DEVELOPERS have moved to reassure the community a buffer will be maintained between Swindon and Lydiard Millicent.

Last October a parcel of land between Nine Elms Lane and Meadow Springs, which could accommodate up to 400 new homes, was bought up at a price of more than £1.5m.

Residents are already protesting against proposals for a 50-home estate on the border of Lydiard Park.

And the worry is that approval of one application would open the floodgates for further development in the area.

Taylor Wimpey, the developer responsible for the planned 50- home scheme, has distanced itself from the adjoining land and said the linking of Lydiard Millicent with Swindon would not be desirable for planners.

A spokesman said: “Taylor Wimpey has done some research and can confirm that the piece of land mentioned was transferred to Cooper Estates Strategic Land Ltd on the October 27 2014 with a stated value of £1,558,521.

“It appears that Cooper Estates Ltd acquired the land from Brienfields Company in 2007.

“Taylor Wimpey does not have any links to or knowledge of this land deal and we couldn’t comment on any speculation related to this piece of land.

“I can confirm that Taylor Wimpey’s land ownership in this area will be developed as proposed - for up to 50 homes in one corner of one field - and the remaining land gifted to Lydiard Tregoze Parish Council.

“I can also hopefully provide reassurance that, in planning terms, the joining of Lydiard Millicent to Swindon is not a desirable option, and it is not likely that this would be permitted.

“Taylor Wimpey has been clear in its stance that the proposals for land south of Tewkesbury Way do not provide a pretext for coalescence.

“Coupled with this is the fact that much of the land surrounding Lydiard House and St Mary’s Church is within the Registered Parks boundary, and therefore protected from development.”

While the 50-home proposal at Lydiard would fall within the boundaries of Wiltshire, councillors are gearing up for a crossborder battle against the plans, and are arranging a public meeting to take place after the application has been submitted.

Swindon borough councillor Tim Swinyard (Con, Lydiard and Freshbrook) said: “Taylor Wimpey are getting ready to make their application to build by Swindon’s most valuable treasure, Lydiard Park, and if we want to oppose it, we cannot beat them unless we all work together.”