THE approval of 250 new homes next to a busy Highworth road could be overturned if the town' s council succeeds in its effort to 'call in' the decision.

Councillors representing Highworth unanimously agreed to request for the approval of the sizeable development to be flagged up with the secretary of state for housing, communities and local government.

If the higher planning authority agrees with the concerns raised about Gladman Developments' new estate, Swindon Borough Council's green light for the project could be switched to red.

Coun Julie Murphy and Coun Kim Barber put together a statement outlining why they feel the outline planning application is a "cause for serious concern" which they feel should be stopped in its tracks.

Their statement read: "The construction of a large freestanding suburban housing estate on the outskirts of a small market town raises serious concerns about it conflicting with national policies on important matters and having significant effects beyond the immediate locality.

"Highworth Town Council considers that the protection of the countryside and the promotion of road safety are of national importance, while the volume and movement of traffic will have serious consequences on the road network serving the Borough and beyond."

They feel the "considerable objection from local residents" were not given enough weight when deciding whether the plans should be approved.

These objections included safety fears about the amount of traffic the housing would add to an already-busy road which does not have a full pavement, serves two schools, often narrows into one lane due to cars parked on either side, and could soon serve other smaller new housing estates which are seeking planning permission.

This safety issue prompted the developer to promise an extension of the footpath along the road and a new light-controlled crossing.

Other concerns related to the farmland not being earmarked for development in the borough's local plan, that the large estate would creep outside Highworth's settlement boundary.

It is argued that the increase in traffic would cause congestion, increase exhaust emissions from vehicles stuck in queues at peak times, and have a knock-on effect on traffic in the nearby village of Sevenhampton which is already used as a 'rat run'.

Swindon Borough Council passed the motion to approve the outline plan by eight votes to three after the motion to refuse fell three votes to seven with two abstentions.

Highworth Town Council sent off its call-in request to the secretary of state last month but has not yet received a response. If it is accepted, there will be a hearing.