Innox Riverside development, Trowbridge
The Petition of residents of Trowbridge and the surrounding area of Wiltshire,
Declares that the Petitioners support the proposed “Innox Riverside” development of the “Old Bowyers” site in Trowbridge; further that the Petitioners believe that the development is needed to bring people back to Trowbridge and that the “Innox Riverside” development has received a massive amount of local support; further that the Petitioners believe that the “Innox Riverside” development promises to be an exciting family orientated leisure and residential destination with place to work, eat and relax and that it will also introduce a new civic square and landscaped green to Trowbridge.
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to encourage Wiltshire council to reverse their decision to refuse planning permission for the “Innox Riverside” development in Trowbridge.
And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Dr Andrew Murrison, Official Report, 21 November 2012; Vol. 553, c. 7p.]
[P001137]
Observations from the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government:
The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government is aware that a planning application was submitted to Wiltshire Council in respect of the above development. Following the refusal of Wiltshire Council to permit the proposed development an appeal was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate on 12 July 2012.
Wiltshire Council is responsible for the day to day planning control in their area and the Secretary of State cannot comment on the merits or otherwise of any planning application. The Government’s policy is not to interfere with the jurisdiction of a local planning authority unless it is necessary to do so. It is of course for the local planning authority to provide whatever justification it may be appropriate to give for their decisions and procedures.
In determining a planning application the local planning authority are required to have regard to all material considerations including the development plan, national policies and views expressed by third parties. However, now that an appeal has been submitted against the local planning authority’s decision on the planning application, jurisdiction has now transferred to the Planning Inspectorate. In determining the planning appeal the Inspector appointed, on behalf of the Secretary of State, will also have regard to these matters.
The planning appeal is proceeding by way of an Inquiry. All written representations received, at both application and appeal stages, will be given full consideration by the appointed Inspector. As is usual a copy of all representations received, including this petition, will be sent to the local planning authority and the appellant for their information and comment.
It is understood, however, that Wiltshire Council are currently in negotiations with the Developers in connection with an alternative scheme which, if approved, could result in the withdrawal of the current planning appeal. The appeal is therefore being placed into a period of abeyance whilst the fresh application is being considered.