An application to build ten houses on land next to Swan Meadow was approved last night, despite fears that it did not deal with the need for affordable housing in Pewsey.

Several residents attended the eastern area planning committee in Devizes Town Hall to show their opposition to the application and a petition with 127 signatures was submitted against the development.

Jerry Kunkler, the local councillor, who abstained from the vote, said: “I’m not whole heartedly in favour of this application but finding a solid reason to refuse it is where I struggle.”

At the meeting Marilyn Hunt, vice chairman of the Pewsey Parish Council's planning committee, outlined several reasons as to why the parish council had strongly opposed the application including the fact that more large houses were not needed in the village.

But during the debate it was explained that provisions for affordable housing in a development of this size is not a planning consideration and could not be used as a reason for refusal.

Cou Jemima Milton said that this was her biggest concern with the application because a lack of low cost housing in villages discourages young people from staying in the area.

She said: “I just wish there was some generosity with this application to allow some affordable housing.”

Applicants Richard and Rebecca Middleton, of Southcott, can now build ten houses with a mixture of three, four and five bedrooms on the nine-hectare plot, which is part of a 30-year-old orchard.

There would also be two access roads and 23 car parking spaces for residents of the homes.

The development would see around 176 of the trees in the orchard felled but 150 will be replanted.