Planning in Wiltshire

Protection of rural services and community facilities

Proposals involving the loss of a community service or facility will only be supported where it can be demonstrated that the site/building is no longer economically viable for an alternative community use. Preference will be given to retaining the existing use in the first instance, then for an alternative community use. Where this is not possible, a mixed use, which still retains a substantial portion of the community facility/service, will be supported. Redevelopment for non-community service/facility use will only be permitted as a last resort and where all other options have been exhausted. In order for such proposals to be supported, a comprehensive marketing plan will need to be undertaken and the details submitted with any planning application. Only where it can be demonstrated that all preferable options have been exhausted will a change of use to a non-community use be considered. This marketing plan will, at the very minimum: i. be undertaken for at least six months ii. be as open and as flexible as possible with respect to alternative community use iii. establish appropriate prices, reflecting local market value, for the sale or lease of the site or building, which reflect the current or new community use, condition of the premises and the location of the site iv. demonstrate the marketing has taken into account the hierarchy of preferred uses stated above v. clearly record all the marketing undertaken and details of respondents, in a manner capable of verification vi. provide details of any advertisements including date of publication and periods of advertisement vii. offer the lease of the site without restrictive rent review and tenancy conditions, or other restrictions which would prejudice the reuse as a community facility viii. demonstrate contact with previously interested parties, whose interest may have been discouraged by onerous conditions previously set out.

Salisbury Skyline

In the Salisbury Central Area as shown on the policies map: i. New development will be restricted to a height that does not exceed 12.2 metres above ground level. ii. Decorative architectural features that positively contribute to the variety, form and character of the area's roofscape, skyline and silhouette may be allowed to exceed 12.2 metres in height where appropriate, provided that they do not result in any increase in usable floorspace. iii. In exceptional circumstances, development in excess of 12.2 metres in height will be permitted, where it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the local planning authority that the development: a. would have no demonstrable harm on the roofscape of the city and / or views of the cathedral b. would be essential for the long-term economic viability of the city c. has the height that is required to ensure the development is making the most efficient use of the land.

Old Sarum Airfield

New development will only be permitted on Old Sarum Airfield if it delivers: i. a long-term proactive strategy for the enhancement of the Conservation Area, including management plan and public access and visitor/interpretive material on its historic relevance ii. a high quality strategic landscape improvement to mitigate impacts of existing intrusive buildings, to soften impacts when viewed both out and into the Conservation Area and from Old Sarum Scheduled Ancient Monument iii. the completion of a legal agreement (section 106) to agree reasonable controls over flying activity in the interests of the amenity of local residents iv. submission, agreement and implementation of a development masterplan, which delivers a high quality development that takes opportunities to enhance the historic environment and protects the amenity of existing residents v. retains and safeguards flying activity from the airfield vi. community benefit for the Old Sarum residents.

Ensuring high quality design and place shaping

A high standard of design is required in all new developments, including extensions, alterations, and changes of use of existing buildings. Development is expected to create a strong sense of place through drawing on the local context and being complementary to the locality. Applications for new development must be accompanied by appropriate information to demonstrate how the proposal will make a positive contribution to the character of Wiltshire through: i. enhancing local distinctiveness by responding to the value of the natural and historic environment, relating positively to its landscape setting and the existing pattern of development and responding to local topography by ensuring that important views into, within and out of the site are to be retained and enhanced ii. the retention and enhancement of existing important landscaping and natural features, (e.g. trees, hedges, banks and watercourses), in order to take opportunities to enhance biodiversity, create wildlife and recreational corridors, effectively integrate the development into its setting and to justify and mitigate against any losses that may occur through the development iii. responding positively to the existing townscape and landscape features in terms of building layouts, built form, height, mass, scale, building line, plot size, elevational design, materials, streetscape and rooflines to effectively integrate the building into its setting iv. being sympathetic to and conserving historic buildings and historic landscapes v. the maximisation of opportunities for sustainable construction techniques, use of renewable energy sources and ensuring buildings and spaces are orientated to gain maximum benefit from sunlight and passive solar energy, in accordance with Core Policy 41 (Sustainable Construction and Low Carbon Energy) vi. making efficient use of land whilst taking account of the characteristics of the site and the local context to deliver an appropriate development which relates effectively to the immediate setting and to the wider character of the area vii. having regard to the compatibility of adjoining buildings and uses, the impact on the amenities of existing occupants, and ensuring that appropriate levels of amenity are achievable within the development itself, including the consideration of privacy, overshadowing, vibration, and pollution (e.g. light intrusion, noise, smoke, fumes, effluent, waste or litter) viii. incorporating measures to reduce any actual or perceived opportunities for crime or antisocial behaviour on the site and in the surrounding area through the creation of visually attractive frontages that have windows and doors located to assist in the informal surveillance of public and shared areas by occupants of the site ix. ensuring that the public realm, including new roads and other rights of way, are designed to create places of character which are legible, safe and accessible in accordance with Core Policy 66 (Strategic Transport Network) x. the sensitive design of advertisements and signage, which are appropriate and sympathetic to their local setting by means of scale, design, lighting and materials xi. taking account of the needs of potential occupants, through planning for diversity and adaptability, and considering how buildings and space will be used in the immediate and long term future xii. the use of high standards of building materials, finishes and landscaping, including the provision of street furniture and the integration of art and design in the public realm xiii. the case of major developments, ensuring they are accompanied by a detailed design statement and masterplan, which is based on an analysis of the local context and assessment of constraints and opportunities of the site and is informed by a development concept, including clearly stated design principles, which will underpin the character of the new place xiv. meeting the requirements of Core Policy 61 (Transport and New Development).

Additional employment land

Proposals for employment development (use classes B1, B2 or B8) will be supported within the Principal Settlements, Market Towns and Local Service Centres, in addition to the employment land allocated in the Core Strategy. These opportunities will need to be in the right location and support the strategy, role and function of the town, as identified in Core Policy 1 (Settlement Strategy) and in any future community-led plans, including neighbourhood plans, where applicable. Proposals for office development outside town centres, in excess of 2,500sq metres, must be accompanied by an impact assessment which meets the requirement of national guidance and established best practice, and demonstrate that the proposal will not harm the vitality or viability of any nearby centres. All such proposals must also comply with the sequential approach, as set out in national guidance, to ensure that development is on the most central site available. Outside the Principal Settlements, Market Towns and Local Service Centres, developments will be supported that: i. are adjacent to these settlements and seek to retain or expand businesses currently located within or adjacent to the settlements; or ii. support sustainable farming and food production through allowing development required to adapt to modern agricultural practices and diversification; or iii. are for new and existing rural based businesses within or adjacent to Large and Small Villages; or iv. are considered essential to the wider strategic interest of the economic development of Wiltshire, as determined by the council. Where they: a. meet sustainable development objectives as set out in the polices of this Core Strategy and b. are consistent in scale with their location, do not adversely affect nearby buildings and the surrounding area or detract from residential amenity and c. are supported by evidence that they are required to benefit the local economic and social needs and d. would not undermine the delivery of strategic employment allocations and e. are supported by adequate infrastructure.

Existing employment sites

Wiltshire's Principal Employment Areas (as listed in the Area Strategies) should be retained for employment purposes within use classes B1, B2 and B8 to safeguard their contribution to the Wiltshire economy and the role and function of individual towns. Proposals for renewal and intensification of the above employment uses within these areas will be supported. Within the Principal Settlements, Market Towns, Local Service Centres and Principal Employment Areas proposals for the redevelopment of land or buildings currently or last used for activities falling within use classes B1, B2 and B8 must demonstrate that they meet, and will be assessed against, the following criteria: i. The proposed development will generate the same number, or more permanent jobs than could be expected from the existing, or any potential employment use. ii. Where the proposal concerns loss of employment land of more than 0.25 ha in the Principal Settlements, Market Towns or Local Service Centres it is replaced with employment land of similar size elsewhere at that settlement. iii. It can be shown that the loss of a small proportion of employment floorspace would facilitate the redevelopment and continuation of employment uses on a greater part of the site, providing the same number or more permanent jobs than on the original whole site. iv. The site is not appropriate for the continuation of its present or any employment use due to a significant detriment to the environment or amenity of the area. v. There is valid evidence that the site has no long term and strategic requirement to remain in employment use; the ability of the site to meet modern business needs must be considered, as well as its strategic value and contribution to the local and wider economy both currently and in the long term. It must be shown that the site is no longer viable for its present or any other employment use and that, in addition, it has remained unsold or un-let for a substantial period of time (at least 6 months), following genuine and sustained attempts to sell or let it on reasonable terms for employment use, taking into account prevailing market conditions. vi. The change of use is to facilitate the relocation of an existing business from buildings that are no longer fit for purpose to more suitable premises elsewhere within a reasonable distance to facilitate the retention of employment.

Economic regeneration

Regeneration of brownfield sites will be supported in the Principal Settlements, Market Towns and Local Service Centres where the proposed uses help to deliver the overall strategy for that settlement, as identified in Core Policy 1 (Settlement Strategy) and in any future community-led plans, including neighbourhood plans, and/or enhance the vitality and viability of the town centre by introducing a range of active uses that complement the existing town centre.

Military establishments

New development and changes of use at operational facilities that help enhance or sustain their operational capability will be supported. Redevelopment, conversion or change of use of redundant MoD sites and buildings will be supported provided they are well related to an existing settlement in terms of both location and scale. Sites that are remote from settlements should only be considered where the existing buildings and infrastructure on the site are suitable for redevelopment, conversion or change of use. Redevelopment proposals will not exceed the existing building footprint and floorspace unless they are well located to an existing settlement. The focus will be on employment-led development and other uses should be determined through a masterplanning approach with the local community. Development at operational or redundant sites should enhance the overall character of the site. All development at operational or redundant sites should mitigate any adverse impacts on local infrastructure, and not erode the character of the surrounding area. All proposals must ensure that the cultural and historical significance of the military facilities located on the site are understood and inform the scope of future development of that site.

