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Warminster Christmas Market & Christmas Lights Switch-On 2019
Saturday 16th November 2019:
Warminster Christmas Market
and
Christmas Lights Switch-On
Saturday 30th November 2019
Warminster Town Council To Improve Provision For The Hard Of Hearing At Warminster Civic Centre
Saturday 16th November 2019:
Warminster Town Council To Improve Provision For Ther Hard Of Hearing At Warminster Civic Centre
Members of Warminster Town Council’s Finance and Assets Committee have agreed to a range of measures to improve facilities for the hard of hearing and other users of the Civic
Centre at Sambourne Road, Warminster.
There are four elements that are being tackled to make the council more user-friendly for the hard of hearing:
• A counter loop system for the reception counter at the Civic Centre – this is to enable any hard of hearing people to be able to communicate better with staff on reception.
• A portable microphone and speaker system for use in any of the rooms. This can be used for any council or public meeting. It will also be used by users of the Civic Centre.
This will be a huge boost for those hiring rooms for meetings, because it will allow all people to hear much more clearly.
• A static hard of hearing loop – for use by users of the Arn and Copheap rooms.
• Table microphones – for small ‘working group’ type meetings where no loudspeaker is required.
A demonstration of the equipment was organised by the company Gordon Morris Ltd. for councillors and members of staff, who were highly impressed by the systems.
The advantages of introducing the proposed systems are:
• It meets statutory requirements.
• It is flexible and can be added to in the future if needs be.
• Multiple user groups will benefit.
• It is easy to use and maintain.
• It is a co-ordinated system with great flexibility.
Assistant Town Clerk Tom Dommett said: “The current provision is dated and inadequate. This decision by councillors will be widely welcomed. Estimates suggest that one in six of the UK population have a hearing loss and by 2035, about 15.6 million people in the UK will have hearing loss – that's one in five of the population. In addition, a much-improved microphone and speaker system will make the Civic Centre more attractive to people looking for a room
to hire for a large number of people.”
Warminster Town Council To Improve Provision For Ther Hard Of Hearing At Warminster Civic Centre
Centre at Sambourne Road, Warminster.
There are four elements that are being tackled to make the council more user-friendly for the hard of hearing:
• A counter loop system for the reception counter at the Civic Centre – this is to enable any hard of hearing people to be able to communicate better with staff on reception.
• A portable microphone and speaker system for use in any of the rooms. This can be used for any council or public meeting. It will also be used by users of the Civic Centre.
This will be a huge boost for those hiring rooms for meetings, because it will allow all people to hear much more clearly.
• A static hard of hearing loop – for use by users of the Arn and Copheap rooms.
• Table microphones – for small ‘working group’ type meetings where no loudspeaker is required.
A demonstration of the equipment was organised by the company Gordon Morris Ltd. for councillors and members of staff, who were highly impressed by the systems.
The advantages of introducing the proposed systems are:
• It meets statutory requirements.
• It is flexible and can be added to in the future if needs be.
• Multiple user groups will benefit.
• It is easy to use and maintain.
• It is a co-ordinated system with great flexibility.
Assistant Town Clerk Tom Dommett said: “The current provision is dated and inadequate. This decision by councillors will be widely welcomed. Estimates suggest that one in six of the UK population have a hearing loss and by 2035, about 15.6 million people in the UK will have hearing loss – that's one in five of the population. In addition, a much-improved microphone and speaker system will make the Civic Centre more attractive to people looking for a room
to hire for a large number of people.”
Liam VT Guitar Tuition
Friday 15th November 2019:
Liam VT Guitar Tuition - check it out all you would-be axe musos in and around Warminster - all ages, all abilities. facebook.com/LiamVTguitar/
Warminster Town Councillors Support New Housing At Folly Farm After Listening To Local Residents' Views
Friday 15th November 2019:
Warminster Town Councillors have voted to support new housing at Folly Farm. [Planning Application19/09428/FUL] The decision came after councillors held a public meeting to hear the views of residents who live at the roads affected by the plans for 46 dwellings.
Councillor Steve Jeffries, Chairman of Warminster Town Council's Planning Advisory Committee, said: “The Planning Advisory Committee doesn’t make the decision on whether a development goes ahead, but we can offer our comments and suggestions. There are no planning grounds for turning down new housing at Folly Farm, but the Committee have come up with a number of proposals that they would like to see implemented."
These proposals are:
Work on the existing/neighbouring site should be completed before work commences on the Folly Farm site.
A comprehensive Traffic Management Plan should be produced and agreed before any work starts.
The developer should adhere to the considerate constructor scheme.
