Plans for a substantial housing development comprising up to 650 homes on the outskirts of Melksham, Wiltshire, have been met with refusal. The proposed site, currently consisting of

expansive fields utilized for dairy farming, drew concern from local residents regarding its scale, environmental impact, lack of infrastructure, and potential traffic surge.

Gleeson Land submitted the planning application in March 2023, earmarking fields at Blackmore Farm on Sandridge Common for development. However, objections flooded in from Melksham Town Council, Melksham Without Parish Council, and Lacock Parish Council.

Wiltshire Council, in its decision to decline the proposal, expressed dissatisfaction with its inability to deliver a "well-designed, beautiful new place." The 30-hectare (70-acre) site situated on Melksham's eastern fringe would have entailed the demolition of existing agricultural structures and the allocation of space for a new primary school.

Outlined features of the development included expansive public green spaces catering to informal recreation, allotments, orchards, wildlife habitats, sustainable drainage systems, and designated children's play areas. Additionally, the proposal aimed to generate around 2,015 employment opportunities within the local economy.

Despite receiving 107 representation letters from concerned parties, Wiltshire Council stood firm in its decision to reject the application, citing concerns over design quality and overall aesthetic appeal. Photo by Jontibingo, Wikimedia commons.