Trowbridge Low-Carbon, Renewable Energy Network

i. The development of a low-carbon, renewable district energy/heat network in Trowbridge will be encouraged and supported. ii. For major development and within the identified area of potential (refer to Figure 5.21), proposals for development should give consideration for the future routing of piping (electricity/heat/cooling), for network expansion and for the development of energy hubs. Applications for development must demonstrate how these matters have been considered in preparing the proposal and be set out in the Sustainable Energy Strategy as required by Core Policy 41. Connections to the Trowbridge energy network will be supported, in accordance with Core Policy 28.

Sustainable construction and low-carbon energy

Climate change adaptation New development, building conversions, refurbishments and extensions will be encouraged to incorporate design measures to reduce energy demand. Development will be well insulated and designed to take advantage of natural light and heat from the sun and use natural air movement for ventilation, whilst maximising cooling in the summer. Sustainable construction New homes (excluding extensions and conversions) will be required to achieve at least Level 4 (in full) of the Code for Sustainable Homes. Conversions of property to residential use will not be permitted unless BREEAM's Homes "Very Good" standards are achieved. All non-residential development will be required to achieve the relevant BREEAM "Very Good" standards, rising to the relevant BREEAM "Excellent" standards from 2019. Existing buildings Retrofitting measures to improve the energy performance of existing buildings will be encouraged in accordance with the following hierarchy: i. Reduce energy consumption through energy efficiency measures ii. Use renewable or low-carbon energy from a local/district source iii. Use building-integrated renewable or low-carbon technologies. Opportunities should be sought to facilitate carbon reduction through retrofitting at whole street or neighbourhood scales to reduce individual costs, improve viability and support coordinated programmes for improvement. Renewable and low-carbon energy All proposals for major development will be required to submit a Sustainable Energy Strategy alongside the planning application outlining the low-carbon strategy for the proposal. In all cases, including those listed above, proposals relating to historic buildings, listed buildings and buildings within conservation areas and world heritage sites should ensure that appropriate sensitive approaches and materials are used. Safeguarding of the significance of heritage assets should be in accordance with appropriate national policy and established best practice. In all cases the impact of these requirements on the viability of development will be taken into consideration.

Standalone renewable energy installations

Proposals for standalone renewable energy schemes will be supported subject to satisfactory resolution of all site specific constraints. In particular, proposals will need to demonstrate how impacts on the following factors have been satisfactorily assessed, including any cumulative effects, and taken into account: i. The landscape, particularly in and around AONBs ii. The Western Wiltshire Green Belt iii. The New Forest National Park iv. Biodiversity v. The historic environment including the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site and its setting vi. Use of the local transport network vii. Residential amenity, including noise, odour, visual amenity and safety viii. Best and most versatile agricultural land. Applicants will not be required to justify the overall need for renewable energy development, either in a national or local context.

New Forest National Park

Development will only be permitted where it does not have a negative impact on the: i. conservation and enhancement of the unique character and environment of the New Forest National Park, and in particular the special qualities of its landscape, wildlife and cultural heritage ii. encouragement of understanding and enjoyment of the New Forest National Park's special qualities iii. social and economic wellbeing of local communities in ways that sustain the national park's special character.

Biodiversity and geodiversity

Protection: Development proposals must demonstrate how they protect features of nature conservation and geological value as part of the design rationale. There is an expectation that such features shall be retained, buffered, and managed favourably in order to maintain their ecological value, connectivity and functionality in the long-term. Where it has been demonstrated that such features cannot be retained, removal or damage shall only be acceptable in circumstances where the anticipated ecological impacts have been mitigated as far as possible and appropriate compensatory measures can be secured to ensure no net loss of the local biodiversity resource, and secure the integrity of local ecological networks and provision of ecosystem services. All development proposals shall incorporate appropriate measures to avoid and reduce disturbance of sensitive wildlife species and habitats throughout the lifetime of the development. Any development potentially affecting a Natura 2000 site must provide avoidance measures in accordance with the strategic plans or guidance set out in paragraphs 6.75-6.77 above where possible, otherwise bespoke measures must be provided to demonstrate that the proposals would have no adverse effect upon the Natura 2000 network. Any development that would have an adverse effect on the integrity of a European nature conservation site will not be in accordance with the Core Strategy. Biodiversity enhancement: All development should seek opportunities to enhance biodiversity. Major development in particular must include measures to deliver biodiversity gains through opportunities to restore, enhance and create valuable habitats, ecological networks and ecosystem services. Such enhancement measures will contribute to the objectives and targets of the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) or River Basin/Catchment Management Plan, particularly through landscape scale projects, and be relevant to the local landscape character. Local sites: Sustainable development will avoid direct and indirect impacts upon local sites through sensitive site location and layout, and by maintaining sufficient buffers and ecological connectivity with the wider environment. Damage or disturbance to local sites will generally be unacceptable, other than in exceptional circumstances where it has been demonstrated that such impacts: i. cannot reasonably be avoided ii. are reduced as far as possible iii. are outweighed by other planning considerations in the public interest iv. where appropriate compensation measures can be secured through planning obligations or agreements. Development proposals affecting local sites must make a reasonable contribution to their favourable management in the long-term.

Landscape

Development should protect, conserve and where possible enhance landscape character and must not have a harmful impact upon landscape character, while any negative impacts must be mitigated as far as possible through sensitive design and landscape measures. Proposals should be informed by and sympathetic to the distinctive character areas identified in the relevant Landscape Character Assessment(s) and any other relevant assessments and studies. In particular, proposals will need to demonstrate that the following aspects of landscape character have been conserved and where possible enhanced through sensitive design, landscape mitigation and enhancement measures: i. The locally distinctive pattern and species composition of natural features such as trees, hedgerows, woodland, field boundaries, watercourses and waterbodies. ii. The locally distinctive character of settlements and their landscape settings. iii. The separate identity of settlements and the transition between man-made and natural landscapes at the urban fringe. iv. Visually sensitive skylines, soils, geological and topographical features. v. Landscape features of cultural, historic and heritage value. vi. Important views and visual amenity. vii. Tranquillity and the need to protect against intrusion from light pollution, noise, and motion. viii. Landscape functions including places to live, work, relax and recreate. ix. Special qualities of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and the New Forest National Park, where great weight will be afforded to conserving and enhancing landscapes and scenic beauty. Proposals for development within or affecting the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), New Forest National Park (NFNP) or Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site (WHS) shall demonstrate that they have taken account of the objectives, policies and actions set out in the relevant Management Plans for these areas. Proposals for development outside of an AONB that is sufficiently prominent (in terms of its siting or scale) to have an impact on the area's special qualities (as set out in the relevant management plan), must also demonstrate that it would not adversely affect its setting.

Green infrastructure

Development shall make provision for the retention and enhancement of Wiltshire's green infrastructure network, and shall ensure that suitable links to the network are provided and maintained. Where development is permitted developers will be required to: i. retain and enhance existing on site green infrastructure ii. make provision for accessible open spaces in accordance with the requirements of the adopted Wiltshire Open Space Standards iii. put measures in place to ensure appropriate long-term management of any green infrastructure directly related to the development iv. provide appropriate contributions towards the delivery of the Wiltshire Green Infrastructure Strategy v. identify and provide opportunities to enhance and improve linkages between the natural and historic landscapes of Wiltshire. If damage or loss of existing green infrastructure is unavoidable, the creation of new or replacement green infrastructure equal to or above its current value and quality, that maintains the integrity and functionality of the green infrastructure network, will be required. Proposals for major development should be accompanied by an audit of the existing green infrastructure within and around the site and a statement demonstrating how this will be retained and enhanced through the development process. Development will not adversely affect the integrity and value of the green infrastructure network, prejudice the delivery of the Wiltshire Green Infrastructure Strategy, or provide inadequate green infrastructure mitigation. Green infrastructure projects and initiatives that contribute to the delivery of a high quality and highly valued multi-functional green infrastructure network in accordance with the Wiltshire Green Infrastructure Strategy will be supported. Contributions (financial or other) to support such projects and initiatives will be required where appropriate from developers.

Cotswold Water Park

In the Cotswold Water Park, proposals for outdoor or water-based sports, leisure and recreation based development will be supported where they help transform the area to an informal recreation and leisure resource for Wiltshire residents and visitors in line with the key objectives of the Cotswold Water Park Vision and Implementation Plan. Proposals for any such development must meet the following criteria: i. Increase or enhance public accessibility and enjoyment of the lakes and countryside. ii. Contribute towards the local economy in the Cotswold Water Park. iii. Strengthen the local landscape character and engender a sense of place. iv. Contribute towards enhancement of biodiversity within the Cotswold Water Park. v. Retain the character of individual settlements including the tranquillity of their settings. vi. Protect the Cotswold Water Park's built heritage, and enhance accessibility and interpretation of such features where possible. vii. Demonstrate high levels of sustainability, particularly including sustainable building design, accessibility by sustainable transport modes and sustainable drainage systems.

Air quality

Development proposals, which by virtue of their scale, nature or location are likely to exacerbate existing areas of poor air quality, will need to demonstrate that measures can be taken to effectively mitigate emission levels in order to protect public health, environmental quality and amenity. Mitigation measures should demonstrate how they will make a positive contribution to the aims of the Air Quality Strategy for Wiltshire and where relevant, the Wiltshire Air Quality Action Plan. Mitigation may include: i. landscaping, bunding or separation to increase distance from highways and junctions ii. possible traffic management or highway improvements to be agreed with the local authority iii. abatement technology and incorporating site layout/separation and other conditions in site planning iv. traffic routing, site management, site layout and phasing v. where appropriate, contributions will be sought toward the mitigation of the impact a development may have on levels of air pollutants.

