There is anger over the go-ahead given to plans to create vehicular access down a narrow route used by schoolchildren.

Tim Gilson, headmaster of Malmesbury School, wrote to Wiltshire Council, strongly opposing the plans.

But Wiltshire’s Northern Area Planning Committee approved the plans for two new homes, parking for four cars and vehicular access at Corn Gastons on January 8.

In his letter, Mr Gilson said: “I write once again to object in the strongest possible terms to the proposed development on the gardens of 52 Corn Gastons.

“The plans show four parking spaces and require vehicle access down an extremely narrow lane which is used by several hundred school children entering and leaving our school site.

“The path has never been used for vehicle access and has been in continuous use for access to the school site for very many years.

“There is no room for a vehicle to pass a pedestrian in this lane and therefore I believe it would constitute a very grave risk to the safety of the school children.”

Malmesbury town councillor Kim Power, who spoke against the application at the planning meeting, said: “The most important issue here is that the safety of these children is paramount.

“I was shocked when the application was approved.

“Coun Simon Killane mentioned the potential for a path at the side of the access.

"That would require taking down the hedge and we don’t know who owns it, but this needs to be pursued and looked at.”

Roger Budgen, chairman of the residents’ association, said: “We thought the decision to approve it was shameful. We feel that our reasons against it because of the danger to the schoolchildren was too readily dismissed.”