The very first steps in moves to build up to 190 houses on farmland between Swindon and Highworth have been taken.

Developers Castlewood Commercial Properties have asked planners at Swindon Borough Council for a "screening opinion" - a ruling on whether they would have to make an environmental impact assessment with any formal application - on a proposed development at Catsbrain Farm, near the South Marston industrial estate.

The site of 6.5 hectares is to the north and west of the roundabout junction Kingsdown Road and Highworth Road, and is bound to the north by Kingsdown Lane and to the west by Fitzwarren House.

The report to planners says the development would be: a nixed residential scheme comprising a mix of house sizes and types, including one and two bed apartments, and two, three and four bed houses with a maximum three storey height for the apartment blocks."

The developers also intend to provide a small convenience store , a children's play area, seating and picnic areas and a trim trail as well as community allotments.