WROUGHTON residents have reacted with anger after the Labour Party has come out in support of a major housing application in village.

Tomorrow night a plan by Hannick Homes to build 103 houses on land just off Marlborough Road will go before the planning committee.

There is strong local opposition to the proposals on the grounds it is a Greenfield site and would impact on traffic, while council officers will recommend to members reject the application.

However, Labour, which has six members on the 15 person committee, has said it supports the application, 30 per cent of which will be affordable homes.

Councillor Jim Robbins (Lab, Mannington and Western) says it will help young people get on the property ladder.

He said: “While it is regrettable this development would be on greenfield land, this development offers the opportunity to bring some much needed private and affordable housing to the Wroughton area.

“Also, we think the development would be sustainable and in keeping with the rest of Wroughton and have a minimal impact on the rest of the town.

“Finally, no matter whether you think this development is a good or a bad thing, the reality is that government rules state that if local authorities do not deliver on their housing targets then the government will approve development no matter what.

“We do appreciate that this development is not popular amongst some Wroughton residents, but many residents are desperate to get a house and this development, built by the Swindon-based housing developer Hannick Homes, offers that opportunity.”

A similar application was rejected last year for similar reasons and people in Wroughton have reacted with incredulity at Labour’s claims so late in the day.

Parish councillor John Newman said: “This intervention is most unwelcome. The parish council and residents have been fighting these plans for four years and we are pleased Swindon Borough Council officers have agreed with us.

“This proposal falls out of Swindon’s Local Plan and the emerging Wroughton neighbourhood plan. Any shortage in housing comes from delays to the 3,800 home development in Wichelstowe and once that goes ahead there will be no need for unsustainable developments like this.

“Councillor Robbins has clearly never been to Wroughton because anyone who has will know the roads are not suitable. It would be madness to put houses there.”

Tuesday’s meeting will also see another controversial housing development in Wroughton decided. Ainscough are looking to build 100 homes at Berkeley Farm. Last year a similar application was rejected which the developers have formerly appealed and will now be decided at a planning inquiry in November.

This second plan is for 100 houses on the same site but planning officers will recommend that this is also refused.