A DECISION on whether to build over 100 homes in Wroughton now lies with the Secretary of State after a planning inquiry was held this week.

Both the council and developers Hannick Homes put their cases forward to the Planning Inspectorate over the proposals to build 103 new homes at Marlborough Road in the village.

At the inquiry, held over three days at the Civic Offices, inspector Neil Pope heard how the planning row started in 2015 when the application was first submitted.

Swindon Borough Council and Wroughton Parish Council both rejected the proposals as well as residents living in the area – many attending the inquiry. The plans were initially rejected as they fell outside land set aside for housing in the Local Plan.

Richard Harwood, who was representing the council, told the inspector if approved, the plans would pose a danger to motorists and pedestrians.

“Visibility is already poor and the introduction of a busy junction along that road will cause a lot of confusion,” he said.

“The local community has chosen to take on two times more housing than the borough requires and they have already made a great contribution to the social and economic needs for housing.”

Under the scheme, 30 per cent of the houses would be affordable but in order to gain access to the fields behind Marlborough Road, homes in The Old Bakery would have to be demolished.

Others who spoke at the inquiry included a number of Wroughton parish councillors, speaking as residents, including chairman Stephen Harcourt. All raised concerns over how if approved, the plans could pose a threat to Wroughton’s Neighbourhood Plan which was formally adopted in July last year.

Representing Hannick Homes, Peter Goatley, outlined in his opening statement that the application was the second of its kind in reference to the site but believed the developers had addressed the council’s previous concerns.

“The council have fallen short of the five year housing supply,” he added. “It is as important as it is serious.

“This proposal is one which is a sustainable development.”

The inspector will now write a report to inform the Secretary of State who is due to make a decision within weeks.