The NHS Trust appears to have been persuaded into the change of site from Green Lane to Quakers Walk by a combination of factors: difficult decisions on spending priorities, the current economic situation, the need to improve and update the GPs current premises and a tempting offer from the St Monica’s Trust for a PCC at Quakers Walk soon and at a competitive cost.  However, the situation is not as simple as that.

We need to be wary of accepting a short term solution which could turn out to be detrimental later on. We are aware that some people (including the GPs) like the Quakers Walk site. Others are concerned that it would unacceptable to have a multi-story building alongside Quakers Walk and that the London Road traffic situation would become impossible with the PCC, the new housing and a new school in addition to the existing traffic. It could be that the Green Lane site, which was much preferred by the public in the NHS survey in 2008, is the better option for the PCC and it could even have space for a minor injuries unit if the NHS Trust can be persuaded to change its mind on that in the future.  While Quakers Walk may be accessible on foot for a number of people who live near the site, the majority of the population of the area would have to travel by car, bus or taxi and Green Lane would be more accessible for them.

Guardians Wiltshire councillors are actively exploring all these issues to ensure that the decisions taken are in the best interests of the local community.

December 2009

A public exhibition relating to a proposal and future planning application for a Retirement Village and a Primary Care Centre at Quakers Walk was held in the Cheese Hall at the Town Hall, St Johns Street, Devizes SN10 1BN on Friday, 4th December 2009 between 3.00pm and 7.00pm.

Bristol-based charity, the St Monica Trust proposes to build a Retirement Village for older people, to include 100 independent and assisted living flats for lease purchase, shared ownership and rent, a Care Home with general needs nursing beds and accommodation for people with dementia. There will also be a new Primary Care Centre as part of the planning application. A preliminary version of the proposal was on display.  Representatives from the St Monica Trust and the organisations associated with the proposed Primary Care Centre were in attendance. In due course, an application will be made to Wiltshire Council and there will be a further chance to make views known.

Link to site plan - http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/maps/hlaamap.php?oseast=400826&osnorth=161995&sitename=Land+At+Quakers+Walk&rtp_id2=534

The Wiltshire Council has published a draft Core Strategy, a key part of a set of documents that will form the planning framework for the County until 2026. Following the consultation period, which ends on 31^st December, the Core Strategy will be completed and areas for future developments in and around Devizes will be decided. After that it will be too late to change the strategic plans.

Devizes Guardians held a public meeting on 3^rd December to hear an explanation by Councillor Nigel Carter.

Councillor Carter showed the particular areas in and around Devizes that were identified in the draft Core Strategy as possibilities for future housing and employment, but employment land had been lost to housing following planning appeals. He said that a better balance was needed between the building of houses and the provision of local, good quality, better paid, job opportunities.

A lively question and answer session followed. The audience was encouraged to submit their own comments to Wiltshire Council. They expressed the usual concerns about traffic and commuting, and all felt strongly that more and better jobs were needed in Devizes before any new housing could be justified.

The Guardians AGM and public meeting was held on Tuesday 27th October in the Town Hall, Devizes.

After the usual brief formalities the Town Centre Manager, Mitch Roberts described proposals for the renowation of the Brittox.

Our Chairman, Nigel Carter spoke about current events and, in particular, the forthcoming consultation by Wiltshire Council on the new Core Strategy. This Strategy will set the scene for planning in the County for many years to come and there is only one brief opportunity for the public to comment on the draft strattegy documents. This has great  importance for the future of Devizes and the surrounding area.
Consultation documents (Wiltshire 2026-Planning for Wiltshire’s Future plus a draft sustainability appraisal) can be viewed and down loaded from the web  at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/wiltshire2026. they can also be viewed at libraries and at Wiltshire Council offices. Paper copies can be obtained by phoning 11225 713489.

Comments must be submitted by 5 pm on 31st December.
Please also see the WILTSHIRE COUNCIL CONSULTATION page