A decision to reject plans for 125 houses and a care home at Marden Farm, near Rookery Park, raised cheers and a round of applause from South Calne residents at a planning meeting.

The proposed site, measuring 14 hectares, lies outside the local development framework boundary and was previously used for farming.

Developer Gleeson planned to demolish a bungalow at Stockley Lane to create a main access road to the site, but objectors said this would create a dangerous point in the road.

Those at the meeting heard how a device was placed at Stockley Lane in June to record car and lorry movements after residents also raised concerns about road safety through the Calne Area Board.

The machine recorded 15,785 vehicle movements during 12 days and showed that 85 per cent of people were driving at 37.8 miles per hour through a 30mph zone.

Objectors also pointed out a lack of community facilities in the area, which would force new residents to drive to the centre of town, adding to pollution problems.

Pollution levels are above the Government limits in New Road and from Curzon Street to Wood Street, according to tests carried out by environmental health officers.

Alan Hill, Wiltshire councillor for Calne South and Cherhill, said: “The core strategy states that the number of houses required for Calne between now and 2026 is 500.

“The reasons given within the document is the pace of infrastructure development that has taken place within the town. It clearly states that future development should be carefully phased.

“We already have over 700 houses allocated. Half of those are already under construction or completed and I have seen no evidence for the need for such a care home, particularly in Calne.

“It’s worth noting that similar facilities have recently opened in Chippenham and Devizes and that would diminish the requirement for facilities in North Wiltshire.”

Derek Warnett, vice-chairman of South Calne Residents’ Association, said: “It’s almost inevitable they will appeal and we will be fighting that just as we have fought this application.

“I think the council have come up with some very good reasons for its refusal and I think the planning inspector will recognise those and take them into account.”

Glenis Ansell, Wiltshire councillor for Calne North, said: “The road leads into little country roads and it will make a rat run worse than it is already. Within our town plan we’re dealing with town care and I would like it to be left to us to deal with that.”