Developers looking to build hundreds of houses in Devizes face more difficulties despite coming back with a smaller plan.

An outline of plans have been submitted for permission for a new estate of up to 200 houses in the town as well as room for shops, a hot food takeaway and a 'drinking establishment'.

There are also plans for a 'commercial business centre' in the designs for land by the river, off Coate Road.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

They had originally hoped to build 235 homes, which would be a mixture of flats, terraced, semi-detached and detached alongside parking but this was rejected by Wiltshire Council.

However the revised plans also appear to face an uphill struggle with several objectors already including Devizes Town Council, who called it 'inappropriate'.

As part of the new plans developers Robert Hitchins are making some key changes, inlcuding reducing the height of some of the buildings, a 'staggered building line' along thee edge of the site which adjoins open countryside, a 3m cycle and pedestrian route running along Coate Road, as well as an increased number of detached units.

The latest proposal outlines that there would be a mixture of building heights fronting the canal of 2.5 - 3 storeys.

Elsewhere street trees are planned for between frontage parking bays and in front gardens, according to the planning application.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

The planning statement explained that an online and postal pre-application consultation was held with the local community between November and December 2020.

IN the application the developers said: "The development of Land off Coate Road provides a unique opportunity to create a new neighbourhood, building on the legacy and distinctive character of the site.

"Land off Coate Road will be a highly desirable place to live for the 21st century and beyond, reflecting the desirable elements of the local vernacular."

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

Developers are also hoping that the plans have struck the right balance to be accepted by a range of people in the community.

They added: "The proposals respect the local character but also move the community towards a more sustainable future, through an increase in housing choice.

"Development will accord with the principles of high-quality design and best practice to create a townscape that is both varied, and yet sympathetic to its environment.

"The aim is to achieve a development with a strong identity that enhances the Canal environment, whilst at the same time integrating with the existing community of Devizes."

The application is currently up for public consultation before Wiltshire Council will decide on the case.