The Town Council opposes the loss of over 100m of hedgerow and asks if Wiltshire Council’s ecologist and tree officers can review the EIA and Arboricultural Report to reduce the amount of hedgerow loss. A tree preservation order should be imposed on the hedgerow and the mature trees in them. Experience from the Damask Way development shows that tree protection policy needs to be proactive if it is to protect biodiversity and ensure developments are sensitive to the habitat and environment of Warminster.
Measures should be put in place to reduce phosphate pollution. The phosphate pollution in the River Avon SAC and Wylye SSSI from the sewage works is already unsatisfactory.
A Sustainable Energy Strategy should be provided – as set out under Wiltshire Council Core Policy 41, outlining the low carbon strategy for the proposal. The application rules out options rather than provide a strategy.
Additional car parking spaces should be provided. There is not enough provision on the existing site.
Cycle routes should be provided, linked to the existing development and to the town.
Residents should have representation on the estate management company.
Councillor Jeffries added: “We hope that these comments are taken on board and improve things for residents and the environment.”
Warminster Town Councillors have voted to support new housing at Folly Farm. [Planning Application19/09428/FUL] The decision came after councillors held a public meeting to hear the views of residents who live at the roads affected by the plans for 46 dwellings.
Councillor Steve Jeffries, Chairman of Warminster Town Council's Planning Advisory Committee, said: “The Planning Advisory Committee doesn’t make the decision on whether a development goes ahead, but we can offer our comments and suggestions. There are no planning grounds for turning down new housing at Folly Farm, but the Committee have come up with a number of proposals that they would like to see implemented."
These proposals are:
Work on the existing/neighbouring site should be completed before work commences on the Folly Farm site.
A comprehensive Traffic Management Plan should be produced and agreed before any work starts.
The developer should adhere to the considerate constructor scheme.
The Town Council opposes the loss of over 100m of hedgerow and asks if Wiltshire Council’s ecologist and tree officers can review the EIA and Arboricultural Report to reduce the amount of hedgerow loss. A tree preservation order should be imposed on the hedgerow and the mature trees in them. Experience from the Damask Way development shows that tree protection policy needs to be proactive if it is to protect biodiversity and ensure developments are sensitive to the habitat and environment of Warminster.
Measures should be put in place to reduce phosphate pollution. The phosphate pollution in the River Avon SAC and Wylye SSSI from the sewage works is already unsatisfactory.
A Sustainable Energy Strategy should be provided – as set out under Wiltshire Council Core Policy 41, outlining the low carbon strategy for the proposal. The application rules out options rather than provide a strategy.
Additional car parking spaces should be provided. There is not enough provision on the existing site.
Cycle routes should be provided, linked to the existing development and to the town.
Residents should have representation on the estate management company.
Councillor Jeffries added: “We hope that these comments are taken on board and improve things for residents and the environment.”
Warminster Town Council Are To Hold A Meeting To Hear The Public's Views About A Planning Application For Housing At Folly Farm
Tuesday 29th October 2019:
A meeting to discuss new housing at Folly Farm Site (Planning Application 19/09428/FUL)
Warminster Town Council are being consulted on the planning application for the use of the Folly Farm site for new housing. Access to the new housing would be from the existing Redrow development site.
Warminster Town Councillors have already met with Redrow’s agents to discuss the plans, and Town Councillors have found nothing in the planning application that would prevent this extension of the existing site from going ahead.
However, Town Councillors would like to hear views from members of the public about how they think the first Redrow site performed and whether there are any issues that should be considered for phase 2.
Town Councillors will be holding a special meeting on Monday 11th November 2019, at 6.00 p.m., at the Civic Centre in Warminster.
Town Councillors would welcome residents’ feedback at this meeting, especially those from St Andrews Road, Broxburn Road and Thornhill Road.
The special meeting will be followed by a meeting of the Town Council's Planning Advisory Committee at 7.00 p.m. (in the same venue). Town Councillors will then be able to pass on their comments about the application to Wiltshire Council.
Full details of the planning application can be found on the Wiltshire Council Website http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/ by searching for planning application number: 19/09428/FUL.
Town Councillor contact details can be found on the Warminster Town Council Website.
20th Langford Beer, Cider And Gin Festival
Sunday 1st September 2019:
The 20th Langford Beer, Cider and Gin Festival will take place on the weekend of 13th/14th September 2019! This year we will have our regular Beer, Cider, Gin and Wine Bars. Family session on the Saturday afternoon. Plenty of undercover space. Check out our website for details - https://langfordbeerfestival.wordpress.com
All profits from the Beer Festival go towards a fund to develop the Langford Sports & Community Centre, a facility enjoyed by the residents of the Langfords as well as by a variety of sports teams. In the last few months, major steps have been taken to move these plans further forward. Funded by the Langford Beer Festival the ‘Langford Vision’ was produced for consultation with local residents.
