Fields used for grazing horses on the edge of Swindon will become the site for houses if planners’ recommendations are accepted by councillors.

Swindon Borough Council’s planning committee will meet on Tuesday to discuss the proposal by Kingsman Estates to build 43 houses on the fields just off the A4019 Cricklade Road, immediately to the east of the Cold Harbour junction with the A419.

But some are very worried by the impact on an already very busy road junction.

The application has been ‘called in’ to the planning committee by Blunsdon Parish Council - but planners at Euclid Street are in favour of it going ahead.

The report to councillors says: “The proposed development would provide market and affordable housing to meet the Borough’s housing requirement.

The housing would be well located within the village given its proximity to the primary school and bus stop, although the bus service is limited. Of the 43 dwellings 30 per cent would be affordable housing, this is considered a significant benefit.”

The planning officers also tell councillors that they need to think about whether a refusal to grant permission would be defensible if the developers appeal against the decision. The report says the decision on these houses, while it should be made on its own merit, should be taken in light of a successful appeal against a refusal for permission at Hill Cottage in Blunsdon.

But not everyone agrees.

Steven Tomlin who lives in Stanton Fitzwarren, said: “I know there is a desperate need for housing, Blunsdon as a village has taken a massive hit in recent times. Not only will this take away more green fields but add to the horrendous traffic problem created by development upon development in Blunsdon. With the A419 gridlocked most mornings the “rat run” is to come off at Blunsdon through Stanton Fitzwarren through South Marston and Wanborough. In the evening any time after 4 pm there is so much traffic through Blunsdon hitting the A419 junction, drivers are now coming off the B4009 at Sams Lane onto The High Street up Ermin Street, just so that they have priority at the mini roundabout by The Cold Harbour. This development will only add to this problem."

Blunsdon Parish Council even says the planning inspector’s decision on Hill Cottage weighs against this development, It says: “The inspector’s ‘balance argument’ for the Hill House development said that residents would “rely on Swindon for their services and… drive to them".

"If this proposal uses that decision, 22-23 trips equates to over 100 metres of extra traffic along a road that is severely over capacity.

"The B4019 can’t cope with existing traffic.”

The planning committee meets at 6pm on Tuesday at the civic offices in Euclid Street. The public may attend.