Dear Lord Pembroke,

Some decisions shape a generation. Others shape history.

For more than 480 years, the Herbert family has shaped one of Britain's most remarkable historic estates. Today, you face a decision that could become one of the defining chapters in that history.

The proposal to build 310 new homes on the fields south of Harnham has caused deep concern across Salisbury. While we recognise the need for new housing, many local people believe this exceptional landscape should be protected—particularly while significant concerns remain about traffic, infrastructure and whether suitable brownfield opportunities have been fully explored before building on this irreplaceable countryside.

The fields south of Harnham are far more than undeveloped land. They form part of the rural setting of Salisbury, provide productive farmland, support wildlife and contribute to the wider landscape of the Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Together with the neighbouring Lime Kiln Down County Wildlife Site, they form one of Salisbury’s most important natural breathing spaces—a landscape treasured by local people for its beauty, tranquillity, wildlife and history.

When we met with you, we were encouraged by your willingness to listen and your genuine interest in the ecological importance of these fields. We left believing that, as steward of this remarkable landscape, you still have the opportunity to choose a different future for South Harnham.

Rather than being lost to another housing estate, these fields could become one of Salisbury’s greatest long-term assets—a place where people, farming and nature thrive together.

Just a short walk from Salisbury District Hospital, these fields offer a rare opportunity to create a landscape where patients recovering from illness, NHS staff seeking respite, local families and visitors can walk, reconnect with nature and find peace; where sustainable farming and nature recovery work hand in hand; and where the neighbouring Lime Kiln Down landscape is protected and enhanced for future generations.

For thousands of people, these fields are not simply open land—they are part of Salisbury’s shared identity, a place to walk, reflect and enjoy the countryside that makes this city so special.

Great estates are remembered not only for the buildings they create, but for the landscapes they choose to protect.

We appreciate that every landowner must balance commercial opportunities with wider responsibilities. But the true measure of a steward is not simply the opportunities they inherit, but the choices they make with them. This is one of those rare occasions where the long-term value of this landscape to its community may far outweigh its short-term financial return. Once these fields are built upon, they will be lost forever. Once lost, this natural asset can never be recreated.

We respectfully ask you to pause the promotion of housing on these fields and instead work with the local community, Salisbury District Hospital, conservation organisations and Wiltshire Council to create a new vision for South Harnham—one that protects Salisbury's natural breathing space, promotes health and wellbeing, supports nature recovery, strengthens the Lime Kiln Down landscape, encourages sustainable farming and demonstrates a new model of stewardship for future generations.

The decisions we make today will shape the Salisbury our children and grandchildren inherit tomorrow.

Lord Pembroke, the choice is yours. Please choose to protect South Harnham and help create a future of which generations to come can be proud.

If you share this vision for South Harnham, please sign and share this petition. Together, we can show Lord Pembroke how strongly our community believes these fields deserve a different future.

With thanks,

Halt Harnham Housing Steering Group (HHSG)

Championing the Halt Harnham Housebuilding (HHH) campaign on behalf of local residents.