Contaminated land

Development proposals which are likely to be on or adjacent to land which may have been subject to contamination will need to demonstrate that measures can be taken to effectively mitigate the impacts of land contamination on public health, environmental quality, the built environment and amenity. Developers will be required to demonstrate that the development site is, or will be, made suitable for the proposed final use and will need to provide one or more of the following documents: i. Detailed site history identifying possibly contaminative uses. ii. Site characterisation: The nature and extent of any contamination and the hazards and risks posed. iii. Detailed remediation scheme: Including methodology and quality assurance. iv. Methodology to report unexpected contamination. v. Methodology to ensure verification of remedial works. vi. Details of long term monitoring and maintenance proposals (where necessary). The need for, type and complexity of reports will depend on the specific site.

Flood risk

Development proposed in Flood Zones 2 and 3 as identified within the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment will need to refer to the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment when providing evidence to the local planning authority in order to apply the sequential test in line with the requirements of national policy and established best practice. All new development will include measures to reduce the rate of rainwater run-off and improve rainwater infiltration to soil and ground (sustainable urban drainage) unless site or environmental conditions make these measures unsuitable.

Water resources

Development must not prejudice the delivery of the actions and targets of the relevant River Basin or Catchment Management Plan, and should contribute towards their delivery where possible. Non-residential development will be required to incorporate water efficiency measures. Developers will be expected to submit details of how water efficiency has been taken into account during the design of proposals. Development proposals within a Source Protection Zone, Safeguard Zone or Water Protection Zone must assess any risk to groundwater resources and groundwater quality and demonstrate that these would be protected throughout the construction and operational phases of development.

Protection of the River Avon SAC

In order to avoid and reduce potential environmental effects on the River Avon SAC, development will need to incorporate measures during construction and operation to avoid and prevent pollution and mitigate potential disturbance effects; appropriate measures may include consideration of suitable buffer zones along watercourses, habitat enhancements and river access management measures. All development within 20m of the river banks should submit a construction management plan to the local planning authority to ensure measures proposed during construction are satisfactory. Where additional sewage discharges to a STW cannot be accommodated without measures to offset phosphate loading, development will be required to undertake proportionate measures (which may include contributions towards those measures identified in the Nutrient Management Plan) to demonstrate that the proposals would have no adverse effects upon the SAC.

Ensuring the conservation of the historic environment

Development should protect, conserve and where possible enhance the historic environment. Designated heritage assets and their settings will be conserved, and where appropriate enhanced in a manner appropriate to their significance, including: i. nationally significant archaeological remains ii. World Heritage Sites within and adjacent to Wiltshire iii. buildings and structures of special architectural or historic interest iv. the special character or appearance of conservation areas v. historic parks and gardens vi. important landscapes, including registered battlefields and townscapes. Distinctive elements of Wiltshire's historic environment, including non-designated heritage assets, which contribute to a sense of local character and identity will be conserved, and where possible enhanced. The potential contribution of these heritage assets towards wider social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits will also be utilised where this can be delivered in a sensitive and appropriate manner in accordance with Core Policy 57 (Ensuring High Quality Design and Place Shaping). Heritage assets at risk will be monitored and development proposals that improve their condition will be encouraged. The advice of statutory and local consultees will be sought in consideration of such applications.

The Stonehenge, Avebury and associated sites World Heritage Site

The Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the World Heritage Site will be sustained by: i. giving precedence to the protection of the World Heritage Site and its setting ii. development not adversely affecting the World Heritage Site and its attributes of OUV. This includes the physical fabric, character, appearance, setting or views into or out of the World Heritage Site iii. seeking opportunities to support and maintain the positive management of the World Heritage Site through development that delivers improved conservation, presentation and interpretation and reduces the negative impacts of roads, traffic and visitor pressure iv. requiring developments to demonstrate that full account has been taken of their impact upon the World Heritage Site and its setting. Proposals will need to demonstrate that the development will have no individual, cumulative or consequential adverse effect upon the site and its OUV. Consideration of opportunities for enhancing the World Heritage Site and sustaining its OUV should also be demonstrated. This will include proposals for climate change mitigation and renewable energy schemes.

Stonehenge

The World Heritage Site and its setting will be protected so as to sustain its Outstanding Universal Value in accordance with Core Policy 59. New visitor facilities will be supported where they: i. return Stonehenge to a more respectful setting befitting its World Heritage Site status ii. include measures to mitigate the negative impacts of the roads iii. introduce a greatly enhanced visitor experience in a high quality visitor centre iv. implement an environmentally sensitive method of managing visitors to and from Stonehenge v. include a tourist information element, which highlights other attractions and facilities on offer in the surrounding area and raises the profile of Wiltshire.

Spatial Strategy: Chippenham Community Area

Development in the Chippenham Community Area should be in accordance with the Settlement Strategy set out in Core Policy 1. Principal Settlements: Chippenham Large Villages: Christian Malford, Hullavington, Kington St Michael, Sutton Benger and Yatton Keynell Small Villages: Biddestone, Burton, Grittleton, Kington Langley, Langley Burrell, Lower Stanton St Quintin, Nettleton, Stanton St Quintin and Upper Seagry The following Principal Employment Areas will be supported in accordance with Core Policy 35: Bumpers Farm Industrial Estate, Methuen Park and Parsonage Way Industrial estate. Over the plan period (2006 to 2026), 26.5 ha of new employment land (in addition to that already provided or committed at April 2011) and approximately 5,090 new homes will be provided. At least 4,510 should occur at Chippenham. Allocations at Chippenham will be identified in the Chippenham Site Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD) and will accommodate approximately 26.5 ha of land for employment and at least 2,625 new homes. The DPD will set out a range of facilities and infrastructure necessary to support growth. Areas for growth and site allocations within the DPD will be guided by the following criteria: 1. The scope for the area to ensure the delivery of premises and/or land for employment development, reflecting the priority to support local economic growth and settlement resilience. 2. The capacity to provide a mix of house types for both market and affordable housing, alongside the timely delivery of the facilities and infrastructure necessary to serve them. 3. Offers wider transport benefits for the existing community, has safe and convenient access to the local and primary road network and is capable of redressing transport impacts, including impacts affecting the attractiveness of the town centre. 4. Improves accessibility by alternatives to the private car to the town centre, railway station, schools and colleges and employment. 5. Has an acceptable landscape impact upon the countryside and the settings to Chippenham and surrounding settlements, improves biodiversity and access and enjoyment to the countryside. 6. Avoids all areas of flood risk (therefore within zone 1) and surface water management reduces the risk of flooding elsewhere. Sites that do come forward should be the subject of a partnership between the private and public sectors based on frontloading with a masterplan to be approved by the local planning authority as part of the planning application process. This masterplan will guide the private sector led delivery of the site. Approximately 580 homes will be provided in the rest of the Community Area over the plan period. Development proposals in the Chippenham Community Area will need to demonstrate how the relevant issues and considerations listed in paragraphs 5.48 and 5.54 will be addressed.

Spatial Strategy: Corsham Community Area

Development in the Corsham Community Area should be in accordance with the Settlement Strategy set out in Core Policy 1. Market Towns: Corsham Large Villages: Box, Colerne and Rudloe Small Villages: Gastard, Lacock, Neston and Westwells Over the plan period (2006 to 2026), 6 ha of new employment land (in addition to that delivered or committed at April 2011) will be provided, including: The following Principal Employment Areas will be supported in accordance with Core Policy 35: Leafield Industrial Estate and Fiveways Trading Estate. Over the plan period (2006 to 2026), approximately 1,395 homes will be provided, of which about 1,220 should occur at Corsham. Approximately 175 homes will be provided in the rest of the Community Area. Growth in the Corsham Community Area over the plan period may consist of a range of sites in accordance with Core Policies 1 and 2. Development proposals in the Corsham Community Area will need to demonstrate how the relevant issues and considerations listed in paragraph 5.62 will be addressed.

Spatial Strategy: Devizes Community Area

Development in the Devizes Community Area should be in accordance with the Settlement Strategy set out in Core Policy 1. Market Towns: Devizes Local Service Centres: Market Lavington Large Villages: Bromham, Potterne, Rowde, Urchfont, West Lavington / Littleton Pannell and Worton Small Villages: All Cannings, Bishops Cannings, Easterton, Erlestoke, Great Cheverell and Marston. The following Principal Employment Areas will be supported in accordance with Core Policy 35: Banda Trading Estate, Folly Road, Hopton Industrial Estate, Hopton Park, Le Marchant Barracks, Mill Road, Nursteed Industrial Estate and Police Headquarters. Over the plan period (2006 to 2026), 9.9 ha of new employment land (in addition to that delivered or committed at April 2011) will be provided including: Land between A361 and Horton Road - New strategic employment allocation - 8.4 ha Nursteed Road - Saved Kennet District Plan allocation - 1.5 ha The strategic employment allocation will be brought forward through a masterplanning process agreed between the community, local planning authority and the developer and should be in accordance with the Development Templates shown by Appendix A. Over the plan period (2006 to 2026), approximately 2,500 new homes will be provided of which about 2,010 should occur at Devizes. Approximately 490 homes will be provided in the rest of the Community Area. Growth in the Devizes Community Area may consist of a range of sites in accordance with Core Policies 1 and 2. Development proposals in the Devizes Community Area will need to demonstrate how the relevant issues and considerations listed in paragraph 5.68 will be addressed.

Spatial Strategy: Malmesbury Community Area

Development in the Malmesbury Community Area should be in accordance with the Settlement Strategy set out in Core Policy 1. Market Towns: Malmesbury Large Villages: Ashton Keynes, Crudwell, Great Somerford, Oaksey and Sherston Small Villages: Brinkworth, Charlton, Corston, Dauntsey, Lea, Luckington, Milbourne, Minety and Upper Minety The following Principal Employment Areas will be supported in accordance with Core Policy 35: Malmesbury Business Park, Dyson Site, and Land North of Tetbury Hill. Over the plan period (2006 to 2026), 5 ha of new employment land (in addition to that delivered or committed at April 2011) will be provided, including: Land North of Tetbury Hill - Saved North Wiltshire District Plan allocation - 1 ha Land at Garden Centre, Malmesbury - Saved North Wiltshire District Plan allocation - 4 ha Over the plan period (2006 to 2026), approximately 1,395 new homes will be provided of which about 885 should occur at Malmesbury. Approximately 510 homes will be provided in the rest of the Community Area. Growth in the Malmesbury Community Area over the plan period may consist of a range of sites in accordance with Core Policies 1 and 2. Development proposals in the Malmesbury Community Area will need to demonstrate how the relevant issues and considerations listed in paragraph 5.73 will be addressed.

