A CONTROVERSIAL bid to build up to 600 homes on protected countryside near Chiseldon has pushed locals to start a campaign group to stop it in its tracks.

People living in the village have set up a community group to block early-stage plans to build on the North Wessex Downs, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The shock announcement was made to residents at a strategic housing meeting with Swindon Borough Council.

Mark Spreckley, a forest school leader that takes children from Swindon into the countryside, said: “People were not just shocked, they were absolutely livid.

"The council is sending out the wrong message.

“It’s got very strong historical connections, and another thing is that its good for your mental and physical health.

“It’s useful for giving kids the opportunity to experience the countryside.”

The site sits between New Road and The Ridgeway, part of an ancient 87-mile route that connects archaeological monuments along the Wessex Downs to Avebury, and is considered Britain’s oldest road.

Chiseldon resident of more than 30 years, Greg Winters, who brought along a Swindon Advertiser cutting of community opposition of a development by Allied Dunbar in the same area in 1987, told the Adver: “My argument then is exactly the same as it is now.

"That it’s a ridiculous amount of housing, it won’t be a village any more. People want the village life. Another 600 houses would absolutely ruin it.

“Why spoil it, at the moment if we can fight it and not have it spoilt, so lets fight it.”

And Catherine Henderson added: “Once the precedent is set who knows when it will stop. The countryside will not be there for our children and grandchildren and it will gradually get eroded.

"People have got to live somewhere but we have got to be clever about it.”

Councillor Gary Sumner, the council’s cabinet member for strategic planning, said: “This particular site was submitted by a private landowner and was considered on the basis that development in the AONB may be viable if it offers significant public benefits.

“On a small part of the site, an application to build 30 homes has been submitted and is yet to be determined by the council.

"However, the council cannot stop landowners from proceeding with applications.

“I am always happy to speak to residents who have concerns, but it’s important to stress that although the process identifies potential sites which could be included in the Local Plan, that does not mean they will be included or, indeed, that they would get consent.

"Exclusion of a site does not mean the landowner cannot submit an application.

“We are currently reviewing residents’ comments and will take these into account when making a decision.”