The 20th Langford Beer, Cider and Gin Festival will take place on the weekend of 13th/14th September 2019! This year we will have our regular Beer, Cider, Gin and Wine Bars. Family session on the Saturday afternoon. Plenty of undercover space. Check out our website for details - https://langfordbeerfestival.wordpress.com
All profits from the Beer Festival go towards a fund to develop the Langford Sports & Community Centre, a facility enjoyed by the residents of the Langfords as well as by a variety of sports teams. In the last few months, major steps have been taken to move these plans further forward. Funded by the Langford Beer Festival the ‘Langford Vision’ was produced for consultation with local residents.
Warminster Town Councillors Want Planning Conditions Kept At Grovelands
Thursday 22nd August 2019:
Warminster Town Councillors Want Planning Conditions Kept At Grovelands.
At a meeting of the Planning Advisory Committee of Warminster Town Council, held on 19th August 2019, Warminster Town Councillors voted to ask Wiltshire Council to oppose changes to planning conditions at a site in the Grovelands area of Warminster.
Planning permission was previously granted in June 2018 for the building of a Care Home and 45 bungalows as part of a “Continuing Care Retirement Community”.
Planning permission was granted with a number of conditions. The developer is now trying to get at least 26 of those conditions changed.
Warminster Town Councillors made the following points:
The site is outside the settlement framework boundary for Warminster and not part of the neighbourhood plan, therefore development should only be allowed in exceptional circumstances.
The provision of specialist accommodation for older people may be an exceptional circumstance.
It was only the provision of a “Continuing Care Retirement Community” that allowed planning permission to be granted.
The bungalows were granted planning permission on condition they were to be reserved solely for elderly residents over 65 in perpetuity.
The bungalows were to incorporate detailed design elements geared to the needs of the elderly.
Part of the new application is to reduce the age that residents are allowed to start living in the bungalows from 65 to 55 years.
Councillors believe that 55 is too young an age for a continuing care community.
When planning permission had been granted it had been agreed that the Care Home and Bungalows had to be built at the same time to provide a Continuing Care Retirement Community. Now the developer also wants to change the planning conditions that mean the bungalows and care home must be built at the same time. Councillors are concerned that this could result in the Care Home not being built.
Councillors supported the comments made by residents in objecting.
Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Denis Brett said: “We are only an advisory committee, but we hope that Wiltshire Council will pay attention to our views when they make a decision on this application. Town Councillors are very frustrated that the planning process seems to be stacked in favour of the developer to the detriment of local communities.”
Warminster Town Councillors Want Planning Conditions Kept At Grovelands.
At a meeting of the Planning Advisory Committee of Warminster Town Council, held on 19th August 2019, Warminster Town Councillors voted to ask Wiltshire Council to oppose changes to planning conditions at a site in the Grovelands area of Warminster.
Planning permission was previously granted in June 2018 for the building of a Care Home and 45 bungalows as part of a “Continuing Care Retirement Community”.
Planning permission was granted with a number of conditions. The developer is now trying to get at least 26 of those conditions changed.
Warminster Town Councillors made the following points:
The site is outside the settlement framework boundary for Warminster and not part of the neighbourhood plan, therefore development should only be allowed in exceptional circumstances.
The provision of specialist accommodation for older people may be an exceptional circumstance.
It was only the provision of a “Continuing Care Retirement Community” that allowed planning permission to be granted.
The bungalows were granted planning permission on condition they were to be reserved solely for elderly residents over 65 in perpetuity.
The bungalows were to incorporate detailed design elements geared to the needs of the elderly.
Part of the new application is to reduce the age that residents are allowed to start living in the bungalows from 65 to 55 years.
Councillors believe that 55 is too young an age for a continuing care community.
When planning permission had been granted it had been agreed that the Care Home and Bungalows had to be built at the same time to provide a Continuing Care Retirement Community. Now the developer also wants to change the planning conditions that mean the bungalows and care home must be built at the same time. Councillors are concerned that this could result in the Care Home not being built.
Councillors supported the comments made by residents in objecting.
Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Denis Brett said: “We are only an advisory committee, but we hope that Wiltshire Council will pay attention to our views when they make a decision on this application. Town Councillors are very frustrated that the planning process seems to be stacked in favour of the developer to the detriment of local communities.”