Spatial Strategy: Marlborough Community Area

Development in the Marlborough Community Area should be in accordance with the Settlement Strategy set out in Core Policy 1. Market Towns: Marlborough Large Villages: Aldbourne, Baydon, Broad Hinton and Ramsbury Small Villages: Avebury / Trusloe, Axford, Beckhampton, Chilton Foliat, East Kennett, Froxfield, Fyfield, Lockeridge, Manton, Ogbourne St George, West Overton, Winterbourne Bassett, and Winterbourne Monkton The following Principal Employment Areas will be supported in accordance with Core Policy 35: Marlborough Business Park, Pelham Court Site, and Wagon Yard. Over the plan period (2006 to 2026), 3 ha of new employment land (in addition to that delivered or committed at April 2011) will be provided in Marlborough. Over the plan period (2006 to 2026), approximately 920 new homes will be provided of which about 680 should occur at Marlborough, including land identified to the west of Salisbury Road for strategic growth. Land to the West of Salisbury Road - New strategic housing allocation - 220 dwellings The strategic allocation will be brought forward through a masterplanning process agreed between the community, local planning authority and the developer and should meet any requirements as set out in the development templates shown by Appendix A. Approximately 240 homes will be provided in the rest of the Community Area. Growth in the Marlborough Community Area over the plan period may consist of a range of sites in accordance with Core Policies 1 and 2. Development proposals in the Marlborough Community Area will need to demonstrate the relevant issues and considerations listed in paragraph 5.78 will be addressed.

Spatial Strategy: Melksham Community Area

Development in the Melksham Community Area should be in accordance with the Settlement Strategy set out in Core Policy 1. Market Towns: Melksham and Bowerhill village Large Villages: Atworth, Seend, Semington, Shaw / Whitley and Steeple Ashton. Small Villages: Beanacre, Berryfield, Broughton Gifford, Bulkington, Great Hinton, Keevil, Poulshot and Seend Cleeve. The following Principal Employment Areas will be supported in accordance with Core Policy 35: Bowerhill Industrial Estate, Hampton Business Park, Avonside Enterprise Park, Intercity Industrial Estate, Upside Business Park, Challeymead Business Park and Bradford Road Employment Area. Over the plan period (2006 to 2026), 6 ha of new employment land (in addition to that delivered or committed at April 2011) will be provided, including: Hampton Business Park - Saved West Wiltshire District Plan Allocation - Up to 6 ha Over the plan period approximately 2,370 new homes will be provided of which about 2,240 should occur at Melksham. Approximately 130 homes will be provided in the rest of the Community Area. Growth in the Melksham Community Area over the plan period may consist of a range of sites in accordance with Core Policies 1 and 2. Development proposals in the Melksham Community Area will need to demonstrate how the relevant issues and considerations listed in paragraph 5.83 will be addressed.

Spatial Strategy: Mere Community Area

Development in the Mere Community Area should be in accordance with the Settlement Strategy set out in Core Policy 1. Local Service Centres: Mere Small Villages: East Knoyle, Kilmington, Semley / Semley Station, Stourton and Zeals. Over the plan period (2006 to 2026), 3 ha of new employment land (in addition to that delivered or committed at April 2011) will be provided including: E12 Land at Mere Saved Salisbury District Plan Allocation 3 ha There are no Principal Employment Areas in the Mere Community Area. Over the plan period (2006 to 2026), approximately 285 new homes will be provided, of which about 235 should occur at Mere and approximately 50 homes will be provided in the rest of the Community Area. Growth in the Mere Community Area over the plan period may consist of a range of sites in accordance with Core Policies 1 and 2. Development proposals in the Mere Community Area will need to demonstrate how the relevant issues and considerations listed in paragraph 5.90 will be addressed.

Delivery Strategy

In line with Core Policy 1, the delivery strategy seeks to deliver development in Wiltshire between 2006 and 2026 in the most sustainable manner by making provision for at least 178ha of new employment land and at least 42,000 homes distributed as follows: Minimum housing requirement (dwellings) East Wiltshire HMA 5,940 North and West Wiltshire HMA 24,740 South Wiltshire HMA 10,420 West of Swindon 900 Wiltshire 42,000 This will be delivered in a sustainable pattern in a way that prioritises the release of employment land and the re-use of previously developed land to deliver regeneration opportunities, and to limit the need for development on Greenfield sites, with approximately 35% of development taking place on previously developed land. The 42,000 homes will be developed in sustainable locations in conformity with the distribution set out above, against which the land supply situation will be assessed. A more detailed distribution is set out in the Community Area Strategies. Development proposals should also be in general conformity with these. Sites for development in line with the Area Strategies will be identified through subsequent Site Allocations DPDs and by supporting communities to identify sites through neighbourhood planning. Within the defined limits of development Within the limits of development, as defined on the policies map, there is a presumption in favour of sustainable development at the Principal Settlements, Market Towns, Local Service Centres and Large Villages. Outside the defined limits of development Other than in circumstances as permitted by other policies within this plan, identified in paragraph 4.25, development will not be permitted outside the limits of development, as defined on the policies map. The limits of development may only be altered through the identification of sites for development through subsequent Site Allocations Development Plan Document

Spatial Strategy: Salisbury Community Area

Development in the Salisbury Community Area should be in accordance with the Settlement Strategy set out in Core Policy 1. Principal Settlements: Salisbury The following Principal Employment Areas will be supported in accordance with Core Policy 35: Old Sarum and Southampton Road. Over the plan period (2006 to 2026), 29 ha employment land and approximately 6,060 new homes will be provided within the Community Area, which should occur either within Salisbury or the town of Wilton, including land identified for strategic growth as described below: Fugglestone Red 1,250 dwellings 8 ha employment Hampton Park 500 dwellings 0 ha employment Longhedge 450 dwellings 8 ha employment (Old Sarum) Churchfields and Engine Shed 1,100 dwellings 5 ha employment UKLF, Wilton 450 dwellings 3 ha employment Central Car Park 200 dwellings Up to 40,000 sqm gross external area Retail and Leisure floorspace Former Imerys Quarry 0 dwellings 4 ha employment The strategic allocations will be brought forward through a masterplanning process agreed between the community, local planning authority and the developer and should deliver any requirements as set out in the development templates as shown by Appendix A. Growth in the Salisbury Community Area over the plan period may consist of a range of sites in accordance with Core Policies 1 and 2. Development proposals in the Salisbury Community Area will need to demonstrate how those issues and considerations listed in paragraph 5.112 will be addressed.

Spatial Strategy: Southern Wiltshire Community Area

Development in the Southern Wiltshire Community Area should be in accordance with the Settlement Strategy set out in Core Policy 1. Local Service Centres: Downton. Large Villages: Alderbury, Coombe Bissett, Morgan's Vale / Woodfalls, Pitton, Whiteparish and Winterslows / Middle Winterslow. Small Villages: Bodenham, Britford, Charlton All Saints, East Grimstead, Farley, Firsdown / Winterbourne, Laverstock and Ford, Lopcombe Corner, Nunton, Odstock, West Dean and West Grimstead. The following Principal Employment Areas will be supported in accordance with Core Policy 35: Downton Business Centre. Over the plan period (2006 to 2026), approximately 615 new homes will be provided of which 190 should occur at Downton. About 425 homes will be provided in the rest of the Community Area. Growth in the Southern Wiltshire Community Area over the plan period may consist of a range of sites in accordance with Core Policies 1 and 2. Development proposals in the Southern Wiltshire Community Area will need to demonstrate how the relevant issues and considerations listed in paragraph 5.126 will be addressed.

Development in the Tidworth Community Area

Development in the Tidworth Community Area should be in accordance with the Settlement Strategy set out in Core Policy 1: Market Towns: Tidworth and Ludgershall Large Villages: Collingbourne Ducis and Netheravon Small Villages: Collingbourne Kingston, Enford, Everleigh and The Chutes (Chute Cadley / Chute Standen, Lower Chute and Upper Chute) Over the plan period (2006 to 2026), 12 ha of new employment land (in addition to that delivered or committed at April 2011) will be provided including: Land North of Tidworth Road - Saved Kennet District Plan Allocation - 12 ha The following Principal Employment Areas will be supported in accordance with Core Policy 35: Castledown, Land North of Tidworth Road. Over the plan period (2006 to 2026), approximately 1,920 new homes will be provided of which about 1,750 should occur at Tidworth and Ludgershall, including land identified at Drummond Park (MSA Depot), Ludgershall for strategic growth. Drummond Park (MSA) Depot - 475 dwellings The strategic allocation will be brought forward through a masterplanning process agreed between the community, local planning authority and the developer and should be in accordance with the development template shown by Appendix A. Approximately 170 homes will be provided in the rest of the Community Area. Growth in the Tidworth Community Area over the plan period may consist of a range of sites in accordance with Core Policies 1 and 2. Development proposals in the Tidworth Community Area will need to demonstrate how the relevant issues and considerations listed in paragraph 5.140 will be addressed.

