DEVELOPERS have submitted plans to build up to 350 homes on land at Coate Road in Devizes despite a chorus of opposition.

The 50-acre plot earmarked by Mactaggart and Mickel straddles Coate Road, just a few metres from London Road.

MP Claire Perry and Devizes leaders met planning minister Nick Boles in Westminster last week to raise concerns, although it proved inconclusive.

Wiltshire Council’s Core Strategy – or local plan – puts a moratorium on more development in the London Road corridor.

But it still has to be approved and the Government’s National Planning Policy Framework, replacing all previous planning guidelines, favours any “sustainable” housing development.

Objectors claim the homes, if built, would add at least another 400 cars onto the congested roads in the area, where air quality has fallen below EU standards.

Tony Sedgwick, chairman of the Devizes Community Area Partnership and one of the group that met Mr Boles, was appalled that Mactaggart and Mickel had gone ahead with the application in the face of so much opposition.

He said: “This proposal, if allowed, will extend the urban sprawl of Devizes well out towards Coate village.

“In our view it is entirely unnecessary since we can demonstrate that we have sufficient alternative sites to meet the housing target laid down in the Core Strategy.

“Quite simply, this proposal is too big and it is in the wrong place.”

The plans submitted to Wiltshire Council last week were for outline planning permission and detailed plans would have to be submitted if this is approved.

If they are rejected, then the developers could appeal.