An application by developers Linden Homes to remove a proposed pedestrian crossing at a new large housing estate has drawn outraged objections.

The developer has written to Swindon Borough Council to request permission to drop the requirement for a crossing of Swindon Road at the 100-house development its building on land at Berkeley Farm.

It says its plans for a 'tactile crossing' at the entrance to the site have been deemed sufficient by a council Highways officer, and a pedestrian crossing of Swindon road is not needed for safety purposes, as had been conditioned in granting outline permission for the scheme by the Planning Inspector after an appeal.

Residents have written to the council to differ.

One said: "The addition of 100 houses at Berkeley Farm will result in a significant increase in the number of cars on this stretch of road. In addition, we can expect an increase too in the number of pedestrians wishing to cross the road. Many of these pedestrians are likely to be children. This makes the provision of a pedestrian crossing, as specified in the original plan, absolutely essential, and I'm disappointed that the developer is even considering removing it from the development. Presumably their motive is to save money, and one can't help wondering what they'll propose to delete next (the play area perhaps?) I object most strongly."Another wrote: "To remove the crossing is ridiculous and I would hope SBC will be asking the Secretary Of State to relook at this as the original proposal is now changing. Maybe enforcement action to have the site demolished if they can't deliver what was originally approved."

Comments can be made on the application via the council's website up to Tuesday October 2.