Holt Parish Council will post updates on the Bewley Homes planning application in reverse date order.
PL/2025/04414 from May 2025.
PL/2024/04625 from April 2024 – Feb 2025
14th July 2025
We’re delighted to confirm that Bewley Homes has formally withdrawn their appeal on Scheme 1 – PL/2024/04625.
This is a fantastic result for Holt and a testament to months of hard work, community support for HPC, and a shared determination to secure a better outcome for our village.
Appeal - Notification of Cancellation
11th July 2025
Bewley Homes have presented a report on the approved planning application (Scheme 2) on their website too. HPC are particularly pleased to read Andrew Brooks statement – We’re proud of the scheme that has come forward and look forward to delivering these new homes as part of the village’s future.
10th July 2025
Wiltshire Times has written an article on the approved Scheme 2 –
https://www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk/news/25301718.eighty-eight-home-development-holt-given-go-ahead/
8th July 2025
Holt Parish Council is pleased to report that, following a combined effort of the PC Planning Team, Bewley Homes and their agents, and Wiltshire Council officers, the revised Scheme 2 has been approved to be built, possibly starting this autumn Decision Notice (1). This replaces the earlier proposal for 90 homes which was refused.
There will be 88 dwellings built in a style more suited to our village environment with a sympathetic, varied palette of materials. Gone are the three storey blocks and the ugly main road frontage. The central green space has been restored overlooked by a row of “alms houses”. There will be 21 affordable rent houses, 5 shared ownership and 9 “First Homes”. The rest will be open market of varying sizes up to 5 beds.
We have been assured by Bewley that they are making arrangements to withdraw their appeal against the refusal of their first scheme and the hearing will not go ahead on the 22nd July.
Whilst we fought hard to prevent this unplanned development, we believe that we now have the best possible outcome for this community.
30th June 2025
🚧 Advance Notice: Early Site Works at Melksham Road Field 🚧
Residents living near the Bewley Homes development have recently received letters confirming that enabling works for a temporary site access are due to begin shortly. These works are permitted under existing planning approval for the access.
🗓 Start date confirmed as Monday 7th July
🕘 Working hours: Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm ⏳ Duration: Around 3 weeks
These early works include:
1. Creating the permitted highways access
2.Installing fencing and boundaries
3. Ground preparation and machinery delivery
Reserved Matters for the full housing scheme have not yet been approved — the planning officer is still reviewing the revised application (PL/2024/04414), which is strongly supported by Holt Parish Council.
Although Bewley’s letter was only sent to nearby properties, we want to make sure the whole village is aware. Holt Parish Council will continue to keep residents informed and to monitor activity on site. Any concerns around safety, noise or access can be passed to HPC via clerk@holtparishcounci.gov.uk
26th June 2025
The appeal on the original Bewley scheme (PL/2024/04625) is now confirmed for Tuesday 22nd July at 10am in Trowbridge. Holt Parish Council will be attending to defend the refusal and speak up for the quality Holt deserves and we’d welcome residents’ support on the day.
At the same time, the planning officer is now preparing a report on Scheme 2 (PL/2024/04414) which is a much-improved design that HPC strongly supports. The legal consultation period has closed, and we understand Bewley has said it will withdraw the appeal if Scheme 2 is approved.
So while the appeal is going ahead for now, there is still a chance for a positive resolution.
HPC will keep working for the best outcome for Holt.
11th June 2025
Holt Parish Council have submitted their representation to the Planning Inspectorate ahead of the 12th June deadline.
5th June 2025
A reminder that there is one week left to make a comment to the Appeal Inspector on Scheme 1 which was refused planning permission by Wiltshire Council in February 2025. Holt Parish Council are busy working on their representation this week.
It was refused by the Western Area Planning Committee because –
“The proposal, by reason of its layout, scale, appearance and landscaping, would result in a poorly integrated, car-dominated development that fails to respect the character and appearance of Holt as a rural village, contrary to Core Policy 57 of the Wiltshire Core Strategy and the design guidance in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).”
- Go to this official appeal case page – https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk
- Search for the appeal case by entering this reference – 3361543
- Click on button at top that says ‘Make a representation’
- Click on ‘Save and Continue’
- Fill in the form and choose ‘interested party/person’.
- Click Submit – and you’re done
3rd June 2025
Bewley have provided Holt Parish Council with 2 computer generated images of street scenes.
One shows the improved Melksham Road frontage with parking to the rear of dwellings, mixed materials and character to match Holt housing with low stone walls with cock and hen tops and a green buffer with a footpath.
The other shows the central green space with seating and the alms house style 1 bed maisonettes each with their own front door. A vast improvement on 3 storey high blocks of flats and grass verges bisected by roads into the site.
23rd May 2025
At its meeting on 22 May 2025, Holt Parish Council voted unanimously to strongly support the revised Reserved Matters application (Scheme 2) from Bewley Homes.
