An engineering company based in Calne would consider moving its business away from the town if plans to build 34 houses on land off Stanier Road were accepted.

Altex Engineering, which employs more than 50 people, is on the Porte Marsh Industrial Estate and plans to expand its factory to within three metres of the proposed site.

The metal manufacturing company is concerned that noise complaints from new residents would result in restrictions which would hinder its growth and development.

Plans developed by housing association GreenSquare, were discussed at a planning appeal on July 24 after the application was refused by Wiltshire Council.

The houses, to be 100 per cent affordable homes, would be built on a 1.7 acre site previously owned by the window and door company Deceuninck.

GreenSquare already has more than 20 flats and houses next to the Porte Marsh Industrial Estate, the majority in Linnet Road.

Jonathan Adams, director of planning consultancy Tetlow King, said in the last two years only two GreenSquare tenants in these properties had complained about noise.

But Denise Hogton, who spoke on behalf of Altex Engineering’s owner John Jackett, said residents could expect constant noise and vehicle movements.

She said: “We were operating 24 hours a day six days a week until 2008 when the recession started to bite and our plan is to build the business back to this level.

“Residents living so close to a busy engineering environment cannot fail to be affected by the associated noise from machinery, forklift trucks manoeuvring and daily deliveries.

“We are so concerned about the implications of this development going ahead that we are now seriously reconsidering our expansion plans and have put a hold on them pending this hearing’s decision.

“Should this housing development be approved we will be considering the feasibility of relocating the business away from Calne.”

Senior development officer for Wiltshire Council Matthew Croston said: “If you lose businesses you will lose jobs, and businesses will find a place to relocate out of Calne if housing is permitted on this important employment site.”