A businessman who owns land earmarked for new homes in South Marston says he would need an astronomical sum to consider moving his business and its employees.

Industrial buildings straddling Thornhill Road are the subject of a widely-publicised planning application by Fallen Oak Properties and Crown Timbers.

One of the two applications for outline planning permission would require a number of businesses to relocate and make way for the 115 houses.

Jon Napper, 60, the managing director of Thornhill Industrial Estate business TransXL, who has worked with the firm for 37 years, has run the plastic processing firm from its base since 1984.

He said: “The numbers would have to be so above market value it wouldn’t make sense.

“I’m not a charity and my business has got to carry on functioning.

“They’re (staff) my family, which is as important to me even if the economics were right.

“I’m not interested in moving. It’s a whole lot of hassle and we ship everywhere in the world.

“I can’t see how the numbers are going to be attractive enough to even tempt us to look at it.

“The engagement has been so poor, I wouldn’t waste my time considering going forward until they get a very clear idea of what they’re going to do to tempt the owners to move.

“Nobody minds improving their lot, but mutuality is important. In a similar place in Swindon we could exist, but we are not altruistic.

“Would it work for us? There doesn’t seem to be any interest in finding out.

“I have hired a guy to represent me. He had a conversation with the agent and even he said he was baffled by their approach.

“There seems to be an idea we can’t wait to get out of here. We are not chrome and glitter, but we are a successful company which sells.

“There is a huge reluctance, even if the money adds up.”

The plans are backed in principle by South Marston Parish Council, with member Barry Thunder describing the derelict buildings at the Crown Timber site to the north of road, as eyesores.

Jon also supports the plans for 47 homes on that site, but rejects any notion the warehouses on his side of the road could be considered eyesores.

“We have refurbished a number of times and we are proud of our site. I am against the idea of the word eyesore,” he said.

Neither Fallen Oak, Crown Timbers nor Walsingham Planning offered a response to Jon’s comments.