These fields could vanish under a 700-home estate under plans to develop the east of MelkshamPLANS for a housing estate bringing up to 700 new homes to Melksham have provoked strong feelings among local people, who are angry at the prospect of a bypass near their homes and the possible loss of a much-loved edge-of-town primary school.

Land between Snowberry Lane and Snarlton Lane could be officially designated for residential development on October 27, when West Wiltshire District Council's cabinet finalise the East of Melksham Development Brief.

Three developers, working under the name of the East Melksham Consortium, this week submitted a planning application for 700 homes, a primary school and a distributor road.

People living close to the area believe building there will destroy the tranquillity of the area, while a new distributor road would mean a significant rise in traffic.

The application does not include specific plans for an East Melksham bypass, but the distributor road would link Sandridge Road with Snowberry Lane.

Serena Dorsett, of Heather Avenue, said: "I think that's absolutely disgusting. We have been to meetings about that road being made part of the bypass. We were told that the road was never going to happen.

"It was going to be a feeder road so we were aware of that but not that it was going to be part of a bypass."

Mrs Dorsett said she felt the district council was pursuing its own agenda.

"If somebody really wants the development they will push it through regardless," she said.

The Consortium, made up of developers Bloor Homes, Persimmon and Pegasus Planning Group, insist the distributor road is not a bypass, but said land would be kept aside for possible use as a bypass in the future.

Melksham mayor Terri Welch said the possible closure of a primary school was one of people's main concerns.

Forest and Sandridge Primary School could be earmarked for closure if a new school is built as part of the 700-home estate.

Cllr Welch said: "I think the thing that really concerns us at the moment is the situation with the school. However it is all just conjecture at the moment.

"There is a possibility they will close Forest and Sandridge primary school. My understanding is that there has been a meeting to explain things to the governors and parents. The governors are encouraging parents to go and look at other schools.

"It's not set in stone, it's just something that we need to be aware of. But I think the school are being very sensible and are talking to the present parents and pupils."

One resident in Snarlton Lane, to the north of the site, was resigned to the fate of the area but said the council had kept residents fully informed.

"We wish it would not come but we knew that eventually it would," she said.

"They have been in touch with us, and there have been plans down at the town hall which we have been allowed to go to."

The woman, who did not wish to be named, said she had written to West Wiltshire District Council and was happy with the level of co-operation.

The East of Melksham Development brief has gone out for a period of consultation, giving all residents the chance to comment on how the area will develop. The cabinet will finalise the document on October 27.