The Sangster family have confirmed that they will continue to live in Marlborough despite the sale of part of the Manton Estate.

Brothers Ben and Guy Sangster have retained Manton House and some surrounding land which was owned by their late father, racehorse tycoon Robert Sangster.

Ben Sangster said: “We are delighted to be able to continue living in our family home and happy to have found a buyer who has allowed us to remain in our home town.

“We never wanted to leave Marlborough but it has been difficult, with negotiations ongoing for a few months, to talk about our plans.”

Last week Marlborough Town Council considered a draft amended proposal for the Sangsters’ development on Land off Rabley Wood View. The number of houses has been reduced from 40 to 39 – 40 per cent of which will be social housing.

Richard Cosker, of RCC Town Planning Consultancy, who is acting as agent for the family, said: “We feel we have amended the plans to take into account all the concerns regarding child safety and drainage and that the project would provide excellent houses as well as employment in the town.

“Since the refusal of the last application the proposal has been significantly amended by reducing the amount of development and introducing the enhanced recreation facility.”