Wootton Bassett homes likely to go to appeal (From Swindon Advertiser)

Wootton Bassett homes likely to go to appeal

8:48am Friday 9th May 2008

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PLANS to build holiday homes at Eddy Shah's Wiltshire Golf and Country Club go before a council next week - and could be thrown out.

Former newspaper owner Eddy Shah, who owns the club at Wootton Bassett, submitted plans for 12 two-bedroom flats, 19 four-bedroom lodges and eight five-bedroom lodges at the Vastern site to North Wiltshire District Council's planners.

If this is turned down it will give the imprssion the area doesn't want investment

Eddy Shah

But it was turned down and Mr Shah's new scheme, which is for 30 homes instead of 39, will go before the committee on Wednesday.

"I made the amendments as suggested and I hope the plans will now be passed," said Mr Shah.

But the council officers are still recommending refusal, which means Mr Shah is almost certain to appeal.

In 2006 council planners rejected a bid for 123 holiday units but eventually allowed 44.

They felt the original plan was too big for the rural area.

Those 44 homes are almost finished and half of them have already been sold.

There are only three public objections to the scheme but leading the council objection is Liberal Democrat councillor Ross Henning.

"More development would have a massive impact on the landscape," he said.

"I don't know how this was allowed to be built in the first place.

"If we grant this they are going to come back and ask for more and more again."

But Mr Shah does have supporters locally who, he says, appreciate that he has brought much needed jobs to the town.

"We have more than 100 employees at the club which makes us the second largest employer in Wootton Bassett after the school," he said.

"We have invested more than £8m in the area and, if this is turned down, it will give the impression that the area doesn't want investment."

Mr Shah said this would be the last development of lodges.

Coun Sherry Meadows said: "I don't see we can refuse it on the possibility Mr Shah might apply for some more some day. This is an extension to an existing facility.

"We have to get into the 21st Century.

"We have to see that this is going to put more employment into the area.

"Wootton Bassett is an up and coming town and I fully support this."

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