SIMON Killane’s decision to call in the Filands application will be welcomed by many people in Malmesbury.


Malmesbury has Wiltshire’s first neighbourhood plan which gives it the power to shape how the town develops.

So it is a real shame that developer Bloor Homes did not give residents in a town that cares so much about future development, an opportunity to see plans for new homes before submitting them.


Bloor Homes are well aware that the Filands development is not wanted in the town.

The original plans were refused repeatedly by the town’s council and met with fierce criticism from residents. It is therefore, not only courteous, but vitally important to consult with residents before submitting new or more detailed plans.


Ordinarily when an application of this magnitude is submitted, residents and the town council would be given a chance to examine the plans.

The developer is generally expected to give a presentation where they would talk through the details of the plans.

The residents would give their feedback for the developer so their plans could be altered before going to Wiltshire Council for approval.


People opposing the plans must make their feelings known to Wiltshire Council and the committee meeting where a decision on the plans will be made provides a perfect opportunity for those opposing them to speak out against them.