DEVELOPERS have submitted a new application to build 172 two and three-storey houses and flats at the Filands site in Malmesbury.

Persimmon Homes and Charles Church had previously submitted contentious plans for 176 homes on the 11.5 acre site at Tetbury Hill, but these were withdrawn last month because district council planning officers were unhappy with the layout and design of the scheme.

Town councillor Martin Snell said he was also unhappy with the new application.

He said: "Anything over 150 houses is too dense. I don't think the transport system can cope with that extra burden."

He was also concerned at the lack of contribution to improving road safety at the two Filands junctions - with the A429 and Tetbury Hill, adjacent to the new estate.

County and district councillor John Thomson said: "I think we should put up a fight to improve the application. I'm not very keen on three-storey developments because I think it's out of keeping with the town. We should have a design that is right for the gateway to Malmesbury. There should also be a contribution to the town's infrastructure."

The Filands site was previously occupied by Filands School and owned by the county council. It was sold for £7million. The council needs £4.5million to pay for its share of Malmesbury's secondary school which was built at Corn Gastons, and for a new primary school.