VILLAGERS at Urchfont near Devizes have been shown two new options for the redevelopment of Manor Farm Yard, described as the quiet heart of the village.

Two previous planning applications for 22 homes on the site, nine of them affordable, have been turned down by Kennet councillors, despite the plan being recommended for approval by council officers.

Landowner John Snook has now asked his planning consultants, HPP Planning from Cheltenham, to work with the parish council to come up with a scheme that would be acceptable to the village.

Paul Fong from HPP presented two options to the council on Tuesday during an open session at which residents could ask questions.

The first option involved a reduction to 15 homes, with two affordable homes. The new building would be more widely dispersed.

Additional parking would be created, including parking for church and community events.

There might also be the possibility of creating a community office for the parish clerk or the rector.

Among the homes would be a number of live/work units.

The affordable homes that would inevitably be demanded by Kennet planning officers would be accommodated on a piece of land at Rookery Farm, also owned by Mr Snook.

The second option involves a development of 15 houses, with two affordable homes and five rented through a housing association or bought in a shared equity arrangement.

In this option there would be no alternative site at Rookery Farm.

But many of the 50 villagers felt that 15 homes was too many.

Resident Carol Hanson, said: "If you cut it down to just ten houses everyone here would throw balloons in the air and rush to hug you."

Mr Fong said the two options would now be the basis for discussions and villagers would be consulted.