CAMPAIGNERS in Corsham have urged Wiltshire Council to challenge approval granted by the Planning Inspectorate for a housing development by taking the case to the High Court.

In an open letter to council leader Jane Scott, Corsham Civic Society said it is greatly disturbed by the decision last month which granted Gladman Developments permission to build up to 150 houses and office space with associated access and parking on land north of Bath Road near Guyers Lane in Pickwick.

Chairman Michael Rumsey said in the letter it hopes a judicial review will now come from the decision. He added: “We believe that a great disservice has been done to democracy.

“This is a prime site on the western entrance to Corsham and we do not believe it got the attention it needed from the inspector. The local population, Corsham Town Council and Wiltshire Council were all against the development for good reasons.”

The application was submitted two years ago but Wiltshire Council refused it last year.

Corsham Town Council also recommended it be refused and more than 160 letters and a petition against it were received.

Some of the concerns included the loss of the greenfield site and visual impact on the area, added pressure on the town’s resources including schools and doctors’ surgeries as well as increased traffic on the A4.

The Civic Society believes by not entering into a judicial review in the High Court, Wiltshire Council is “throwing open all land in Wiltshire to potential developers.”

Mr Rumsey added: “All in all, a bad decision for Corsham and, indeed, for Wiltshire Council.

“David Cameron wants more involvement by local people. This application had such involvement. It seems that when local people do engage, when they are concerned about their local community, the interpretation of policy can be twisted to suit the largest bidder.”

Several public consultations have been held throughout the planning application process with many residents objecting to the plans.

A Wiltshire Council spokeman said: “We’ve received the request from the Corsham Civic Society which is being carefully considered and we will be advising them in due course of any decision on this matter.”

Work could begin in the next 12 to 18 months.