PLANS which would increase the size of Colerne by almost a quarter through a vast building development are edging closer.

Cheltenham developers Hunter Page have been talking to Colerne Parish Council for more than a year about developing the Hangars site near Totts Lane.

The application involves demolishing Hangars 18, 20 and 21 and creating 146 new houses and 10 retirement living homes, with up to 10 per cent being affordable houses, 300 parking spaces, 1000m² of commercial areas and a new access roundabout. Potentially up to 600 people could live in the new homes.

“Both parties would like to see something happen on that site. It really is a horrible sight. However it needs to be sympathetic with the village,” said Glenys Gill, Colerne’s parish council clerk.

“We appreciate that they want to make it cost-effective, we understand that but we want to reach an agreement that Colerne can manage and that it will not be abused.

“The negotiations have been good. It has progressed well. It is in both our interests but there are issues such as more information on hazardous waste as there is apparently asbestos in the hangers and aviation fuel contaminating the ground.

“The sewage and drainage is already a problem and we do not have a vibrant bus service like they say so there is still work to be done.”

The parish council feel the plans represents the biggest challenge to the village in the last 40 years and are a potentially character-changing development.

Director at Hunter Page in Cheltenham, Giles Brockbank, said: “It is a good working relationship. We have been working with the parish council for some time now in a harmonious fashion, trying to work with the community, for the community.

“This is a big development for the village and it is right that negotiations and dialogue are constructive and kept on good terms, which is what we have.

“As with any development there are elements that need ironing out but we have a good healthy dialogue that we are looking to continue and move forward in a positive fashion.”

The parish council have sent their views to Wiltshire Council, saying they would like more information on the economic gain of this development, and whether the village cope with the population increase, can the already under strain sewage system cope and will there be sufficient green space

They are also concerned about GPs being able to handle the increase in patients, more finances for schools that may need to provide more facilities and say the outline application has not discussed its design, layout or financial support.