RESIDENTS have reacted with anger after plans to build houses on land adjacent to Croft Road were put back into motion.

A planning application for 62 homes to be built on grass land off Ambrose Road was submitted by developer Taylor Wimpey in May 2014 but was subsequently withdrawn in March 2015

But a consultation period has now been announced to get resident’s thoughts on the proposed development and Anthea Hilson, who lives in nearby Linley Close said she has grave concerns about the plans for the land

“We kind of crossed our fingers and hoped last time that this would be the end of it but a big developer like Taylor Wimpey doesn’t give up,” she said.

“This patch of land is not designated as something which can be built upon in the local plan.

“This protest is not simply because we don’t want homes. It is not viable in any sense.

“There are so many reasons, that patch of land absorbs water from the south side of Old Town and if there are houses there we will have no protection against flood water

“Years ago we used to have wild deer grazing on the land and if that green corridor is built upon there will be nowhere safe for wildlife to go.

“We’re already concerned about levels of traffic and 62 new homes will bring in at least 100 cars.”

In an information leaflet a Taylor Wimpey spokesman said: “Since this time Taylor Wimpey has worked closely with officers at Swindon Borough Council and the Council’s Design Review Panel to agree on an improved masterplan.”

This would include boosting the council’s short-term land supply, building 62 new homes including affordable housing, a new pedestrian link into the adjacent Wichelstowe Country Park and new public space and recreational areas.

A petition has been launched to protest the development with south Swindon MP Robert Buckland, Councillor Claire Ellis, (Con,Old Town) and resident Nick Burns-Howell getting on board.

Councillor Ellis called the situation ‘a nightmare’.

“We have had a resident’s meeting and there is a great deal of concern among everyone at the thought this could really happen,” she said.

“It is a bit of a nightmare, if I’m honest. How can they want to build something where there is so much public objection?

“People are concerned about the sewage problem, the land is marshy and they are concerned about the traffic which will snarl up Croft Road.

“This is not part of the local plan and should not be allowed to happen.”

Residents in the surrounding area have leafletted and will be lodging their concerns with the developer.

The developer are asking for comments on the proposed development. Please send any feedback by February 17 to jean.moloney@bartonwillmore.co.uk

To sign the petition visit change.org/p/swindon-borough-council-petition-to-stop-the-proposed-development-off-ambrose-road