A petition has been launched in Warminster in opposition to plans for 49 homes on land bordering a local nature reserve.
Local group Sustainable Warminster says the proposal for the site off Damask Way, on the south-eastern edge of the town, would put an important green space at risk.
The petition, which has so far attracted more than 600 signatures, has been launched in response to a planning application submitted by Backhouse Housing for 49 dwellings on land adjacent to Smallbrook Meadows Nature Reserve.
Important wildlife corridor
Sustainable Warminster says the land is an important wildlife corridor linking Smallbrook Meadows Nature Reserve with surrounding countryside, supports a range of species and plays a key role in local biodiversity.
“Bordering Smallbrook Nature Reserve, it acts as an important wildlife corridor, linking the reserve with the surrounding countryside and providing habitat for a wide range of species,” said Amy Darbyshire from the group.
The group previously ran a similar petition which attracted more than 3,500 signatures when a plan for 28 homes on the same site was submitted. That application was later withdrawn in 2023.
“Once again, this land is under threat from development,” said Amy. “While developers may see a housing opportunity, many local residents see a vital green space that supports local wildlife and protects the wider environment.”
Runoff into chalk streams
She warned development could increase runoff into nearby chalk streams, including the Rivers Were and Wylye, and said the site sits close to areas used by Warminster Toad Patrol volunteers.
Wiltshire councillor Barry Pirie, for Warminster Broadway, has urged residents to support the petition and raise objections to the application.
He said, “As the local Wiltshire Councillor, I am supporting Sustainable Warminster in urging local residents to object to the speculative planning application PL/2026/03045 on the grounds of its unacceptable impact on ecology, sustainability, and the environment.
“This proposal raises serious concerns regarding the protection of local habitats and biodiversity. The site lies within an area that supports valuable ecological networks, and insufficient evidence has been provided to demonstrate that protected species and sensitive habitats will not be adversely affected. At a time when biodiversity loss is accelerating, it is crucial that development proposals not only avoid harm but actively contribute to nature recovery.
“Furthermore, the application fails to meet the standards expected for sustainable development. The cumulative environmental impact of this development has also not been adequately assessed.
“In its current form, this application does not align with national planning policy, which requires developments to enhance the natural environment, protect biodiversity, and contribute to sustainable communities. Nor does it reflect the expectations of local residents, who value the environmental quality of their area.”
The petition is available to sign at https://www.change.org/p/save-damask-meadow-preserve-warminster-s-biodiversity-for-future-generations?
The planning application can be viewed on Wiltshire Council’s planning portal under reference PL/2026/03045, with consultation open until 10th July.