Spatial Strategy: Tisbury Community Area

Development in the Tisbury Community Area should be in accordance with the Settlement Strategy set out in Core Policy 1. Local Service Centres: Tisbury Large Villages: Fovant, Hindon and Ludwell Small Villages: Ansty, Berwick St John, Charlton, Chilmark, Donhead St Andrew, Donhead St Mary, Fonthill Bishop, Fonthill Gifford, Sutton Mandeville, Swallowcliffe and Tollard Royal There are no Principal Employment Areas in the Tisbury Community Area. Over the plan period (2006 to 2026), 1.4 ha of new employment land (in addition to that delivered or committed at April 2011) will be provided, including: Hindon Lane, Tisbury - Saved Salisbury District Plan allocation - 1.4 ha Over the plan period (2006 to 2026), approximately 420 new homes will be provided, of which about 200 should occur at Tisbury and approximately 220 homes will be provided in the rest of the Community Area. Growth in the Tisbury Community Area over the plan period may consist of a range of sites in accordance with Core Policies 1 and 2. Development proposals in the Tisbury Community Area will need to demonstrate how the relevant issues and considerations listed in paragraph 5.146 will be addressed.

Spatial Strategy: Trowbridge Community Area

Development in the Trowbridge Community Area should be in accordance with the Settlement Strategy set out in Core Policy 1. Principal Settlements: Trowbridge Large Villages: Hilperton, North Bradley and Southwick Small Villages: West Ashton and Yarnbrook The following Principal Employment Areas will be supported in accordance with Core Policy 35: Canal Road Industrial Estate, White Horse Business Park, West Ashton Road, Bryer Ash Business Park and Bradford Road. Over the plan period (2006 to 2026), 25 ha of new employment land (in addition to that already delivered or committed at April 2011) and approximately 7,000 new homes will be provided within the Community Area. At Trowbridge, approximately 5,860 dwellings will be delivered and will involve an area for strategic growth to the south east of the town (Ashton Park), which extends towards the A350 to the south and the railway line to the west. An additional 950 dwellings will then be developed at the town only once improved secondary school provision is in place towards the end of the plan period and there has been a further assessment of effects on protected bat species and their habitats to ensure that they are properly safeguarded. West Ashton Road Saved West Wiltshire District Plan Allocation: 10 ha Ashton Park Urban Extension: 15 ha employment, 2,600 dwellings The strategic allocation will be brought forward through a masterplanning process agreed between the community, local planning authority and the developer and should deliver any requirements as set out in the development templates as shown by Appendix A. Further land for housing development at Trowbridge will be identified in the Housing Site Allocations DPD. Greenfield housing sites in addition to the strategic sites will only permitted once improved secondary school provision has been delivered as a result of the Ashton Park urban extension. Any proposals which are likely to have an unavoidable adverse effect on a Natura 2000 site will not be taken forward. Approximately 165 homes will be provided in the rest of the Community Area over the plan period. Growth in the Trowbridge Community Area over the plan period may consist of a range of sites in accordance with Core Policies 1 and 2. Development proposals in the Trowbridge Community Area will need to demonstrate how the relevant issues and considerations listed in paragraph 5.150 will be addressed.

Spatial Strategy: Warminster Community Area

Development in the Warminster Community Area should be in accordance with the Settlement Strategy set out in Core Policy 1. Market Towns: Warminster Large Villages: Chapmanslade, Codford, Corsley, Heytesbury, and Sutton Veny Small Villages: Chitterne, Crockerton, Horningsham, Longbridge Deverill, Maiden Bradley, Stockton and Upton Scudamore The following Principal Employment Areas will be supported in accordance with Core Policy 35: Crusader Park, Warminster Business Park, Woodcock Road Industrial Estate and Northlands Industrial Estate. Over the plan period (2006 to 2026), 6 ha of new employment land (in addition to that already delivered or committed at April 2011) and approximately 2,060 new homes will be provided. Of these about 1,920 dwellings should occur at Warminster, including land identified to the west of Warminster, between the existing built form and the A350 for strategic growth. West Warminster Urban Extension: 6 ha employment, 900 dwellings The strategic allocation will be brought forward through a masterplanning process agreed between the community, local planning authority and the developer and should be in accordance with the development templates shown by Appendix A. Approximately 140 homes will be provided in the rest of the Community Area. Growth in the Warminster Community Area over the plan period may consist of a range of sites in accordance with Core Policies 1 and 2. Development proposals in the Warminster Community Area will need to demonstrate how the relevant issues and considerations listed in paragraph 5.158 will be addressed.

Spatial Strategy: Westbury Community Area

Development in the Westbury Community Area should be in accordance with the Settlement Strategy set out in Core Policy 1. Market Towns: Westbury Large Villages: Dilton Marsh and Bratton Small Villages: Edington / Tinhead The following Principal Employment Areas will be supported in accordance with Core Policy 35: West Wiltshire Trading Estate, Brook Lane Trading Estate and North Acre Industrial Estate. Over the plan period (2006 to 2026), 18.5 ha of new employment land (in addition to that delivered or committed at April 2011) will be provided including: Land at Mill Lane, Hawkeridge - New strategic employment allocation - 14.7 ha North Acre Industrial Estate - Saved West Wiltshire Local Plan allocation - 3.8 ha Over the plan period (2006 to 2026), approximately 1,615 new homes will be provided, of which about 1,500 should occur at Westbury, including land identified at Station Road for strategic growth. Land at Station Road - New strategic housing allocation - 250 dwellings The strategic allocations will be brought forward through a masterplanning process agreed between the community, local planning authority and the developer and should be delivered in accordance with the development templates set out in Appendix A. Approximately 115 homes will be provided in the rest of the Community Area. Growth in the Westbury Community Area over the plan period may consist of a range of sites in accordance with Core Policies 1 and 2. Development proposals in the Westbury Community Area will need to demonstrate how the relevant issues and considerations listed in paragraph 5.166 will be addressed.

Spatial Strategy: Wilton Community Area

Development in the Wilton Community Area should be in accordance with the Settlement Strategy set out in Core Policy 1. Local Service Centres: Wilton Large Villages: Broad Chalke and Dinton Small Villages: Barford St Martin, Bishopstone, Bowerchalke (inc.Misselfore), Compton Chamberlayne, Ebbesbourne Wake, Quidhampton, South Newton, Stoford and Teffont Magna / Teffont Evias There are not any Principal Employment Areas in the Wilton Community Area. Approximately 255 new homes will be provided in the Community Area. Growth in the Wilton Community Area over the plan period may consist of a range of sites in accordance with Core Policies 1 and 2. Development proposals in the Wilton Community Area will need to demonstrate how the relevant issues and considerations listed in paragraph 5.174 will be addressed.

Spatial Strategy: Amesbury Community Area

Development in the Amesbury Community Area should be in accordance with the Settlement Strategy set out in Core Policy 1. Market Towns: Amesbury (including Bulford and Durrington) Large Villages: Great Wishford, Porton, Shrewton, Tilshead and The Winterbournes. Small Villages: Allington, Berwick St James, Cholderton, Figheldean / Ablington, Gomeldon / East Gomeldon / West Gomeldon, Great Durnford, Hanging Langford, Lower Woodford, Middle Woodford, Brigmerston, Newton Toney, Orcheston, Stapleford, Steeple Langford, Winterbourne Stoke and Wylye. The following Principal Employment Areas will be supported in accordance with Core Policy 35: Boscombe Down (Qinetiq); London Road; Porton Down (DSTL/ HPA); High Post and Solstice Park. Over the plan period (2006 to 2026), 17 ha of new employment land and approximately 2,785 new homes will be provided. About 2,440 should occur at Amesbury (including Bulford and Durrington), including land identified at Kings Gate, Amesbury for strategic growth. Kings Gate, Amesbury New strategic housing allocation 1,300 dwellings Boscombe Down Saved Salisbury District Plan allocation 7 ha employment Porton Down Saved Salisbury District Plan allocation 10 ha employment The strategic allocation will be brought forward through a masterplanning process agreed between the community, local planning authority and the developer and should meet any requirements as set out in the development templates shown by Appendix A. Approximately 345 homes will be provided in the rest of the Community Area. Growth in the Amesbury Community Area over the plan period may consist of a range of sites in accordance with Core Policies 1 and 2. Development proposals in the Amesbury Community Area will need to demonstrate how those issues and considerations listed in paragraph 5.19 will be addressed.

Providing affordable homes

Provision On sites of five or more dwellings, affordable housing provision of at least 30% (net) will be provided within the 30% affordable housing zone and at least 40% (net) will be provided on sites within the 40% affordable housing zone. Only in exceptional circumstances, where it can be proven that on-site delivery is not possible, will a commuted sum be considered. The provision of affordable housing may vary on a site-by-site basis taking into account evidence of local need, mix of affordable housing proposed and, where appropriate, the viability of the development. All affordable housing will be subject to an appropriate legal agreement with the council. This level of provision should be delivered with nil public subsidy, unless otherwise agreed by the council. Tenure Tenure will be negotiated on a site-by-site basis to reflect the nature of the development and local needs as set out in Core Policy 45 (Meeting Wiltshire's housing needs). On site distribution and standards Affordable housing units will be dispersed throughout a development and designed to a high quality, so as to be indistinguishable from other development. In determining the level of integration that can be achieved, consideration will be given to the practicalities of management and maintenance associated with the proposal whilst still ensuring affordability, particularly in developments of flats.

Rural exceptions sites

At settlements defined as Local Service Centres, Large and Small Villages (Core Policy 1), and those not identified within the settlement strategy, a proactive approach to the provision of affordable housing will be sought in conjunction with parish councils and working with local communities and other parties. This exception to policy allows housing for local need to be permitted, solely for affordable housing, provided that: i. the proposal has clear support from the local community ii. the housing is being delivered to meet an identified and genuine local need iii. the proposal is within, adjoining or well related to the existing settlement iv. environmental and landscape considerations will not be compromised v. the proposal consists of 10 dwellings or fewer vi. employment and services are accessible from the site vii. its scale and type is appropriate to the nature of the settlement and will respect the character and setting of that settlement viii. the affordable housing provided under this policy will always be available for defined local needs, both initially and on subsequent change of occupant. Cross-subsidy In exceptional circumstances a proportion of market housing may be considered appropriate where it can be demonstrated that the site would be unviable, as an exception site that meets the above criteria, without cross-subsidy. It should be recognised that the inclusion of open market housing will not normally be supported. In these exceptional circumstances: ix. the majority of the development is for affordable housing x. it has been demonstrated through detailed financial appraisal that the scale of the market housing component is essential for the successful delivery of the development and is based on reasonable land values as an exception site xi. no additional subsidy for the scheme and its affordable housing delivery is required.

