Devizes Town Council has refused to be wooed by pleas from Devizes businessman Nigel Grist about his plans for a leisure park in a valley close to the town centre.

Members of the planning committee were asked if they wanted to reconsider their decision to oppose the plan for new access to the old railway land at Castle Farm following Mr Grist’s appearance at an earlier meeting.

But councillors said they were still suspicious about Mr Grist’s plans for the valley and said people living nearby were worried that in the future houses might be built on the large swathe of land, which is a wildlife haven.

Coun Sue Evans, who also represents Devizes on Wiltshire Council, said she had received a number of calls and emails from people opposed to the plan for a new access road from Station Road car park.

She said she had asked for the plan to be discussed by the eastern area planning committee so councillors rather than officers would make the decision.

Coun Nigel Carter said: “I think we should continue to oppose this plan. I think there is little public support for it.”

Coun Judy Rose said: “Lots of people are extremely concerned. Mr Grist owns nearly all the land in the valley and they are worried about what could happen to it in the future. He has said houses will not be built while he owns it but what is there to stop him selling the land to a developer once the planning permission for access is in place?”

Councillors were also concerned about the length of time it has taken Mr Grist to do anything with planning permission first granted more than 20 years ago for a leisure park including a golf course.

The only support for the project came from councillor Kelvin Nash.

Mr Grist, who owns a group of companies in Devizes including Wiltshire Waste Recycling, said: “As long as it is owned by me it will not be spoiled. I want people to enjoy it.”