A CONTROVERSIAL Royal Wootton Bassett plan that locals claimed would have ‘ripped the heart out of the town’ was rejected by Wiltshire Council’s Strategic Planning Committee on Wednesday.

Two months after the application to build 320 homes and a community hub on land at Marsh Farm was initially given the seal of approval by planning officers, the committee at Trowbridge’s County Hall unanimously rejected the development, which had received 550 letters of opposition.

Leda Properties’ application was dismissed because councillors who had visited the site on Monday decided it would lead to a loss of green countryside, would have a negative impact on a heritage asset, the Marsh Farm Hotel, and it failed to meet their Wiltshire Core Strategy standards on affordable housing, highways and education.

Royal Wootton Bassett residents and councillors also highlighted that the development, which would have taken the town’s housing capacity beyond their agreed 1,455 limit until 2026, would put huge pressure on the town’s schools, increase GP waiting times and would lead to intolerable congestion.

Born and bred Royal Wootton Bassett resident Brenda Lyall said: “This would have ripped the heart out of this lovely market town so I am delighted that this has been rejected and I think much of the Royal Wootton Bassett community, would agree.

“The town’s housing needs have been met already and this would have taken it way beyond that. There was a strong feeling amongst the community that the needs of the town were being overridden.

“This was an issue that was at the top of the agenda for many people. Something like this could have destroyed us.

“It is great that a small market town like ours has for now fought off a big developer. If we can do it hopefully many other towns in positions like ours can do the same.

“It was so important that we fought against coalescence into Swindon. We are a wonderful town in our own right and need to keep our identity.”

A decision on the scheme was due at a meeting in February but it was decided that committee members ought to pay the site a visit to make a more informed decision.