2012 and it includes:
Protecting the countryside including green belts, AONBs, National Parks and other enironmental designations including new Green Space designation for local communities to protect green space important for local life. In these areas some essential development should be allowed as now, including those for agriculture, and minor infilling in villages.
Encourage more eco-friendly transport with schools and shops within walking distance. Protect biodiversity of wildlife and avoid noise and light pollution. Tackle climate change and reduce the carbon economy. Protect access to the coast. Allow growth of the telecoms industry but encourage more sharing of masts etc. Allow essential mineral extraction but limit impact on the environment. Encourage sustainable development unless it would harm protected areas. Planning Authorities must liaise with each other on their borders. Housing should aim to meet demand and bring back into use empty homes and buildings. There will be no number targets and authorities will be encouraged to allow permission on previously developed land but not “garden grabbing”. Retail shopping should be in the High Street as the first option. Local Communities could draw up local development plans of their own but these will be closely monitored and will have to be approved by a local referendum. The Historic environment will be protected. Good design is essential for sustainable development.South Wiltshire Core Strategy
This sets out the Local Planning Authorities policies under which all applications will be judged.
The main areas for housing are Salisbury and Amesbury.
FOOTPATHS & BYWAYS
The society has made representations on the problems of byways being used by off road vehicles. The combined weight of protest over this issue has resulted in the reclassification of byways so that such vehicles are excluded.
SCHOOLS
The society was involved in the redevelopment of Broadchalke school supporting the rebuilding and new parking and access arrangements. The continued survival of Odstock school is also being monitored.
MOTOCROSS
The society has objected to the establishment of the motocross course at Bishopstone on grounds of the inadequacy of local roads and noise pollution in an un spoilt rural area. We continue to monitor the development and conformity with planning restrictions of the motocross installation.
ROADS
The society makes representations to Wiltshire council on the deterioration of the valley roads.
POST OFFICES
The society made representations of the proposals to close the valley Post Offices. Although the current arrangements seem to be working they are only temporary and the society will continue to monitor the situation.
AIRCRAFT NOISE
The level of aircraft noise has risen in recent years both from military use of the valley for training and from pleasure flying. Representations have been made pointing out that although some overflying, especially by the military, is unavoidable it is important that this does not become a nuisance. Wherever possible flying should take place over areas with little habitation.
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