RESIDENTS in Corsham have received a boost from council planners in their bid to stop a housing development on contaminated land.

Corsham Residents Group, which formed recently, has been battling to stop developers Persimmon Homes building a new 600 house estate at on the west side of the town.

They fear that developing the former MoD land, which a council report has shown to be contaminated, may disturb harmful chemicals.

After the estate received outline planning permission earlier this year the group organised a petition to stop the construction of an access road off Hatton Way. This was signed by 637 residents and North West Wilts MP James Gray.

On Wednesday night North Wiltshire District Council's development control committee voted unanimously to delegate a decision on the access road to council officers.

By delegating the decision, the group feel that councillors are acknowledging their arguments.

Doreen Stevenson, 61, one of the group's chief activists, said: "We did well tonight. I think that the councillors were not fully aware of the extent of contamination before the meeting."

Her husband Don was hopeful the road would eventually be blocked. He said: "The committee was not in a position to make the decision themselves because there was one day left for people to express their opposition.

"Our submissions were well received. The petition did influence the feeling at the meeting," he said.

The couple both spoke at the committee meeting in the council chamber at Monkton Park, Chippenham. They were backed by councillors Peter Davis, Christine Reid and Steve Wheeler.

Cllr Davis said: "I'm concerned that we are faced with dealing with this development on a piecemeal basis."

He added that doubts remained over the development's drainage.

There was a possibility that water could spill on to the nearby railway line.

He said: "Building 600 houses without adequate storm water facilities would be irresponsible." Mr Stevenson said afterwards: "We have won this battle but we've not won the war."

The group remain determined the road and housing must be stopped, not least on health grounds.

One of the contaminants picric acid can cause liver and kidney damage, symptoms of which can include bloody urine. In a worst case scenario it can lead to a coma or death.

Mrs Stevenson said that picric acid was a unique problem and was not found on many sites.

She said the group remained resolute: "If it goes through we will consider a judicial review. We have been told that would cost £10,000, but it would be worthwhile."