SALISBURY could see a significant boost to its housing stock if plans to build hundreds of homes north of the city are approved.
Housebuilder Bloor Homes has submitted plans to build 294 houses on fields north east of Old Sarum at The Portway.
The application site was included in the emerging Wiltshire Local Plan for a proposed allocation of around 350 homes.
40% of the homes would be affordable, which would consist of one, two, three and four-bed, homes. The open market houses would be made up of two, three and four-bed houses.
The plans detail the ambition to create a new “high-quality” gateway for Old Sarum along Portway, which the developer says would create a slower approach to town and Salisbury.
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Bloor Homes launched a consultation website in January ahead of submitting the plans to gauge residents’ views.
They say that 45% of those that responded objected to the plans, with just 19.4% showing support and 35.2% neither objecting nor supporting.
Main concerns raised include the potential rise of traffic along Portway and Castle Street and its potential impact on air quality, the safety of the singular access point on Portway due to poor visibility and speeding cars, as well as the potential to exacerbate on-street parking issues at Old Sarum.
In response to the concerns surrounding the singular access point, Bloor Homes says the access has been tested to show it has sufficient capacity to accommodate the additional traffic from the proposed development.
They said: “During any peak hour, the maximum vehicular movements equate to one vehicle passing the site access approximately every 10 seconds.
An artist’s impression of the site Picture: Bloom Homes
“As a result, there are gaps in the flow from Portway, allowing vehicles to safely enter and exit the site without any undue delay.”
Concerns were also raised about any potential pressures on the Old Sarum Primary School and the GP surgery.
Bloor said: “The potential pressures on existing services and facilities are understood. This must also be set in the context of a significant undersupply in the delivery of housing and also affordable housing.
“Through the pre-application process, Wiltshire Council has confirmed that there is capacity at local primary and secondary schools, and that financial contributions will be sought in respect of early years provision.”
A number of buried archaeology assets have been identified in the vicinity of the site, such as a World War Two Pillbox to the south east and the remnants of a Mustang IV KH694 which crashed in 1945 – something Bloom says they will celebrate and inform residents about.
They also say they will ensure to enhance the relationship between the site and Ende Burgh Long Barrow scheduled monument, which lies to the south of the Portway.
To view and comment on the plans, visit development.wiltshire.gov.uk and search reference PL/2025/02686.
No more houses unless facilities are up graded ! We are now having to have a police station built on a housing estate where we will have the overnight cells etc and people having to report in daily why on a housing estate sirens going off at all times it’s ridiculous and there isn’t a gp surgery up here there isn’t an awful lot to be fair so these things need to be sorted fist
Dreadful plan….the area considered is completely inappropriate…….keep the green fields and historical links to Old Sarum untainted by ugly housing estates…..You’ve got to be an idiot to think this is acceptable……
As someone who lives in old sarum i can speak for the whole community when i say this there is not enough room ,you may think so there are already building plans going on by the skatepark thatwe now have limited access to walk our dogs and just enjoy a walk ,this is disgusting and repulsive that this keeps happening there are still buildings going on over at longhenge
no more houses , with only one school st old sarum and no school on lobghedge gonna be packed , we don’t need ang more houses up here it’s gonna cause more traffic congestion I’m on longhedge we need a GP surgery, school not any more houses built nearby i opposed the plans totally
Even more traffic for the main north/south route in and out of Salisbury which is already woefully inadequate as is… Access point on the portway is a fatality waiting to happen as anyone that actually lives here can quite easily tell you, I do not for one second believe they’ve ‘tested it for safety’. Salisbury cannot support this insane drive to put up as much shoddily mass produced low quality housing as possible without also improving local infrastructure/roads services and shops.
Scumbag developer, pre-empting inclusion in Local Plan.
This land is SENSITIVITY HIGH, highlighted by Laverstock and Ford Neighbourhood Plan, adjacent to important national footpath/cycleway – Monarchs Way – with views to Old Sarum monument.
I have no time for WC Spatial Planners, who care not for Heritage or Neighbourhood Plans, unless they can manipulate term to say – see they suuport/don’t object. Well I objected! (And hot ignored)
LOCAL PLAN DRAFT
Policy 23: Land North East of Old Sarum, Salisbury New policy allocating land for the development of approximately 350 dwellings. The policy informs the type of development, infrastructure requirements and potential mitigation measures.
Brownfield first and then new Town development. No infrastructure, transport chaos, no plan and no idea.
I formally object to the proposed construction of new houses near Old Sarum, Salisbury, based on several significant concerns related to the lack of supporting infrastructure, increased traffic congestion, health concerns and the disregard for important historical landmarks in the area.
Lack of Supporting Infrastructure: The proposed development appears to be insufficiently supported by the necessary infrastructure to accommodate the influx of new residents. Local roads, schools, healthcare facilities, and public services are already under pressure. Expanding the housing stock without adequate investment in these essential services will exacerbate existing challenges and impact the quality of life for both current and future residents.
Increased Traffic Congestion: One of the most pressing concerns is the anticipated increase in traffic congestion. The local road network, particularly around Old Sarum, is not designed to accommodate a significant rise in traffic. The addition of hundreds of new homes will undoubtedly cause more strain on already congested roads, leading to longer travel times, higher levels of pollution, and increased safety risks for pedestrians and cyclists.
Disregard for Historical Landmarks: The area surrounding Old Sarum is rich in historical significance, including a World War II pillbox and a Roman road. These landmarks are not only valuable for their historical importance but also serve as vital links to our shared heritage. The proposed development seems to overlook the impact such construction would have on these sensitive sites. It is essential that we protect and preserve our historical assets, and the construction of new housing in close proximity to these landmarks would not only threaten their preservation but also undermine their educational and cultural value.
Health Concerns from Construction Dust: A significant health concern during the construction phase is the dust that will be generated. Dust from construction sites poses serious health risks, especially for vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions. The ongoing exposure to this dust could lead to respiratory problems, allergies, and other health complications, which would disproportionately affect those who are most susceptible. Local residents should not have to endure such risks without proper mitigation measures in place.
In conclusion, I strongly object to the proposed housing development near Old Sarum, Salisbury, as it fails to address critical concerns related to infrastructure, traffic, health and the preservation of historical landmarks. I urge the planning authorities to reconsider this development and prioritize sustainable growth that respects both the environment and the community’s needs.