DETAILED plans to build 230 homes on fields on the edge of Devizes have now been given approval by Wiltshire Council.

David Wilson Homes already had permission to build on land at Lay Wood near the canal between Bishops Cannings and Devizes but there were still a number of smaller issues that needed to be agreed.

The reserved matters which cover a new access from Horton Road, open space, landscaping and drainage have now been approved by Wiltshire Council.

Originally both Bishops Canning Parish Council and Devizes Town Council fought to stop the development on open land but once outline approval was given many councillors wanted the developers to push on with the scheme that will provide an element of affordable housing.

The go-ahead for the homes was originally given in 2014 to the Crown Estate by Wiltshire Council after a deal worth more than £2 million was reached. The money will go to help schools fund extra places and towards a transport scheme.

Of the 230 new homes, 92 - or 40 per cent - will be what is described as affordable. The Crown Estate later sold the land to David Wilson Homes.

The agreed plans state that eight hectares of new public open space and play areas, over 50 per cent of the site, will also be created.

People turned out in force to protest about the Lay Wood scheme when it was discussed by Wiltshire Council on the same day in 2014 as plans for 350 houses at nearby Coate Bridge.

Protesters were angry that the council voted to approve the Lay Wood scheme but owed to continue fighting the Coate Bridge proposal. Since then an appeal by developers on Coate Bridge was turned down by a Government inspector but a second appeal by builders Mactaggart and Mickel was held earlier this year. A final decision by the Secretary of State is still awaited.