In the light of this support, we urge Bewley Homes to withdraw their appeal against the refusal of Scheme 1 to allow this improved scheme to be approved in the shortest possible time.
We have submitted our supportive comment on the Wiltshire Council planning portal today.
Scheme 2 HPC supportive comment
22nd May 2025
At our Annual Parish Council meeting we shared information about the revised Reserved Matters application (Scheme 2). We shared the advice received from Vaughan Thompson MA Urban Design, BA Hons Town & Country Planning, MRTPI who had seen draft proposals and we shared images of the improved Scheme 2 with the variety of building materials proposed.
HPC Bewley 2025 ppt to share
20th May 2025
Bewley Homes have submitted a new set of reserved matters plans which can be found here – https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000ECtS6IAL/pl202504414
Holt Parish Council will be discussing the application and their proposed comment, this week, at their meeting on Thurs 22nd May.
May 2025
Details of the appeal launched by Bewley Homes can be found by clicking this link – Appeal - Notification of Hearing Appeal. Bewley Homes are appealing the decision of the Western Area Planning Committee to refuse their reserved matters scheme. People can submit comments to the Inspector by 12th June and there will be a public hearing. Details TBC.
April 2025
At our April HPC meeting we updated residents.
Bewley Homes have been working constructively with Wiltshire Council officers and ourselves to produce a higher quality scheme. Although we haven’t details to share yet, what we’ve seen so far includes improvements for Melksham Road and no 3-storey blocks of flats. Bewley Homes are aiming to submit plans soon with a 21 day statutory consultation period on the Wiltshire Council planning portal. If approved, they are aiming to start building by the end of the year.
But, Bewley Homes have also submitted an appeal on their initial scheme too.
10th February 2025
Holt Parish Council have now had a response from WC Highways regarding the recent site activity on 6th/7th Feb.
“I have spoken to my contact at Bewley Homes who has confirmed that they have been carrying out ground condition surveys at the site. Also Wessex Water have been present in the area, which could explain some of the cars parked on Great Parks.”
8th February 2025
The decision notice to REFUSE the plans is on the Wiltshire Council planning website. You can read it in full by clicking Decision Notice.
7th February 2025
Notice is hereby given that the Wiltshire Council has made an Order to close temporarily to
all users:
Footpath 56, Holt; from its junction with Melksham Road to its junction with the Little Parks
housing estate.
To enable: Surveys, security and construction.
No alternative route is available.
This Order which was due to expire on 28 February 2025 will now continue in force until 28
August 2026 or until completion of the works, whichever is earliest.
7th February 2025
Residents have alerted HPC to vehicles accessing the site on 6th February and today, using the gate off the B3107. We are aware of the activity on site too and have contacted the Planning Officer and Highways Officer.
6th February 2025
Here is the link for the Western Area Planning Committee Meeting on You Tube.
5th February 2025
Thank you to our residents who spoke today and Chair of HPC.
The Western Area Planning Committee REFUSED Bewley Homes reserved matters scheme on the grounds of quality. We will wait to see what Bewley Homes do in response. The site still has outline planning permission for up to 90 homes.
29th January 2025
The report from the Planning Officer for the Western Area Planning Committee, granting permission for the Bewley Homes reserved matters proposal, can be found by clicking Committee Report for 5th Feb 2025 Western Area Committee. It is also on the WC planning portal for PL/2024/04625.
The Western Area Planning Committee is on Wed 5th Feb at 3pm. Information can be found here
for those who wish to attend.
16th January 2025
Bewley Homes have contacted Holt Parish Council to inform us of works taking place in Great Parks starting on Monday 20th January 2025.
“SSE are undertaking works from Monday next week to get a temporary supply to our boundary. This involves a closure on Great Parks, but the other access will still be open.”
8th January 2025
Holt Parish Council submitted objection comments for the reserved matters application of PL/2024/04625. HPC also submitted an appendix of the West Wilts Equestrian Centre Program of Events. These documents can be downloaded by clicking on the links below.
HPC 4th objection comment HPC 4th objection comment appendix west wilts competition program
7th January 2025
We emailed the Planning Officer confirming our 4th set of objection comments would be with her on 8th January 2025.
17th December 2024
Bewley Homes have submitted revised plans/documents as part of their Reserved Matters application (Round 4). Deadline for comments is 7th January.
There is an easy way to see the most recent documents…
12th December 2024
We note the grass cutting that took place on 11th December throughout the whole site. We have alerted the Planning Officer and Highways Officer to it.
Response from the Planning Officer – “The cutting of grass would not constitute a commencement of development. Until the planning permission has been implemented, the land use of the field remains agricultural and therefore if any activity related to maintenance of the land is carried out this would not constitute a breach of planning.”
4th December 2024
The decision date for the Planning Officer is 21st January 2025.
