THE city council will formally invite neighbouring parish councils to speak on major developments which are situated outside of Salisbury’s boundary.

A motion to change the practice came after Salisbury City Council (SCC) supported the Old Sarum Airfield application following a presentation by the developer and architect.

Laverstock and Ford Parish Council complained it was not aware the application was up for discussion as they opposed development on the site. More than 40 members of the public attended a SCC meeting last month where a motion to revisit the decision was turned down.

The multi-million pound plan for 480 homes has been submitted to Wiltshire Council and is for two housing estates, a museum, restaurant and heritage centre.

Cllr James Robertson said: “We should be congratulating our officers on the extent they communicate with their colleagues in neighbouring parish councils.

“But I think if there is any way they can improve the communication in terms of going to relevant groups such as resident associations, then I think it is worth the time and effort because it is clear that Salisbury is going to enlarge and secondly south Wiltshire must work more cohesively.”

Cllr Michael Osment said SCC is in discussion with Wiltshire Council leader Jane Scott about a planning officer assisting them with making decisions on large developments.

He added: “But until we get to that stage we have to be careful because we had one good campaign in Save the Meadows which we allowed people to speak on, but we had another application [Old Sarum] where a developer turns up, so we need some consistency.”

City council officers already send out agendas to neighbouring authorities but now they will formally notify all adjourning parish councils if a major development is up for discussion. The city council debate developments from outside their boundary if it has an impact on Salisbury.

A number of councillors bemoaned the fact that residents believe the final decision rests with them. All planning decisions in the county are decided by Wiltshire Council with SCC, technically a parish council, merely consulted on any plans.

Cllr Penny Brown said: “We as a city council have no powers at all. We will host people who want to listen, but it is up to the Wiltshire councillors to invite people from their local groups and communities.”