RESIDENTS in Blunsdon are waiting on the decision of a planning inspector to see if a controversial 69-home application will be given the go-ahead.

Almost two years ago, Linden Homes put in the proposal for the site on land just north of Ermin Street.

There were a number of objections to the plan, mainly regarding its impact on the surrounding area and the claim enough houses have already been built nearby.

Because a decision had not been reached, the developer took the application to the planning inspector.

Last week a hearing took place at STEAM, where all the relevant parties made their case.

Among them was Ian Jankinson, chairman of Blunsdon St Andrew Parish Council, who said the village would struggle if the development went ahead.

“There are not the school places or the jobs and we only have the village shop, so the people who move in will have to travel out,” he said.

“This would mean around 100 extra cars on the road every day, using the already dreadful junction near the Cold Harbour.

“We now have to hope the inspector listens. A number of residents living nearby spoke at the inquiry so hopefully this will help the inspector.”

In recent years, there have been a number of applications around Blunsdon, with Swindon Borough Council agreeing the village has taken on its fair share.

But Swindon is behind on its target for housebuilding over the next five years, a point made by the developer and with the demand for new homes high, this is likely to play a big part in the thinking of the inspector.

This was the reason a different planning inspector recently allowed a 100-home application at Berkeley Farm in Wroughton to go ahead despite protests from locals and the council.

Ian said: “It was quite depressing listening to the developer make this point again and again. This is an urban application being put in a rural area.

“Although the site is three hectares, the houses will be built on a two hectare space. If it goes ahead it will have a detrimental impact on the land surrounding it.”

Within the initial planning application submitted in 2014, Linden Homes say of the development: “It creates a place with the requirements of people in mind that is distinctive, creating a new community and a high quality built and landscaped environment.

“The development will provide homes for people at all stages of life which could provide the primary attraction for people in the area.”

It is expected the inspector will announce his decision next month.