Meeting Wiltshire's housing needs

Type, mix and size New housing, both market and affordable, must be well designed to address local housing need incorporating a range of different types, tenures and sizes of homes to create mixed and balanced communities. Housing size and type, including any distinction between flats and houses, will be expected to reflect that of the demonstrable need for the community within which a site is located. The Wiltshire Strategic Housing Market Assessment identifies the housing needs of Wiltshire. Any variation to this will need to be justified through the production of new, sound evidence from either an updated Strategic Housing Market Assessment or other credible evidence source. In relation to affordable housing, other sources of credible evidence include the council's housing register and local needs surveys.

Meeting the needs of Wiltshire's vulnerable and older people

The provision, in suitable locations, of new housing to meet the specific needs of vulnerable and older people will be required. Wherever practicable, accommodation should seek to deliver and promote independent living. Older people Housing schemes should assist older people to live securely and independently within their communities. Residential development must ensure that layout, form and orientation consider adaptability to change as an integral part of design at the outset, in a way that integrates all households into the community. Developers will be required to demonstrate how their proposals respond to the needs of an ageing population. Specialist accommodation The provision of sufficient new accommodation for Wiltshire's older people will be supported, including: i. nursing accommodation ii. residential homes iii. extra-care facilities. Proposals for extra-care accommodation to be sold or let on the open market are not considered exempt from the need to provide affordable housing. Therefore, proposals for extra care accommodation will be expected to provide an affordable housing contribution in line with Core Policy 43 (Providing Affordable Homes). Provision of homes and accommodation for vulnerable people will be supported, including but not limited to: iv. people with learning disabilities v. people with mental health issues vi. homeless people and rough sleepers vii. young at risk and care leavers. Such accommodation should be provided in sustainable locations, where there is an identified need, within settlements identified in Core Policy 1 (normally in the Principal Settlements and Market Town

Meeting the needs of gypsies and travellers

Provision should be made for at least 66 permanent pitches for gypsies and travellers, 25 transit pitches and 5 plots for travelling showpeople during the period 2011-2016. A further 42 permanent pitches should be provided over the period 2016-2021. Permanent and transit pitches should be distributed and phased as follows: Table 6.2 Housing Market Area | Proposed Requirement (2011-2016) | Proposed Requirement (2016-2021) | Transit provision (2011-21) North and West Wiltshire | 26 | 22 | 10 South Wiltshire | 37 | 19 | 8 East Wiltshire | 3 | 1 | 7 TOTAL | 66 | 42 | 25 Proposals for new gypsy and traveller pitches or travelling showpeople plots/yards will only be granted where there is no conflict with other planning policies and where no barrier to development exists. New development should be situated in sustainable locations, with preference generally given to previously developed land or a vacant or derelict site in need of renewal. Where proposals satisfy the following general criteria they will be considered favourably: i. No significant barriers to development exist in terms of flooding, poor drainage, poor ground stability or proximity to other hazardous land or installation where conventional housing would not be suitable. ii. It is served by a safe and convenient vehicular and pedestrian access. The proposal should not result in significant hazard to other road users. iii. The site can be properly serviced and is supplied with essential services, such as water, power, sewerage and drainage, and waste disposal. iv. The site must also be large enough to provide adequate vehicle parking, including circulation space, along with residential amenity and play areas. v. It is located in or near to existing settlements within reasonable distance of a range of local services and community facilities, in particular schools and essential health services. vi. It will not have an unacceptable impact on the character and appearance of the landscape and the amenity of neighbouring properties, and is sensitively designed to mitigate any impact on its surroundings. vii. Adequate levels of privacy should be provided for occupiers. viii. Development of the site should be appropriate to the scale and character of its surroundings and existing nearby settlements. ix. The site should not compromise a nationally or internationally recognised designation nor have the potential for adverse effects on river quality, biodiversity or archaeology. In assessing sites for travelling showpeople or where mixed-uses are proposed, the site and its surrounding context are suitable for mixed residential and business uses, including storage required and/or land required for exercising animals, and would not result in an unacceptable loss of amenity and adverse impact on the safety and amenity of the site's occupants and neighbouring properties.

Spatial Strategy: Bradford on Avon Community Area

Development in the Bradford on Avon Community Area should be in accordance with the Settlement Strategy set out in Core Policy 1. Market Towns: Bradford on Avon Large Villages: Holt, Westwood and Winsley Small Villages: Limpley Stoke, Monkton Farleigh, Staverton and Wingfield The following Principal Employment Areas will be supported in accordance with Core Policy 35: Treenwood Industrial Estate and Elm Cross Trading Estate. Over the plan period (2006 to 2026), 2 to 3 ha of new employment land (in addition to that already delivered or committed at April 2011) will be provided and approximately 780 new homes will be provided. About 595 dwellings should occur at Bradford on Avon, including land identified to the east of Bradford on Avon on land at Kingston Farm for strategic growth. Land at Kingston Farm: 2 to 3 ha employment, 150 dwellings The strategic allocation will be brought forward through a masterplanning process agreed between the community, local planning authority and the developer and should meet any requirements as set out in the development templates in Appendix A. Approximately 185 homes will be provided in the rest of the Community Area. Growth in the Bradford on Avon Community Area over the plan period may consist of a range of sites in accordance with Core Policies 1 and 2. Development proposals in the Bradford on Avon Community Area will need to demonstrate how the relevant issues and considerations listed in paragraph 5.35 will be addressed.

Spatial Strategy: Calne Community Area

Development in the Calne Community Area should be in accordance with the Settlement Strategy set out in Core Policy 1. Market Towns: Calne Large Villages: Derry Hill / Studley Small Villages: Bremhill, Cherhill, Compton Bassett, Heddington and Hilmarton The following Principal Employment Area will be supported in accordance with Core Policy 35: Porte Marsh Industrial Estate. Over the plan period (2006 to 2026), approximately 1,605 new homes will be provided, of which about 1,440 should occur at Calne and approximately 165 homes will be provided in the rest of the Community Area. Growth in the Calne Community Area over the plan period may consist of a range of sites in accordance with Core Policies 1 and 2. Over the plan period (2006-2026), 6 hectares of new employment land (in addition to that delivered or committed at April 2011) will be provided, including: Land East of Beversbrook Farm and Porte Marsh Industrial Estate: Saved North Wiltshire District Plan Allocation, 3.2 hectares Development proposals in the Calne Community Area will need to demonstrate how the relevant issues and considerations listed in paragraph 5.41 will be addressed.

Melksham link project

The proposed route for the Melksham link canal, as identified on the proposals map, will be safeguarded from inappropriate development. Development should not prejudice the future use of the route as part of the Wilts and Berks Canal restoration project. Proposals for the use of the route as part of the canal will need to demonstrate that the cultural, historic and natural environment will be protected and enhanced, with no overall adverse effect, and that adequate consideration has been given to potential impacts on ecology, landscape, flood risk, water resources (abstraction) and water quality. Proposals will also need to demonstrate that sufficient consideration has been given to the potential environmental impacts of both the Melksham scheme and the Wilts and Berks restoration project as a whole.

Infrastructure requirements

All new development will be required to provide for the necessary on-site and, where appropriate, off-site infrastructure requirements arising from the proposal. Infrastructure requirements will be delivered directly by the developer and/or through an appropriate financial contribution prior to, or in conjunction with, new development. In ensuring the timely delivery of infrastructure, development proposals must demonstrate that full regard has been paid to the council's Infrastructure Delivery Plan and Schedule and all other relevant policies of this plan. Joint working with adjoining authorities will be encouraged to ensure that wider strategic infrastructure requirements are appropriately addressed. In the event of competing demands for infrastructure provision, developer contributions will be sought in the following order of priority: 1. Essential infrastructure 2. Place-shaping infrastructure A viability assessment, undertaken by an independent third party but on terms agreed by the council and funded by the developer, will be required in the event of concerns that infrastructure requirements may render the development unviable. This will involve an 'open book' approach. If the viability assessment adequately demonstrates that development proposals are unable to fund the full range of infrastructure requirements, then the council will: i. prioritise seeking developer contributions in the order set out above ii. use an appropriate mechanism to defer part of the developer contributions requirement to a later date, as agreed by all parties.

Wiltshire's canals

The restoration and reconstruction of the Wilts and Berks and Thames and Severn canals as navigable waterways is supported in principle. The historic alignments of the Wilts and Berks, including the North Wilts Branch, and Thames and Severn Canals, as identified on the policies map, will be safeguarded with a view to their long-term re-establishment as navigable waterways. These alignments will be safeguarded by: i. not permitting development likely to destroy the canal alignment or its associated structures, or likely to make restoration more difficult ii. ensuring that where the canal is affected by development, the alignment is protected or an alternative alignment is provided. Proposals will be permitted that are designed to develop the canal's recreational and nature conservation potential, in particular, the use of the old line of the canal for walking, cycling and interpretation. Proposals for the reinstatement of canal along these historic alignments or any alternative alignments will need to demonstrate that the cultural, historic and natural environment will be protected and enhanced, with no overall adverse effect, and that potential impacts on ecology, landscape, flood risk, water resources (abstraction) and water quality have been fully assessed and taken into account. Proposals for the reinstatement of discrete sections of the canal will also need to demonstrate that the potential environmental impacts of the restoration project as a whole have been assessed and taken into account.

