RESIDENTS on Newby Acre in Marlborough are celebrating after the appeal by Aster to build two houses in the estate was turned down by a Government inspector.

After an appeal was launched by the housing developer in May, people living in Newby Acre were appalled at the idea of having another two houses built near them as it would mean building over green space and parking. Now planning inspector Andy Harwood has agreed with the residents and dismissed Aster’s appeal.

Maria Scarr, 54, of Newby Acre, said: “It is great news, we are thrilled. We worked very hard to make sure the development wouldn’t happen. We would’ve lost the green space and the parking which are both well used. We would all really like to thank everyone on the town council, Marion and Stewart Dobson have been so great with all of the support they have given us.”

After the news reached the residents of the housing estate, everyone came together to celebrate the fantastic news.

“After we all found out we had a celebratory drink with all of the residents and Stewart from the town council. The whole thing really brought everyone together. Aster keep trying to take up land and it isn’t fair,” added Mrs Scarr.

When the appeal was first announced a petition was drafted, gathering 100 signatures, and a further 25 letters of objection were sent from residents and town councillors alike.

Stewart Dobson, town councillor for Marlborough, said: “It is fabulous news, I went up on Wednesday and had a bottle of fizz with the residents of Newby Acre to celebrate. I was on the town council when the development of Newby Acre first started and the green spaces and parking were left there deliberately. To build over it would’ve been terrible, I am very glad the planning inspector agreed with this. It was great to see the whole community come together and see them work so hard to save their area.”

Although the residents of Newby Acre are celebrating over the victory, some are concerned about the recently granted planning application for the development in Salisbury Road, which will see 175 new homes and a hotel built on the land.

Mrs Scarr said: "We don’t need more housing in Marlborough, look at the Salisbury Road and Rabley Wood developments. What we need is social housing because these ‘affordable houses’ are too expensive for our children."

Coun Dobson has said that affordable housing will be a key part of the new development in Salisbury Road, as well as local infrastructure getting benefits.

"In the 106 agreement it states that £700,000 will go towards St John's as well as £80,000 for local GPs. Overall the town council believes this will be a good thin for Marlborough. The council also said that the development should include a hotel as Marlborough is a tourist spot. Personally, the only issue I had with it was the impact on the air quality. Salisbury Road is already very busy and there will be a large increase in traffic during the development, I was a bit disappointed with the Highways team for not addressing this," Coun Dobson said.