DEVELOPERS, who want to build 39 homes on open land at Rabley Wood, Marlborough, are to be grilled by councillors and the public on Monday when an open session is held at the town hall.

Green Square has submitted a number of changes to its original plan and town councillors were unhappy that many questions were unanswered when it was referred to them by Wiltshire Council.

The project has come under fire from people living in Rabley Wood View and other surrounding roads as the project means the loss of a popular play area.

It was closed in May and will not be replaced until the housing development is complete. It will move to nearby water meadows but people have pointed out these are subject to flooding.

The town council’s planning committee decided to defer making a decision on whether to object or support Green Square’s changes until after the open session with representatives between 6pm and 7pm on Monday.

Town clerk Shelley Parker said: “We thought it best to invite them to come in so they can answer the questions face to face.”

Rabley Wood resident Jayne Baker is among those worried by the plan. She wrote to Wiltshire Council to say: “Development should be stopped with immediate effect.”

Elizabeth Cooper wrote: “Children now have no access to any playing space, as the whole site is now closed to access and facilities removed. The nearest play equipment is on Marlborough Common.”

A design statement issued on behalf of Green Square said with regard to the play area: “The proposed new play area has been located in a similar position to the play area proposed in the outline application site layout.

“This will allow for better integration of the play area with the residential development with dwellings overlooking the area to increase visual security.” It says 40 per cent of homes will be affordable.