25th November 2024
Holt Parish Council submitted objection comments for the reserved matters application of PL/2024/04625. HPC also submitted an appendix of all their suggested resolutions from the 3 sets of plans proposed by Bewley Homes and subsequent re-consultations. These documents can be downloaded by clicking on the links below.
HPC objection Nov 2024 final Appendix of suggested resolutions (1)
21st November 2024
HPC meeting – the planning sub-team shared draft version of objection comment on the Reserved Matters application along with appendix of suggested resolutions. Council approved.
12th November 2024
Tomorrow is the consultation deadline for Round 3 re-consultation of the Reserved Matters planning application by Bewley Homes. HPC have an extension until Monday 25th November due to their next meeting not falling within the consultation time period. Comment online – https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ3000006JwZVIA0/pl202404625
7th November 2024
Holt Parish Council planning sub-team met the Planning Officer and Highways Officer at County Hall. Our local Councillor Trevor Carbin also attended. We will share a report at our next Parish Council meeting.
30th October 2024
Holt Parish Council planning sub-team met with Bewley Homes representative to discuss construction access for the site. We will share a report at our next Parish Council meeting.
24th October 2024
Holt Parish Council have a deadline extension for their comments on PL/2024/04625 until Monday 25th November. This is because our next Parish Council meeting is not until Thursday 21st November.
23rd October 2024
Bewley Homes have submitted revised plans/documents as part of their Reserved Matters application. Deadline for comments is 13th November. We will share our comments at our next Parish Council meeting.
18th October 2024
Wiltshire Council Planning Officer gives consent to Bewley Homes sign in revised location.
Officer Delegated Report (1)
We also alerted Bewley Homes to the orange paint which has appeared on their sign this week.
17th October 2024
HPC meeting – we shared news on our meeting and site visit with Brian Mathew MP.
3rd October 2024
Members of Holt Parish Council met Brian Mathew MP in Holt. We discussed the Bewley Homes planning application, their request for construction access off the B3107, our objections and issues with access and sustainable journeys for pedestrians and cyclists. We walked along the Melksham Road and crossed it using the dropped kerbs to get to the site.
Brian Mathew MP wrote a letter to Wiltshire Council.
27th September 2024
Holt Parish Council submitted objection comments for the re-consultation of PL/2024/04625. HPC also submitted a document highlighting the poor quality of submission by Bewley Homes as well as a revised Holt Village Character Statement. These documents can be downloaded by clicking on the links below.
HPC Bewley Objection 270924 Poor Quality of submission Holt Village Character Statement
26th September 2024
HPC meeting – we shared our objections to the re-consultation of Bewley Homes Reserved Matters planning application at the Parish Council Meeting.
18th September 2024
Revised plans for a new location for the Bewley Homes signage. Click here to see the documents –
16th September 2024
Representatives from Turley and Bewley Homes came to Holt to share Round 2 plans with members of HPC.
12th September 2024
Residents have alerted HPC to construction lorries and vans within the site removing soil from a corner of the field. Vehicles accessed the site using the gate off the B3107. We will discuss this at our meeting with Bewley Homes on 16th September.
6th September 2024
Re-consultation of Bewley Homes Reserved Matters is now live on Wiltshire Council planning portal. Click here to see all the revised plans/documents – https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ3000006JwZVIA0/pl202404625
HPC also submitted a short comment on the planning application for the Bewley Homes sign.
“This sign has already been erected without consent and on the presumption of full planning consent which has yet to be granted. We also consider the sign to be in a dangerous location close to the village gateway, the start of the 30mph limit and the partially concealed junction with Little Parks where it will distract drivers approaching from the East.”
September 2024
Bewley Homes submitted a retrospective application for consent for their sign. Click here to see the documents – https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ3000008E6KHIA0/pl202407355?fbclid=IwY2xjawE8DltleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHQMhTM02URCifMlDvBC_ZgYfjHIaufMUD7zx-Bqg13VzfI3Gt_q9UfiEMw_aem_iVIVPoZAzcQygpG7zddkCQ&tabset-8903c=3
14th August 2024
Members of HPC had a site visit of Melksham Road with Cllr Trevor Carbin and Kirsty Rose (Highways).
25th July 2024
Holt Parish Council submitted objection comments for the initial Reserved Matters planning application by Bewley Homes – PL/2024/04625. HPC also submitted a Holt Character Statement. These documents can be downloaded by clicking on the links below.
25072024 Bewley Homes Holt Parish Council objection comment250724 DRAFT Holt Village Character Statement
18th July 2024
HPC held a public meeting prior to Parish Council meeting to discuss the 2 planning applications on the Melksham Road.
June 2024
Bewley Homes planning application PL/2024/04625 is now on the Wiltshire Council planning portal. Click here to see all the documents and to leave a comment.
https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ3000006JwZVIA0/pl202404625
May 2024
A sign has been erected on the Bewley Homes site. HPC are checking it has planning permission.
2nd April 2024
Bewley Homes sent out pre-consultation images to residents. Deadline for comments 22nd April 2024.