PLANS to build another 130 houses in Calne have been given the green light by a government inspector, after the scheme was rejected last year by councillors.

Despite receiving 25 letters of complaint from residents and strong opposition to its construction, the plans for the houses on land behind Prince Charles Drive, adjacent to low lane have been approved with conditions.

Developer, Robert Hitchins Ltd, first applied for the houses in November 2014, and had its application thrown out in March last year, only to later appeal the decision.

At the time residents highlighted concerns regarding traffic congestion, with Wiltshire Council refusing the application as there were no provisions for securing affordable housing and on the grounds that the scheme conflicted with the sustainable development strategy.

Louise Nankivell, of Highgrove Close, wrote a letter of complaint saying: “Due to the elevated position of the proposed development site, it would be particularly visible from a number of public vantage points.

“The visual amenity of the locality would, therefore, be significantly reduced by a development.

“A report submitted with the application suggests that the site would be well screened by hedges and trees, maintaining the visual amenity both to the general public using Low Lane and to adjoining houses.

“This is not the case; firstly as the hedgerows and surrounding scrub land has already recently been much reduced by the land owner, and secondly, the elevated position the National Cycleway and the proposed site would make this impossible.”

The conditions set out by inspector Jennifer Vyse to allow the scheme include a caveat that it would be necessary to ensure vehicle access is provided and that dwellings are given adequate parking.

They also highlight that the company would have to produce a sustainable surface water drainage scheme to reduce the risks of flooding.

“Whilst, no doubt, the subject of a professional survey, it is worth noting that the site is very close to a landfill,” added Mrs Nankivell.

“Local residents will testify that the smell from this can be offensive at times along Low Lane and nearby to where this development is proposed.

“I question whether this will be acceptable to potential future residents.

"Most worrying of all, and again already well recognised, is the road safety impact that an extra few hundred journeys per day and car parking by the primary school could have."