Decision over village green status delayed again

Residents want the area of land declared a village green to protect its future

A decision over whether 180 homes can be built on a piece of land has been delayed for a second time.

The area at Southwick Court Fields, near Trowbridge, Wiltshire, is subject to a planning application from housing developers.

But residents are fighting to keep the land public and want it declared a village green to protect its future.

Wiltshire Council's western area planning committee deferred the decision on Wednesday.

Local experts believe the land is home to the remains of a Roman villa, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

At the meeting, councillors heard how the original village green application had been declared invalid in 2020 due to its inclusion in a draft housing plan.

However, a recent report has suggested that the decision was flawed.

Councillor David Vigar said he did not blame anyone and that it "was a mistake made in good faith".

He added that it had "massive consequences" for residents as they were not able to support the earlier application.

Locals say the area has been used as a village green for more than 20 years.

The developers, Waddeton Park and Savills, recently won an appeal against the council’s refusal of their planning application.

A decision is now expected to be made next year.