Go-ahead for eco-park (From Salisbury Journal)

Go-ahead for eco-park

10:39am Tuesday 12th March 2013 in Headlines By Hannah White

AN eco park in Wilton has been given the go-ahead after a community bid for the former UKLF site was successful.

The Wilton Community Land Trust, working with developers OurEnterprise and Redrow, put in a bid for the Ministry of Defence owned site, Erskine Barracks, last month.

Outline permission had already been granted for 450 homes and a business park but campaigners want to see an eco park on the 13.5 hectare site with homes, leisure facilities, orchards, workshops, and office space.

The Wilton Community Land Trust was established in April last year to lead the campaign and the announcement that it is the preferred bidder was made on Monday.

Ken Taylor, the trust’s chairman, said: “We are delighted that the community has been given the opportunity to influence this development from the inside."

"We are grateful to the team and particularly grateful to John Glen MP who has given our community outstanding support through the process.”

OurEnterprise put together the plans for the site, based around sustainable housing, local employment, community involvement and a veterans’ facility.
 

Matthew Bell, from OurEnterprise, said: “I am extremely pleased with this outcome and the opportunity this gives us to develop a state-of-theart military veterans’ facility in addition to the community’s declared vision. Now the hard work starts.”

Mr Glen said it is the best news he has received during his term in office.

“I am delighted it has gone this way,” he said. “I feel like I have put a lot of
effort into this and I am absolutely delighted for them. It is exciting news that is encouraging for the future of Wilton.”