Settlement Strategy

The Settlement Strategy identifies the settlements where sustainable development will take place to improve the lives of all those who live and work in Wiltshire. The area strategies in Chapter 5 list the specific settlements which fall within each category. Principal Settlements Wiltshire's Principal Settlements are strategically important centres and the primary focus for development. This will safeguard and enhance their strategic roles as employment and service centres. They will provide significant levels of jobs and homes, together with supporting community facilities and infrastructure, meeting their economic potential in the most sustainable way to support better self containment. The Principal Settlements are: Chippenham, Trowbridge and Salisbury. Market Towns Outside the Principal Settlements, Market Towns are defined as settlements that have the ability to support sustainable patterns of living in Wiltshire through their current levels of facilities, services and employment opportunities. Market Towns have the potential for significant development that will increase the jobs and homes in each town in order to help sustain and where necessary enhance their services and facilities and promote better levels of self containment and viable sustainable communities. The Market Towns are: Amesbury, Bradford on Avon, Calne, Corsham, Devizes, Malmesbury, Marlborough, Melksham, Tidworth and Ludgershall, Warminster, Westbury, and Royal Wootton Bassett. Local Service Centres Local Service Centres are defined as smaller towns and larger villages which serve a surrounding rural hinterland and possess a level of facilities and services that, together with improved local employment, provide the best opportunities outside the Market Towns for greater self containment. Local Service Centres will provide for modest levels of development in order to safeguard their role and to deliver affordable housing. The Local Service Centres are: Pewsey, Market Lavington, Cricklade, Tisbury, Mere, Downton and Wilton. Large and Small Villages Large Villages are defined as settlements with a limited range of employment, services and facilities. Small Villages have a low level of services and facilities, and few employment opportunities. Development at Large and Small Villages will be limited to that needed to help meet the housing needs of settlements and to improve employment opportunities, services and facilities. The Large and Small Villages are: see area strategies, Chapter 5.

Spatial Strategy: Pewsey Community Area

Development in the Pewsey Community Area should be in accordance with the Settlement Strategy set out in Core Policy 1. Local Service Centres: Pewsey Large Villages: Burbage, Great Bedwyn, Shalbourne and Upavon. Small Villages: Alton Priors / Alton Barnes, Charlton St Peter, Chirton, East Grafton, Easton Royal, Ham, Hilcott, Little Bedwyn, Manningford Bruce, Marden, Milton Lilbourne, Oare, Rushall, Stanton St Bernard, Wilcot, Woodborough and Wootton Rivers. The following locally important rural employment sites will be supported in accordance with Core Policy 35: Salisbury Road Business Park, Marlborough Road and Broomcroft Road, Pewsey; Manor Farm, Manningford Bohune; Hirata site, Burbage. Over the plan period (2006 to 2026), 2 ha of new employment land (in addition to that delivered or committed at April 2011) will be provided including: Land at Marlborough Road, Pewsey (Saved Kennet Local Plan Allocation) 1.66 ha Approximately 600 new homes will be provided in the Community Area. Growth in the Pewsey Community Area over the plan period may consist of a range of sites in accordance with Core Policies 1 and 2. Development proposals in the Pewsey Community Area will need to demonstrate how the relevant issues and considerations listed in paragraph 5.95 will be addressed.

Spatial Strategy: Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Community Area

Development in the Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Community Area should be in accordance with the Settlement Strategy set out in Core Policy 1. Market Towns: Royal Wootton Bassett. Local Service Centres: Cricklade. Large Villages: Lyneham and Purton. Small Villages: Bradenstoke, Broad Town, Hook, Latton, Lydiard Millicent and Purton Stoke. The following Principal Employment Areas will be supported in accordance with Core Policy 35: Whitehill Industrial Estate, Interface Industrial Estate and Coped Hall Business Park. Over the plan period (2006 to 2026), 5 ha of new employment land (in addition to that delivered or committed at April 2011) will be provided, including: Land to the West of Templars Way (Saved North Wiltshire District Plan Allocation) 3.7 ha; Brickworks, Purton (Saved North Wiltshire District Plan Allocation) 1.0 ha remaining Over the plan period (2006 to 2026), approximately 1,455 new homes will be provided of which about 1,070 should occur at Royal Wootton Bassett. Approximately 385 homes will be provided in the rest of the Community Area. Growth in the Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Community Area over the plan period may consist of a range of sites in accordance with Core Policies 1 and 2. Development proposals in the Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Community Area will need to demonstrate how the relevant issues and considerations listed in paragraph 5.102 will be addressed.

Supporting rural life

Dwellings required to meet the employment needs of rural areas Outside the defined limits of development of the Principal Settlements, Market Towns, Local Service Centres and Large Villages, and outside the existing built areas of Small Villages, proposals for residential development will be supported where these meet the accommodation needs required to enable workers to live at or in the immediate vicinity of their place of work in the interests of agriculture or forestry or other employment essential to the countryside. Proposals for accommodation to meet the needs of employment essential to the countryside should be supported by functional and financial evidence. Improving access to services and improving infrastructure Proposals which will focus on improving accessibility between towns and villages, helping to reduce social exclusion, isolation and rural deprivation, such as transport and infrastructure improvements, will be supported where the development will not be to the detriment of the local environment or local residents. Conversion and re-use of rural buildings Proposals to convert and re-use rural buildings for employment, tourism, cultural and community uses will be supported where they satisfy the following criteria: i. The building(s) is/are structurally sound and capable of conversion without major rebuilding, and with only necessary extension or modification which preserves the character of the original building. ii. The use would not detract from the character or appearance of the landscape or settlement and would not be detrimental to the amenities of residential areas. iii. The building can be served by adequate access and infrastructure. iv. The site has reasonable access to local services. v. The conversion or re-use of a heritage asset would lead to its viable long term safeguarding. Where there is clear evidence that the above uses are not practical propositions, residential development may be appropriate where it meets the above criteria. In isolated locations, the re-use of redundant or disused buildings for residential purposes may be permitted where justified by special circumstances, in line with national policy. Community ownership Community ownership and/or management of local shops, pubs and other services will be supported where appropriate to retain a local facility through the following measures: vi. Development proposals for the adaptation of a building, such as sub-division or change of use, will be supported where these are necessary to allow a viable continued use. vii. Appropriately scaled enabling development will be considered, where this is environmentally acceptable and justified through a supporting viability study, and where it can help maintain and enhance the community uses provided. viii. The facility may be protected from loss of its current use until such time as the community has had a realistic opportunity to take control of the asset. New shops New shops in villages will be supported where they are small in scale and would not threaten the viability of nearby centres. Farm shops will be supported where they utilise existing buildings, are small in scale and cause no unacceptable impact on nearby village shops or the character of the area.

Porton Down

The council strongly supports the principle of the future development of the Porton Down Science Campus for research and development purposes and will work with the principal site stakeholders to build on the work already undertaken to facilitate their business aspirations in accordance with Strategic Objective 1 of the Core Strategy. This work will also ensure that the long-term future of Porton Down is secured based on a co-ordinated approach. One specific issue in relation to which co-ordination is required is wildlife management. The council will thus work with all relevant interests to produce an Integrated Business and Environmental Management Strategy (IBEMS) for the Porton Down SAC, SPA and SSSI and the non-designated areas of the site that will be adopted as a Supplementary Planning Document. The IBEMS will seek to balance the existing and future economic and scientifi c signifi cance of the site with safeguarding important nature conservation interests, while enhancing biodiversity across the Porton Down site. In order to facilitate future development, the IBEMS will identify future proposed development, in generic terms a broad timescale and high level assessment of impacts, and demonstrate how these potentially adverse impacts will be avoided. Proposals submitted in advance of the IBEMS being adopted as SPD, and stand alone projects not addressed in the IBEMS will likewise need to adequately demonstrate that either alone or in combination with other plans or projects, they do not have an adverse effect on the integrity of the Porton Down SPA, SAC or SSSI.

The Maltings/Central Car Park

The area around the Maltings, Central Car Park and Library is allocated for a retail-led mixed-use development to enhance Salisbury city centre's position as a sub-regional shopping and cultural centre. The development will consist of convenience and comparison shopping, leisure uses, housing, offices, library and cultural quarter. The redevelopment of the Maltings/Central Car Park will be sensitive to Salisbury's skyline and respect the scale and building forms of the historic urban fabric. It will build on the city's already strong retail offer to create a new quarter specifically designed to meet the demands of the modern shopper, and the modern retailer, with simple, regular shaped interior spaces which can be easily configured to meet a wide variety of needs and shop sizes. The Maltings/Central Car Park will not be an enclosed shopping centre or self-contained mall style development, but a high quality outward looking design, which integrates into the city centre. Retail, residential and leisure areas will be linked by open, pedestrianised streets and public spaces, with an improved cultural area around the Playhouse and City Hall, improving legibility from the new development through the cultural area to Fisherton Street. Relocation or remodelling of the library will open up links to the market square. This open streetscape will connect the prime retail units and will include retail with an anchor store, residential and leisure areas. The development will also meet any additional requirements as set out in the development templates shown in Appendix A.

Trowbridge Central Areas of Opportunity

i. High quality development designed to achieve a sustainable mix of land uses will be permitted on the opportunity sites (areas 9 to 17) identified in Figure 5.20 and the Masterplan for Trowbridge. Proposals for development on the Masterplan opportunity sites should complement existing and committed land-uses as well as contribute to the wider vision for the town centre as set out in the Masterplan. ii. Proposals should meet high quality design and sustainability standards, including exemplary public realm and strong pedestrian and sustainable travel linkages as set out in the Masterplan. iii. Proposals for major development must be designed with the ability to connect to the Trowbridge energy network. Where this is deemed not to be viable, the evidence for this should be fully demonstrated within the Sustainable Energy Strategy as set out by Core Policy 41.

