DISCUSSIONS on a contentious planning application rumbled on at Lyneham and Bradenstoke Parish Council on Tuesday (Feb 9).

Residents continued to express their concern at the application to build homes at Pound Farm, but councillors argued that it is a necessary development.

It was evident that the air had not fully cleared from a controversial meeting in October, in which proceedings were suddenly cut short by the chairman following an off-the-cuff remark from a councillor.

Cllr John Webb said: “There are still only 52 complaints out of 2,500 people in the village. People will always write in to complain about something but rarely to support.

“We had a housing needs assessment carried out several years ago which suggested that we need new affordable homes built in the parish. I understand why some residents are angry but it’s necessary.”

The planning application, submitted by Gleeson Development, will see the addition of over 100 new dwellings and the loss of three fields in Lyneham if it is approved. It is expected to go before the planning committee in March.

Richard Marshall, a resident of Lyneham, said: “The proposed development goes against both the spirit and the letter of Wiltshire Council’s Core Strategy document which is concerned to retain Wiltshire’s rural character.

“The simple matter of the fact is that this development is not needed, and even if it was it should be built on brownfield land, not on the village’s much used fields.

"We don't want to see our village become a town."