A DATE has finally been set for a new public inquiry into plans to build 350 homes near Coate Bridge in Devizes.

More than a year ago there were celebrations after communities secretary Erik Pickles rejected an appeal by developer Mactaggart and Mickel but now a new four day inquiry is to be held from April 5.

Originally it was thought the builder was to ask for a judicial review into the decision but later it was announced a new public inquiry was to be held instead.

Wiltshire Council, Devizes Town Council and both Roundway and Bishops Cannings Parish Councils are opposed the project to build houses and shops on open land off Windsor Drive.

Those opposed to the scheme hope the Devizes Neighbourhood Area Plan which has now been adopted will help persuade an inspector the appeal to be held at Braeside Education and Conference Centre, Devizes, will once again be rejected.

Wiltshire Council in a written submission has also pointed out that the county's core strategy is now in place. It says: "Wiltshire Council formally adopted the Wiltshire Core Strategy on 20th January 2015. The appeal site lies outside the limits of development for Devizes."

The letter went on to say: "In short, there have been material changes to the policy background and in evidence on housing land supply since the original inquiry which require thorough reconsideration at the public inquiry."

News of the date of the Coate Bridge inquiry comes just a week after it was announced that plans for 123 homes to be built near Quakers Walk, Devizes, is to go to inquiry despite it being approved by Wiltshire Council.

The council's head of development control Mike Wilmott told a meeting held in the Corn Exchange, Devizes last autumn that there were no grounds for refusal. He said: "We wouldn't have a leg to stand on."

But now Greg Clark who has taken over the role of communities secretary from Mr Pickles has asked for the plan to be called in and people have until the end of February to submit their views to the planning inspectorate in Bristol.

Devizes Town councillors are also to make their views known on the details of plans for 230 homes at Lay Wood, between Bishops Cannings and Devizes.

Permission has already been given but now reserved matters to do with an access road, open space and drainage is up for discussion. Councillors were worried about the width of a road that links two parts of the estate.

But councillor Sue Evans was keen for the development to go ahead quickly. She said: "We need affordable housing. Lets get on with it."

Other councillors said they were pleased that the percentage of affordable housing had gone up to 40 per cent.