Retail and leisure

All proposals for retail or leisure uses on sites not within a town centre in excess of 200 sqm gross floorspace, including extension of existing units, must be accompanied by an impact assessment which meets the requirement of national guidance and established best practice, and demonstrates that the proposal will not harm the vitality or viability of any nearby centres. All such proposals must also comply with the sequential approach, as set out in national guidance, to ensure that development is on the most central site available.

Tourist development

Within Principal Settlements and Market Towns, proposals for tourist development of an appropriate scale (including attractions and tourist accommodation) will be supported subject to a sequential assessment. Proposals for large-scale tourist development must be assessed against all the policies of this Core Strategy, including transport implications and how the proposal could assist rural regeneration and the well being of communities. Outside the Principal Settlements and Market Towns, tourist and visitor facilities should be located in or close to Local Service Centres or Large and Small Villages and, where practicable, be located in existing or replacement buildings. Any proposal needs to carefully consider the need to protect landscapes and environmentally sensitive sites with the objective of providing adequate facilities, enhancing enjoyment and improving the financial viability of the attraction. If new buildings are required in the countryside for tourist development, these should be directed towards the Local Service Centres and Large and Small Villages. In exceptional cases development may be supported away from the Principal Settlements, Market Towns, Local Service Centres and Large and Small Villages where it can be demonstrated that all of the following criteria are met: i. There is evidence that the facilities are in conjunction with a particular countryside attraction. ii. No suitable alternative existing buildings or sites exist which are available for re-use. iii. The scale, design and use of the proposal is compatible with its wider landscape setting and would not detract from the character or appearance of the landscape or settlement and would not be detrimental to the amenities of residential areas. iv. The building is served by adequate access and infrastructure. v. The site has reasonable access to local services and a local employment base. Extensions to existing facilities should be appropriate in scale to their location and help to ensure the future viability of the business, including farm diversification schemes. Proposals for camping and touring caravan sites (including extensions) will be supported where they can be accommodated without adverse impact on the character and appearance of the landscape and meet criteria iii to v above.

Hotels, bed and breakfasts, guest houses and conference facilities

Proposals for new hotels, bed and breakfasts, guesthouses or conference facilities, together with the sensitive extension, upgrading and intensification of existing tourism accommodation facilities will be supported within: i. Principal Settlements and Market Towns ii. Local Service Centres, and Large and Small Villages where the proposals are of an appropriate scale and character within the context of the immediate surroundings and the settlement as a whole iii. Outside the settlements above, proposals that involve the conservation of buildings that for contextual, architectural or historic reasons should be retained and otherwise would not be. In all cases it must be demonstrated that proposals will: iv. not have a detrimental impact on the vitality of the town centre v. avoid unacceptable traffic generation. Proposals for the change of use of existing bed spaces provided in hotels or public houses or conference facilities to alternative uses will be resisted, unless it can be clearly demonstrated there is no longer a need for such a facility in either its current use or in any other form of tourism, leisure, arts, entertainment or cultural use.

Chippenham Central Areas of Opportunity

The redevelopment of the following sites will be supported: i. Bath Road Car Park/Bridge Centre Site - to form a retail extension to the town centre to provide a supermarket and comparison units. ii. Langley Park - to deliver a mixed use site solution for a key redevelopment opportunity area to support the retention of significant business uses on part of the site. In addition, the River Avon Corridor will be enhanced for leisure and recreation uses in an environmentally sensitive manner and developed as an attractive cycle/pedestrian route connecting the town centre with the wider green infrastructure network, while conserving and enhancing its role as a wildlife corridor. Development will be delivered on opportunity sites elsewhere in the central area in accordance with the key principles listed in paragraph 5.54. All proposals should meet high quality design and sustainability standards including exemplary public realm and strong pedestrian and sustainable transport links.

Sustainable transport

The council will use its planning and transport powers to help reduce the need to travel particularly by private car, and support and encourage the sustainable, safe and efficient movement of people and goods within and through Wiltshire. This will be achieved by: i. planning developments in accessible locations ii. promoting sustainable transport alternatives to the use of the private car iii. maintaining and selectively improving the local transport network in accordance with its functional importance and in partnership with other transport planning bodies, service providers and the business community iv. promoting appropriate demand management measures v. influencing the routing of freight within and through the county vi. assessing and, where necessary, mitigating the impact of developments on transport users, local communities and the environment.

Transport and new development

New development should be located and designed to reduce the need to travel particularly by private car, and to encourage the use of sustainable transport alternatives. As part of a required transport assessment, the following must be demonstrated: i. That consideration has been given to the needs of all transport users, where relevant, according to the following hierarchy: a. Visually impaired and other disabled people b. Pedestrians c. Cyclists d. Public transport e. Goods vehicles f. Powered two-wheelers g. Private cars. ii. That the proposal is capable of being served by safe access to the highway network. iii. That fit for purpose and safe loading/unloading facilities can be provided where these are required as part of the normal functioning of the development. Where appropriate, contributions will be sought towards sustainable transport improvements, and travel plans will be required to encourage the use of sustainable transport alternatives and more sustainable freight movements.

Development impacts on the transport network

Developments should provide appropriate mitigating measures to offset any adverse impacts on the transport network at both the construction and operational stages. Proposals for new development should not be accessed directly from the national primary route network outside built-up areas, unless an over-riding need can be demonstrated.

Transport strategies

Packages of integrated transport measures will be identified in Chippenham, Trowbridge and Salisbury to help facilitate sustainable development growth. The packages will seek to achieve a major shift to sustainable transport by helping to reduce reliance on the private car and by improving sustainable transport alternatives. Each of the packages will consider the implementation of the following: i. New and improved networks of routes for pedestrians and cyclists ii. Enhanced public transport services and facilities iii. Traffic management measures iv. Demand management measures v. Selective road improvements vi. Interchange enhancements that are safe and accessible by all vii. Smarter choices measures. These will be supported and implemented through developer contributions, LTP funding and joint working with partners and others. Transport strategies may also be developed for other urban and rural areas in the plan area. The emerging strategies will have full regard for potential impacts upon the Natura 2000 network when assessing potential transport options. Transport options that are likely to have an unavoidable adverse effect on a Natura 2000 site will not be taken forward.

Demand management

Demand management measures will be promoted where appropriate to reduce reliance on the car and to encourage the use of sustainable transport alternatives. These measures include: i. car parking management – efficiently and effectively managing the car parking stock through the implementation of appropriate supply, maintenance, charging and enforcement measures. These measures include: a. public car parking charges – parking charges will be set taking account of a number of factors including the service role and strength of the local economy, the utilisation of existing parking spaces, the availability of sustainable transport modes and parking charges in neighbouring areas b. private non-residential parking standards – the provision of parking associated with new private non-residential development will be limited to maximum parking standards (except for disabled parking spaces). These maximum standards will be reduced to reflect local circumstances and the relative accessibility by sustainable transport modes in accordance with an accessibility framework c. managing publicly available private non-residential parking – there will be a presumption that any planning application which includes provision for publicly available private non-residential parking will be required to provide an accompanying car park management plan and, subject to a case-by-case analysis, to implement parking restrictions and charges consistent with those of council run car parks in the local area d. residential parking standards – the provision of car parking associated with well designed new residential development will be based on minimum parking standards. In determining the appropriate mix of parking types, the presumption will be that unallocated communal parking will be included in the majority of new residential development. Reduced residential parking requirements will be considered where there are significant urban design or heritage issues, where parking demand is likely to be low or where any parking overspill can be controlled. ii. traffic management measures – traffic management measures will be developed to promote sustainable transport alternatives, reduce reliance on the car, lower the risk of accidents and improve the environment iii. charging measures – opportunities for charging measures, such as road user charging and the workplace levy, will be kept under review iv. smarter choices measures – appropriate smarter choices measures (e.g. travel plans, personalised travel planning, car sharing and information and marketing campaigns) will be developed to influence people's travel behaviour towards more sustainable travel options.

Movement of goods

The council and its partners will seek to achieve a sustainable freight distribution system which makes the most efficient use of road, rail and water networks. In particular: i. developments which generate large volumes of freight traffic or involve the movement of bulk materials should make use of rail or water transport for freight movements wherever practical ii. the provision of intermodal and other rail freight terminals in suitable areas will be supported and land required for realistically deliverable proposals will be protected from inappropriate development iii. overnight lorry parking should be provided in the vicinity of the advisory freight network, either where demand can be demonstrated or to alleviate nuisance caused in local communities iv. where carriage of freight by rail and water is not realistic, encouragement will be given for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) traffic to use those roads where a minimum of community and environmental impacts will occur, principally the advisory freight network. Where problems caused by HGVs making unnecessary and undesirable use of routes are identified (other than on advisory freight routes), freight management processes will be employed.

Strategic transport network

Work will be undertaken in conjunction with the Highways Agency, Network Rail, transport operators, neighbouring authorities and other agencies, that will seek to develop and improve the strategic transport network to support the objectives and policies in the Core Strategy and Local Transport Plan. The strategic transport network is shown on the key diagrams (Figures 4.1 and 4.1a) and includes: 1) The national primary route network (including the strategic road network) 2) The strategic advisory freight route network 3) The rail network 4) The strategic bus network. In particular, the strategic transport network along the A350 corridor will be maintained, managed and selectively improved to support development growth at Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury and Warminster. The following improvements to enhance the strategic network will be progressed: i. The A350 national primary route at Yarnbrook/West Ashton will be improved. The improvement works necessary will be identified through further study work, including detailed bat survey information on Annex II species. The design and layout of any such improvements will incorporate sufficient mitigation measures to ensure that important commuting routes for Annex II species are protected. ii. The development and/or improvement of the following railway stations will be promoted and encouraged: a. Corsham railway station b. Melksham railway station c. Royal Wootton Bassett railway station d. Westbury railway station. The land required for these and other realistic proposals on the strategic transport network which support the objectives and policies in the Core Strategy will be protected from inappropriate development. Other potential rail improvements will be considered in association with relevant partners. Any proposals which are likely to have an unavoidable adverse effect on a Natura 2000 site will not be taken forward.