RESIDENTS are gearing up to battle a fresh proposal for more than 100 homes in Wroughton after defeating the application from Hannick Homes last year.

The plans for 103 homes east of Marlborough Road have been resubmitted, with the developer arguing all issues in the previous proposals have been addressed.

They add the level of housing delivery identified in the new local plan is not being met in Swindon, and the additional homes should not be opposed while a five year supply has not been identified.

Under the scheme, 30 per cent of the houses would be affordable, with a children’s play area provided. According to the local plan, Wroughton needs an additional 150 homes during the next few years, with brownfield sites earmarked for development.

An archaeological survey has now been carried out, and in order to gain access to the fields behind Marlborough Road, The Old Bakery would have to be demolished.

The proposals from Hunter Page said: “Since the adoption of the local plan, it has become clear that housing delivery has not been to the level expected and therefore, it is considered that the council is unable to demonstrate a deliverable five year supply of housing land. In such circumstances, permission should be granted unless any adverse impacts of doing so would significantly outweigh the benefits.

“Policy recognises Wroughton and Highworth as being rural settlements outside of Swindon, where rural development will be primarily targeted as a result of being the most accessible and maintaining the largest range of facilities.”

Hannick Homes also claim since the Wroughton Neighbourhood Plan has not yet been finalised, despite its approval in March of this year, it should not be afforded weight in consideration of their own application.

Wroughton resident Dave Martyn said: “I am very disappointed to see that Hunter Page and Hannick Homes have submitted a new planning application to develop land to the east of Marlborough Road.

“The application differs little from the previous application, which was refused by Swindon Borough Council planning committee, who cited eight reasons for refusal.

“Since the previous application, the Swindon Borough Council Local Plan has been formally adopted, and the Wroughton Neighbourhood Plan is in the process of being adopted. This is outside of the settlement boundary, and contravenes both plans.”

Wroughton Parish Council chairman Steve Harcourt said: “I am disappointed the developer has chosen to make a new application, and the parish council will be considering the application on Wednesday evening.”

To view the fresh application, visit swindon.gov.uk/ep/ep-planning and search for reference S/OUT/15/0912.