PROPOSALS for a 60-home development in Lydiard Millicent on what residents describe as a ‘wildlife haven’ has been met with anger.

Nearby householders insist it is outside of the county’s planning vision for where building can take place and are determined to stop the development to be known as The Paddocks, on land adjacent to Meadow Springs and The Street.

They have not ruled out holding peaceful protests but in the meantime have organised an open meeting for people to share their views at 6pm on Friday in a marquee behind The Sun Inn. Tory MP for the area James Gray is also expected to attend.

“We are a small village and Lydiard Millicent can’t take it, it’s too big,” said resident Mike Sharp, speaking on behalf of fellow villagers.

Concerns have been voiced off the back of a recent consultation attended by around 140 people and held by the Birmingham based developers Custom Land and Star Planning to get feedback.

In April they submitted outline plans for four homes at land off The Mews, but the application was refused last month. Lydiard Millicent Parish also recommended the plans were rejected as extra traffic would be “detrimental” to the area.

Council planners agreed and turned it down because of the location was outside the Wiltshire Core Strategy and the harm to the landscape would not outweigh the benefits. But the developers will be able to appeal this decision.

Now with the new plans in the pipeline residents are hoping they will also be refused for the same reason, particularly as the land is the home of birds, deer, foxes, badgers and bats.

Mike, 71, who lives with wife of nearly 50 years Catherine, added: “Our school is full and already has problems with traffic and parking at the beginning and end of the school day.

“A development of this size would represent nearly a 10 per cent increase in the size of the community.

“This plan, together with the plan to put 48 houses near Lydiard House, would be the start of the erosion of space in the green area between Swindon and the villages.”

And the retired driving instructor added: "When it was plans for three or fours houses there were 40 letters objecting to them. In my opinion they are an arrogant bunch and just don't seem to care."

Star Planning did not respond to a request for a comment but in the presentation to residents they said: "If, and when, planning a application is to be submitted has not yet been determined by Custom Land. Instead, Custom Land is seeking to engage with the community following the refusal of planning permission for a smaller scheme off The Mews.

"The development is for up to 60 dwellings of different types and sizes, including affordable homes."