A DRAFT plan which decides where homes should be built in Wiltshire up to 2026 is to go to the secretary of state for housing despite Wiltshire Council admitting it still has concerns about some of what is included.

The full council voted to accept the plan and it will now go to housing secretary James Brokenshire who will appoint an inspector to delve into every aspect and if necessary hold an inquiry.

But a report to the council by officers said: "There remains a reputational risk to the council if it proceeds with the draft plan. This would likely arise from local people who do not want to see development occurring close to where they live, or areas they value.

"Whilst this risk is real, the council is nonetheless charged with making difficult, often controversial decisions in the interests of ensuring it maintains an up to date Local Plan and a planned approach to development."

Council leader Jane Scott said: "I can't stress how important this decision is. If we don't have a five year land supply we will find ourselves in difficulties. It is a key document and there will always be some concerns."

She said that six weeks ago it had not been in a correct state but the deadline for consultation was extended and she said a number of amendments had been made.

The draft Wiltshire Housing Site Allocations Plan sets out how to allocate new sites for housing and to maintain a five-year housing land supply in each of Wiltshire’s three Housing Market Areas.

Much of the housing growth for Wiltshire has already been built or land identified but the new plan puts forward further sites not all of which have gone done well with people living nearby.

The overall level of growth proposed is 2,594 homes; with 1400 homes in the north and west areas where 13 sites are identified, 270 homes in the east on one site and 924 homes in the south on seven sites.

Toby Sturgis, cabinet member for planning said: “This plan will also help ensure that development takes place in the most appropriate locations in Wiltshire and provides a strong defence against any speculative development applications."