Dear Sirs Re: Planning Application S/2011/0517/OL New Housing ...

Dear Sirs
Re:
Planning Application S/2011/0517/OL
New Housing and Employment Land on Erskine Barracks Site, Wilton
We wish to support the above application with comments as follows, which are in regard to:
• relevant statements within the South Wiltshire Core Strategy (SWCS) that apply to this proposal
• the relationship of this application to others currently in progress or anticipated by the SWCS
• the character of and potential uses of land adjacent to the application site
Strategic Landscape Gap
Firstly we acknowledge and reiterate the commitment to a “strategic landscape gap between Salisbury and
Wilton” which “must be a key element of the master plan of the development in order to preserve an
important buffer between the two settlements” (SWCS 6.35).
The Development Template in Appendix A of the SWCS covering Erskine Barracks refers to the same area
when it states that “the open character of the land to the east of the development is to be maintained”. It also
states that any application needs to provide “formal and informal public open space”.
We wish to make some positive proposals towards defining what such a “strategic landscape gap” should
include. We wish to protect it as such by promoting outdoor leisure and community uses in the natural
landscape, subject to suitable arrangements with landowners for access and rights of way.
The relevant area is to the east and north of the application site. This is an open area consisting mainly of
farmland and woodland, also adjoining other proposed development sites including the Former Imerys
Quarry site, Fugglestone Red 2 housing proposal and the Sarum Academy redevelopment (application
S/2011/1639).
We propose that the following amenities would meet the Core Strategy objectives and make best use of the
green space:
• recreational walking trails
• nature reserves
• community farm / allotments,
• outdoor and woodland based play activities
Sustainable Transport
PPG13 guides local authorities to ensure that developments provide realistic choice of access by public
transport walking and cycling. In relation to the area covered by the same “strategic gap”, we have examined
the current proposal's Transport Assessment and Travel Plan and find that in this regard they do not seem
consistent with the Core Strategy.
The Transport Assessment para 3.2.8 states “Walking is the most important mode of travel at the local level
and offers the greatest potential to replace short car trips, particularly under 2km. Cycling also has potential
to substitute for short car trips, particularly those less than 5km. Both walking and cycling can also form part
of longer journeys by public transport and car.”
We note that almost all of Bemerton ward is within less than 2km of the proposed employment area at
Erskine Barracks, while the proposed residential development is approximately 1km from Sarum Academy
and less than 2km from the proposed new two-form entry primary school which should form part of the
Fugglestone Red development. These distances are only applicable if walking and/or cycle access is
possible across the intervening open land, and offers the potential to substitute these modes for a great
number of road journeys taking a longer route.
We welcome the statement in the Travel Plan (paragraph 3.2.1) that a “key Design Principle for the site is to
improve access and connectivity to Wilton and the surrounding area” including a commitment to “create
green links that are easily accessible for pedestrians and cyclists and encourage local recreation and leisure
opportunities along this valuable and attractive resource.”

We further welcome the cycle and walking provision proposed in the Travel Plan (section 5.3) for journeys
undertaken within the site, and a network of share-use routes “which connect to the external network”. In
paragraph 5.3.2 it is envisaged that “off-site improvements to encourage walking and cycling will be
developed as appropriate to secure integration with existing routes and local facilities, such as bus stops and
local educational sites.”
We note however that neither the Travel Plan nor the Transport Assessment specifically highlight the
opportunities for green travel through the “strategic landscape gap”. We suggest this will be important in
order to enhance community connections between Erskine Barracks and the surrounding area while
ensuring a green belt of undeveloped land remains in place, with suitable uses secured for the amenity of
populations on either side of it.
The Development Template in Appendix A of the SWCS states that the application should show how modal
shift will be achieved through improved cycle and walking routes, and that it needs to include “links through
to the proposed Fugglestone Red development”. This implies that routes need to be developed across the
“strategic gap” area, for non-mechanised transport modes. As noted this is not reflected in the Transport
Assessment and Travel Plan which have therefore not successfully implemented this element of the Core
Strategy.
We propose that the following measures should be considered:
• a safe and direct walking and cycle route between Sarum Academy and the area of the Erskine
Barracks development
• provision for future walking and cycle route connecting to new primary school and community
facilities in Fugglestone Red development
• cycle routes connecting with National Cycle Route 24, crossing the railway line at one of the three
existing available crossing points (two tunnels through the embankment and the bridge to the quarry)
Bemerton Activity Trails
The above proposed travel routes and outdoor amenities are envisaged to connect to the Bemerton Activity
Trails (BATS), a community project being developed with the support of the Bemerton Heath Inter-Agency
Group. The BATS aim to encourage outdoor activities and opportunities in the Bemerton Heath area, linking
the extensive open spaces and woodlands to existing facilities such as the Bemerton Heath Centre, Sarum
Academy and local play areas. The BATS will be the focus of future improvements and are preparing for a
programme of events to coincide with the 2012 Olympics. Planned events already include a Fun Run
supported by the Mayor of Salisbury and local primary schools.
We support the application because it will provide much-needed housing and at the same time offers many
opportunities to improve amenities for existing communities, provide greater green linkages between
different areas, increase opportunities for healthy leisure activities and protect green spaces for the
enjoyment of future generations.
Conclusions
The positive opportunities outlined here can only be realised if this proposed development is built with a
commitment to integrate actively with nearby communities in all directions. This application must also be
considered in the light of the other development proposals mentioned above and the need to define what will
be the nature and use of the “strategic landscape gap” between Wilton and Salisbury.
Specifically with regard to the Travel Plan and Transport Assessment, proposals for new walking and cycle
routes as outlined above should be added to these in order to meet the requirements of the Core Strategy.
Yours sincerely
Leonie Maclay, Architect, Founder of Bemerton Activity Trails
Frank Pennycook, Salisbury City Councillor, Bemerton Ward
Both at 68 Westwood Road, Salisbury SP2 9HT