Warminster Town Council Objects To Planning Application For Expansion Of A Children's Nursery At Westbury Road, Warminster
Tuesday 20th August 2019:
Warminster Town Council Objects To Planning Application For Expansion Of A Children's Nursery At Westbury Road, Warminster
Warminster Town Councillors voted at a meeting of its Planning Advisory Committee, held on 19th August 2019, to oppose the expansion of a nursery at Westbury Road, Warminster.
While accepting that there was a need for a nursery, the councillors felt that this was not a suitable location. The planning application is to change use of part of the building from residential to nursery uses and to permit the number of children allowed to attend the nursery from 45 to 70.
Town Councillors made the following points:
This is a residential area and unsuitable for this type of use;
70 children make a lot of noise, if the noise was coming from an industrial site, planners would be much tougher;
The number of children attending is approaching that of a school, but in a building ¼ of the size;
There are concerns about children being cramped inside if the weather was bad;
There are concerns about insufficient toilet and other facilities;
There are concerns about the volume of traffic created by having 70 children dropped off and picked up.
Speaking after the meeting, the Chairman of the Planning Advisory Committee, Councillor Steve Jeffries said: “The Town Council opposed the last application for this site, and is
even more strongly opposed to this expansion plan. One of the reasons for having planning policies is so that development occurs in the most appropriate places. This is not an appropriate site for a nursery for 70 children. We are only an advisory committee, but we hope that Wiltshire
Council will pay attention to our views when they make a decision on this application.”
Warminster Town Council Objects To Planning Application For Expansion Of A Children's Nursery At Westbury Road, Warminster
Warminster Town Councillors voted at a meeting of its Planning Advisory Committee, held on 19th August 2019, to oppose the expansion of a nursery at Westbury Road, Warminster.
While accepting that there was a need for a nursery, the councillors felt that this was not a suitable location. The planning application is to change use of part of the building from residential to nursery uses and to permit the number of children allowed to attend the nursery from 45 to 70.
Town Councillors made the following points:
This is a residential area and unsuitable for this type of use;
70 children make a lot of noise, if the noise was coming from an industrial site, planners would be much tougher;
The number of children attending is approaching that of a school, but in a building ¼ of the size;
There are concerns about children being cramped inside if the weather was bad;
There are concerns about insufficient toilet and other facilities;
There are concerns about the volume of traffic created by having 70 children dropped off and picked up.
Speaking after the meeting, the Chairman of the Planning Advisory Committee, Councillor Steve Jeffries said: “The Town Council opposed the last application for this site, and is
even more strongly opposed to this expansion plan. One of the reasons for having planning policies is so that development occurs in the most appropriate places. This is not an appropriate site for a nursery for 70 children. We are only an advisory committee, but we hope that Wiltshire
Council will pay attention to our views when they make a decision on this application.”
Warminster Town Council Seeks Nominations For Civic Awards
Tuesday 20th August 2019:
Warminster Town Council Seeks Nominations For Civic Awards
Warminster residents have until Friday 6th of September 2019 to nominate someone for this year's Civic Award and Junior Civic Award.
The Civic Award is given in recognition of people who are always helping others or is involved in voluntary work for the benefit of Warminster.
Residents of Warminster are being asked if they are aware of a person who gives of their time unselfishly, and who they feel deserves recognition, to nominate them for this year’s Civic Award or Junior Civic Award for those between the ages of 12 and 18.
The Town Council will consider nominations and select the winners at their Council Meeting on 16th September 2019.
The Council is particularly keen to receive nominations for the Junior Civic Award.
Nomination Forms are available from:
The Town Clerk,
Warminster Town Council,
Warminster Civic Centre,
Sambourne Road,
Warminster BA12 8LB
Telephone: 01985 214847
Or online at www.warminster-tc.gov.uk
Closing date for nominations is Friday 6th September 2019.
Warminster Town Council Seeks Nominations For Civic Awards
Warminster residents have until Friday 6th of September 2019 to nominate someone for this year's Civic Award and Junior Civic Award.
The Civic Award is given in recognition of people who are always helping others or is involved in voluntary work for the benefit of Warminster.
Residents of Warminster are being asked if they are aware of a person who gives of their time unselfishly, and who they feel deserves recognition, to nominate them for this year’s Civic Award or Junior Civic Award for those between the ages of 12 and 18.
The Town Council will consider nominations and select the winners at their Council Meeting on 16th September 2019.
The Council is particularly keen to receive nominations for the Junior Civic Award.
Nomination Forms are available from:
The Town Clerk,
Warminster Town Council,
Warminster Civic Centre,
Sambourne Road,
Warminster BA12 8LB
Telephone: 01985 214847
Or online at www.warminster-tc.gov.uk
Closing date for nominations is Friday 6th September 2019.
