DEVELOPERS aiming to build up to 30 homes on a protected area of natural beauty near Chiseldon changed their plans in a bid to get them approved.

Castlewood Investments Inc owns the site between New Road and the Ridgeway and amended designs for proposed housing after being inundated by objections from neighbours.

However, the revisions may not be enough for some villagers.

Spencer Gee commented: “This is a designated area of outstanding natural beauty and there are no compelling reasons why the development is necessary to support the local community or the borough.

“If additional housing is needed in the borough, there are plenty of other more suitable locations available.

“I would also like to understand what planning process is being followed here. It almost appears to be a war of attrition against the local residents.

“Nothing fundamental has changed from previous applications. There are no significant changes to the development here and the original objections, comments, and decision should stand.”

A spokesman for urban planners Urban Perspective Studio said: “The main thrust of this feedback related to the physical impact of development on the character of the area... as well as practical matters related to drainage, flood risk and traffic movements."

A review of the plans included additional survey work and discussions with key stakeholders.

The area of the development has been reduced from 1.44 hectares to 1.24ha, proposed new access routes from The Ridgeway were removed, more open space would buffer the existing footpath and the foul water pumping station is in a less prominent location.

A new assessment by Cotswold Archaeology "found no overriding archaeological or setting constraints to the proposed development."

Comments about the revised plans will be discussed at the next Chiseldon Parish Council planning committee meeting in September.