The Hilperton GapPLANS to build a road on a green area of land separating Hilperton from Trowbridge have hit another snag.

Hilperton Parish Council has objected to the planning application by Persimmon Homes to build a relief road through the Gap.

Parish clerk Marylyn Timms said: "Council-lors objected to the application as it stands on five different environmental issues."

Plans to build a road through the gap have stirred up strong feelings on both sides of the long-running debate.

Over 170 Hilperton residents went to an open day in the village last month to look at plans proposed by the developer.

Many residents want the road as it will steer traffic, including heavy goods vehicles, away from the village, others fear it will simply move the problem elsewhere and will lead to further development on the land.

Jonathan Hawkes of the Paxcroft Action Lobby said: "There have been reassurances there won't be, at least in the near future but the trouble is once the district plan is renewed in 2011 there will be a chance of future development."

Fears have also been raised about the environmental impact of the road, including noise, air and visual pollution.

Persimmon Homes agreed to stump up the cash for the road in 2001 as part of planning permission to build homes at Paxcroft Mead.

A development brief for the area is available on West Wiltshire District Council's website: www.westwiltshire.gov.uk