The fate of plans to build on the site of the historic almshouses in Corsham could now lie in the hands of the government after planning officers recommended that councillors should not make the decision.

Officers say the Secretary of State should decide if nine one-bedroom flats can be built on the grounds of the 1668 almshouses at Pound Pill. Councillors could still ignore the recommendation and make a decision anyway.

The plans have stalled several times after they were first conceived in 2009. They were reduced from 12 to nine flats and the decision should have been made on July 21, but it has now been postponed until August 11.

It had sparked anger among 1,000 residents who signed a petition objecting to the idea.

Leading the objectors, Edward James, of Lacock Road, said: “An alternative site will provide the opportunity to build sustainably, to provide adequate living space, and to provide parking and gardening space as required by modern standards, subject to planning.

“Unfortunately, none of this is likely to be true of the present proposed site.”

Last month it was revealed that the organisation responsible for the almshouses – the Lady Margaret Hungerford charity – was investigated by the Charity Commission.

A Commission spokesperson said: “After assessing the complaint, we have concluded that there is no regulatory role for the Commission.”

The complaint had raised concerns that the application to build the new block of almshouses had been submitted without properly exploring alternative sites, including one offered by Corsham Court owner James Methuen Campbell.