Map above shows potential development: Pink area - Housing.  Dark Green  (Bottom Left C1-C3) Glamping Site

I attended the Parish Council Meeting on 8.4.2015 to listen to the plans for the creation of a new waterway and towpath for the Wilts and Berks Canal between the Kennet and Avon Canal and the River Avon and associated footpath, cycleway and 10 x bridges along with new access roads to Berryfield.

In theory, I do not object to the new waterway. But by their own omission, of the Wilts and Berks representative, when they first thought of this plan, it was only for the new canal and they had not thought about how it was going to be funded. I believe that they were hoping for Lottery funding or a miracle. Since neither of these are available, the only way to fund this pipe dream, is to develop the land between Semington and Melskham. The development of this land will include, 600 new houses, a hotel, 700 acre site for Glamping, tourist attractions, new pub, etc.

My concern is that thriving village of Semington will get absorbed into the mass developed and for what exactly. Being told this has “nothing to do with Semington” is very short sight and ignorant. It has everything to do with Semington. Personally, I believe that we have nothing much to gain from this proposal and a lot to lose. Call me a ‘nimby’ if you want. But this is not just about me, it’s about the preservation of a village and all that it means to those who live there.

We may not be able to stop this development, but we must protect the village, mainly by insisting on a proper separation of the development from the village, stronger action against traffic, future parking, noise and disruption. If you also feel strongly about this development, please log your comments with Wiltshire Council at:

http://westplanning.wiltshire.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=M58PZORN08F00