Understand
Plans for 41 new homes near Westbury White Horse draw widespread objections
Overview
An outline proposal to build 41 homes on a 2.3-hectare site off Bratton Road below the Westbury White Horse in Wiltshire has faced heavy opposition from local residents, Westbury Town Council, local politicians, and the area's MP. Opponents argue that the development will harm the historic setting, visual importance, and views of the iconic landmark, as well as add to traffic issues, while developers maintain the scheme has been designed around landscape constraints.
Key points
- Manor and Auckland Farm submitted an outline proposal to build 41 homes on land below the Westbury White Horse.
- First filed in 2022, the application has drawn fresh objections from the local town council, residents, and local representatives.
- Westbury Town Council described the scheme as the wrong development in the wrong location, noting it sits outside the town's settlement boundary.
- Local MP Dr Andrew Murrison and councillor Boaz Barry have objected, warning the plans will damage the landmark's setting and worsen traffic.
- Developers argue the 2.3-hectare site is a logical extension offering market and affordable housing within a sustainable location.