GAZETTE & HERALD: Campaigners against a housing development in Corsham say they will carry on fighting, despite planning permission having been granted for 78 homes.

The district council development control committee approved the application at a meeting on February 18, in the face of objections from residents.

Doreen Stevenson who, with her husband Don, has been a leading campaigner against the development, said: "Whatever happens we shall still keep fighting for our rights."

Mr and Mrs Stevenson, of Hatton Way, fear the development is a health hazard because the houses are being built on previously contaminated land.

"No one knows the effect of disturbing the soil," said Mrs Stevenson. "No one is going to get ill now, it is going to be in years to come."

The Persimmon development at Pockeredge Farm and Peel Circus is being partially built on former Ministry of Defence land which was contaminated with asbestos and picric acid. But a council spokesman said the land was not a danger to the public.

The Stevensons, supported by other residents, have been fighting the development since 1999.

Mrs Stevenson said: "Not one member of the town council has been up here to see what is happening on the site. We are not happy at all."

The 600-home development is being constructed in phases and further planning applications for 15 houses and 170 houses will be submitted to North Wiltshire District Council at a later date.