THE latest application to build houses on land next to Rabley Wood View was unanimously rejected by Marlborough Town Council at a planning meeting on Monday.

In the latest plans put forward by RCC Town Planning, which is acting as agent for the Sangster family, the number of houses has been reduced from 46 to 39 and the nature park in the previous plan has been omitted.

The family want to build the houses on the existing Wiltshire Council-owned recreation area and to provide a replacement play area on the water meadow alongside the River Og.

The original plan was turned down by the town council last March and was rejected by Wiltshire Council in August.

Councillor Guy Loosemore said: “This new application is just moving pieces around a chess board as there is no substantial difference.

“We know new houses are needed but this application is not right for Marlborough and does not address the needs of this town.”

Jayne Baker, of The Thorns who fronted the campaign against the application, said: “The residents’ group is delighted to have the full support of the town council.

“The amended plan does not resolve any of the issues which were given as reasons for the rejection of the original application.”

These included concerns about children’s safety as the new play area would be sited next to a pond and the River Og and issues relating to drainage as the area is a water meadow and is flooded for parts of the year.

People have until March 12 to register their comments with Wiltshire Council.