Agenda item

Cllr Wheeler presented the Trowbridge Area schemes (ref 8, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26 and 27), and outlined the recommendations of the Working Group and drew attention to the reasons for the proposal the defer consideration of all of the proposals in that area.

Cllr Ernie Clark clarified that he had not been involved in the discussion of the Trowbridge items.

The Chairman made reference to the large number of members of the public registered to speak on this item, but asked them to reconsider whether they wished to speak on the item given that the Working Group’s proposal was to defer the matter.

Mr Francis Morland chose to speak and raised an issue regarding the changes to the statutory framework and process which, in his opinion, resulted in disproportionate power resting in the hands of the representatives of more urban communities. The Chairman stated that points raised did not relate directly to the proposal to defer consideration.

Cllr Stephen Siddall, of Holt Parish Council spoke against the proposals to change the boundary with Trowbridge Town Council.

Cllr John Knight proposed, subsequently seconded by Cllr Jeff Osborn, that the schemes referenced 24, 25, 28 and 29 should also be considered fully by the Working Group as part of the deferral of the schemes in the Trowbridge area.

Cllr Stuart Wheeler stated that he would accept those amendments as a friendly amendment to the substantive motion, and made clear that it would be for the Working Group to consider whether to endorse any proposals made for recommendation to Council for final decision.

Cllr Trevor Carbin proposed, subsequently seconded by Cllr Magnus MacDonald, that scheme ref 24 should not be included in the proposal to defer, and that it not be subject to further consultation.

Cllr Stuart Wheeler argued that the proposals for the Trowbridge Area should be considered together and did not support the amendment.

Having been put to vote, the motion was lost.

The meeting then proceeded to consider the proposal, as amended, to defer all schemes in the Trowbridge Area.

Cllr Jon Hubbard spoke in support of the motion, and the need to consider the schemes as a whole.

There being no further debate, the meeting;

Resolved

That decisions on the proposals numbered 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 26 for changes to the areas of Trowbridge and surrounding parishes be deferred for further consideration and consultation by the Working Group and that there also be consultation on proposal 24 (Lady Down Farm), proposal 25 (Hilperton Gap South), proposal 27 (West Ashton Road Employment Land) proposal 28 (Ashton Park Urban Extension) and proposal 29 (White Horse Business Park).