Inspector approves plans for 180 homes on Southwick Court Fields

The inspector John Longmuir ruled that Devon-based land developer Waddeton Park Ltd can go ahead with its plans to build the new housing on the former medieval water meadows at Southwick Court Fields.

The site is allocated for up to 180 new homes in the Wiltshire Housing Sites Allocation Plan (WHSAP) with access from the A361.

But local experts and Historic England believe the site hides the remains of a Roman villa complex which they claim has potentially national importance.

The complex could include a large villa, a smaller 1st century villa, barns, a bathhouse and a religious shrine.

The Southwick Court Fields appeal site marked in red where up to 180 new homes could now be built. (Image: Wiltshire Council)

The appeal site is close to the Grade II* Southwick Court Farmhouse, which includes a medieval manor house, and the Grade II* listed Gatehouse and Bridge over Moat at Southwick Court.

However, Mr Longmuir said Waddeton Park had authorised trial excavation trenches by Cotswold Archaeology in accordance with a methodology agreed by Wiltshire Council so this had ceased to be a main issue.

He added: "The council having considered the findings concluded that potentially the proposal would not be harmful. I concur."

The inspector’s decision is a bitter blow to Trowbridge Town Council and residents who formed the Friends of Southwick Court Fields to fight the planning application.

It is also a blow for Bradford on Avon architect and antiquarian Martin Valatin who says there is strong archaeological evidence to suggest that a first-century Roman villa and farm complex lies beneath the soil.

He added: "It is not over yet. I don’t think it’s the end of the story.”

The appeal was made by Savills on behalf of Waddeton Park Ltd based at Clyst St Honiton in Devon and follows a five-day public inquiry held last October.

Cllrs David Vigar and Graham Hill, who both gave evidence at the inquiry, said: “Sadly we have to report that the appeal on Southwick Court Fields has been allowed and outline planning permission granted for the 180 dwellings and access road from the A361.

“We did all we could to resist the application but the inspector’s view in summary was that while he gave great weight to the harm to the significance of designated heritage assets – namely Southwick Court’s setting.

“He said this was outweighed by the “positive benefits of the scheme associated with the provision of up to 180 new dwellings, including affordable provision, in this accessible location … together with the ecological benefit.”

“We disagree that housing in this particular location provides that degree of benefit or that there is any practical ecological benefit.

“But unfortunately there is no further route of challenge other than a very expensive High Court case.

“The applicant still has to apply for detailed planning permission as this only provides approval for the outline.

“There are several conditions to be met including a large-scale archaeological excavation, design of the bridge, and surveys and mitigations for each endangered species, all of which could derail the entire project.

“And the promoter – Waddeton Park – also has to find a buyer willing to build the development. Also the plan does provide for open space on the Frome Road side of the Lambrok Stream.

“Thanks very much to everyone who has supported this struggle over the past five years. We will keep questioning and fighting it as it goes to the next stages.”

Following the successful outcome to its appeal, Waddeton Park has applied for costs. This will be subject to a separate decision.