Avenue Surgery Patient Group, Warminster
Tuesday 13th August 2019:
Avenue Surgery Patient Group,
Next meeting at
Warminster Civic Centre,
Sambourne Road, Warminster,
on
Tuesday 10th September 2019
7.00 p.m.
Members can also participate and contribute
online or by phone.
Telephone David Reeves on 0772 415 9713
for further information.
Film Clip Of Butterflies In Cannimore Woods Near Warminster
Tuesday 13th August 2019:
David Jordan Hawkin's Vermilion Studio has published on Youtube a film clip of butterflies in Longleat Forest. David says: "Filmed in the Cannimore Woods area near Warminster, I was able to capture footage of many different species while visiting the area on a hot summer day."
To watch the film clip, click on:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ymf9_zeNZY
David Jordan Hawkin's Vermilion Studio has published on Youtube a film clip of butterflies in Longleat Forest. David says: "Filmed in the Cannimore Woods area near Warminster, I was able to capture footage of many different species while visiting the area on a hot summer day."
To watch the film clip, click on:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ymf9_zeNZY
Crop Circle at Clearwood, near Cley Hill, Warminster
Monday 29th July 2019:
Crop Circle at Clearwood, near Cley Hill, Warminster.
Film clip on youtube, posted by Stonehenge Dronescapes.
Published on 29th July 2019 (reported 28th July).
Crop Circle at Clearwood, near Cley Hill, Warminster.
Film clip on youtube, posted by Stonehenge Dronescapes.
Published on 29th July 2019 (reported 28th July).
The Buildings Of Warminster ~ Illustrated Talk By Dorothy Treasure At Warminster Library
Monday 29th July 2019:
Warminster History Society
presents
"The Buildings Of Warminster"
an illustrated talk by Dorothy Treasure
at
Warminster Library
(enter by rear door off Library Car Park)
on
Wednesday 4th September 2019.
Doors open at 7.00 p.m. Tea and Coffee served.
Talk commences at 7.30 p.m.
Admission £3. Everyone welcome.
(Dorothy is the Principal Buildings Historian
of the Wiltshire Buildings Record
and lives in Warminster.
Her talk is an introduction to a community project
that will research the buildings of Warminster).
Paddling Pool In Warminster's Lakeside Pleasure Grounds (Town Park) Will Be Closed For Three Days To Allow Repairs
Monday 29th July 2019:
Paddling Pool Closure For Three Days For Repairs
The paddling pool in the Lake Pleasure Grounds (Town Park), in Warminster, will be closed for three days to allow essential maintenance to take place. The pool will be shut on the 5th, 6th and 7th of August 2019.
Warminster Town Councillor Sue Fraser, Chairman of the Devolved Services and Assets Committee, said: “The paddling pool has entertained and delighted generations of Warminster residents and visitors from far and wide. However, it was constructed in 1947 and is 72 years old and coming to the end of its life span. I know some people will be disappointed that the pool won’t be open for a few days, but we want to keep the pool open throughout the summer and that means that occasionally we will have to close it to make repairs. For the few days the pool is closed, there are lots of other activities in the park for people to enjoy, for example: boats on the lake, tennis courts, play area, trim trail, putting green, tree trail and the multi-use games area. People can enjoy a cool drink, ice cream, or snack in the café, or just take a quiet stroll and enjoy the many beautiful flowers and views.”
Sue Fraser added: “Warminster Town Council has agreed to look at the possibility of building a new paddling pool for next year and has already appointed a project manager to investigate the options.”
Paddling Pool Closure For Three Days For Repairs
The paddling pool in the Lake Pleasure Grounds (Town Park), in Warminster, will be closed for three days to allow essential maintenance to take place. The pool will be shut on the 5th, 6th and 7th of August 2019.
Warminster Town Councillor Sue Fraser, Chairman of the Devolved Services and Assets Committee, said: “The paddling pool has entertained and delighted generations of Warminster residents and visitors from far and wide. However, it was constructed in 1947 and is 72 years old and coming to the end of its life span. I know some people will be disappointed that the pool won’t be open for a few days, but we want to keep the pool open throughout the summer and that means that occasionally we will have to close it to make repairs. For the few days the pool is closed, there are lots of other activities in the park for people to enjoy, for example: boats on the lake, tennis courts, play area, trim trail, putting green, tree trail and the multi-use games area. People can enjoy a cool drink, ice cream, or snack in the café, or just take a quiet stroll and enjoy the many beautiful flowers and views.”
Sue Fraser added: “Warminster Town Council has agreed to look at the possibility of building a new paddling pool for next year and has already appointed a project manager to investigate the options.”