PLANS to build 150 homes and two office blocks in Pickwick, which were approved earlier this month, show they could be built just eight metres above a working stone mine, according to a geologist’s report.

Councillors at the northern area planning committee gave the go-ahead for the Redrow Burlington Grange development, near the A4 in Corsham, much to the dismay of members of the Pickwick Association, who commissioned the report.

“We have no problem with development in and around Pickwick – already there are approved plans for over 250 new houses within a few hundred yards of this site,” David Taylor said. “Not only does Corsham not now need these houses – the outline planning permission was given at a time when the council was struggling to fulfil the need – it’s essential that houses are built in the right place. And on top of land already approved by the council for mining is perverse at best.

“We have been told that, for land stability reasons, the acceptable minimum limit is about 17 metres.

“Would you buy a house with a stone mine that close below, in full knowledge that noise and vibration requirements and site stability remain to be determined?”

The application was passed at the meeting on September 6 despite having two uncharged conditions relating to noise and vibration tests that must be resolved before building can take place.

Committee chairman Cllr Tony Trotman said: “This was a reserved matters application, so the plans had already been approved and we were looking at the placement of houses.

“There was nothing wrong with those plans and the builder carries the liability for any environmental issues.

“We are always concerned about how the public feel but it is not always in our remit to refuse something when we don’t have the expertise.”

A spokesman from Redrow said: “Redrow are committed to building quality and much-needed new homes in Corsham and will continue to work with the council to discharge the planning conditions.”