CHISELDON Parish Council has voted unanimously to reject two areas identified as possible sites to built hundreds of homes on.

The council met on Monday to give its verdict on three sites identified as part of Swindon Borough Council's Strategic and Housing Economic Land Availability Assessment.

Villagers organised an opposition campaign after a meeting with the borough council suggested building up to 600 homes on a site off New Road.

An online petition collected more than 1,500 signatures and residents have been sending in comments to the council.

The plans were controversial for proposing to build on land designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and for being on The Ridgeway, one of Britain's oldest roads.

A spokesperson for the campaign said: "People visit an AONB location for the sense of escapism and a stress-free environment. There are many visitors to our area who want to experience and enjoy the wildlife, environment, scenery and sense of freedom.

"This is of huge importance to the existing community and to a range of different social groups including ramblers, cyclists, wildlife groups, schools and community visits. "

Proposals for 70 homes on Hodson Road won by 10 votes against five.