Surprised delight has greeted the decision to refuse plans for 350 homes at Coate Bridge on appeal.

Wiltshire Council refused permission for the controversial scheme but it was feared Mactaggart and Mickel would win on appeal as the council’s own officers had recommended the scheme for approval.

But today it was announced that Eric Pickles, the secretary of state of the Department for Communities and Local Government, had overturned the planning inspector’s recommendation to allow the housing scheme.

Andy Geddes, chairman of the planning committee of Roundway Parish Council, said: “The letter has just dropped through my letter box. My first reaction was wow.

"I am pleased and relieved and I know a huge number of other people will feel the same way.

"This is a great result for Roundway Parish Council, Devizes Town Council and Bishops Cannings Parish Council who have all worked very hard to stop this development.”