VILLAGERS in Wroughton turned out in force to lobby against a number of green field sites put forward for major development.

More than 100 people packed out the Ellendune Community Centre with residents eager to make their voices heard in the borough council’s obligatory strategic housing and economic land availability assessment.

Sites at Blackhorse Farm, Bassett Down, the field adjacent to Brimble Hill and all but one of the sites in the area of outstanding natural beauty around Thorney Park, Langton Park and Overtown were removed from the assessment after being deemed unsuitable for development.

Councillors Brian Ford and Cathy Martyn have pledged to villagers to get the remaining site, next to Alexandra Park on AONB land, off the table.

Gary Sumner, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for strategic planning, said: “The previously-identified sites at Langton Park and Overtown have been rejected through the assessment as they do not accord with current Government guidance in respect of demonstrating exceptional circumstances in the public interest.”

But the council is hopeful land adjacent to Prospect Hospice could take on more housing, if the hospice were also to be developed.

“The land at Prospect Hospice has been gifted from a private landowner to the hospice and two other national charities,” explained councillor Sumner.

“The hospice would like to improve its facilities by way of a new hospice, funded by enabling residential development on part of this land. The hospice has signalled its wish to engage with the parish, the borough council and the wider community as the plans develop.”

Chairman of Wroughton Parish Council John Hewer added: “The meeting was very calm and constructive, over 100 residents attended.”

There are also sites already included in the current Neighbourhood Plan, such as the land allocated to the White Horse Federation school, where more housing is currently under discussion between the two authorities.

“The parish council and residents will be involved in that process,” added Mr Hewer.

“Councillors are absolutely determined that any such development should address the traffic congestion and parking issues.”

An updated map showing the sites will be put on to borough council’s website next week. Those deemed to be deliverable and sustainable to the village will be considered at a review of the local plan, expected to take place in June.