AN increase in traffic on narrow roads and whether there will be enough GPs and school places to cater for new houses were the concerns of people living in Wroughton as they looked at proposals to expand their village.

Swindon Borough Councils’ cabinet member for strategic infrastructure and planning Gary Sumner and senior officers were on hand to speak to residents at a consultation event on the authority’s draft local plan that would see land allocated for another 600 houses to be built in Wroughton.

After looking at plans Ida Morton said: “You can’t stand in the way of progress, but it’s what comes with the houses that matters. Will there be the doctors and schools?”

Margaret Metcalf and her husband Joe were concerned about traffic, particularly at the south of the village off Marlborough Road.

Mrs Metcalfe said: “That’s a very narrow road at the moment and not big enough. It couldn’t cope with the extra cars.”

Both of Wroughton’s ward councillors, Brian Ford and Cathy Martyn have been open about their concern over and opposition to, the proposals despite being members of the cabinet.

Coun Ford said: “I think this is too much for the village. We’ve taken a lot of houses in Wroughton recently, more than our fair share, I’d say, and this is too big a growth.”

One of the recent housing developments in Wroughton was the Linden Homes estate at the Grange, off Swindon Road.

Coun Sumner pointed out that was only allowed by an appeal, where the borough council’s lack of five-year housing land would have been a factor. He said the local plan would ensure that supply and make it harder for developers to get permission against the wishes of residents and the council.

“There’s a bit of a difference between Wroughton and Highworth, where people have got very used to using the old golf course to walk on and don’t want that to be lost.

"We’re talking about fields here - but people are concerned about ensuring high quality of building and also making sure the infrastructure and facilities are sufficient.”

There is another chance for people living in the village to see the proposals and talk to councillors and officers about them tomorrow.

Coun Martyn said: “This is the last chance for people to have their voice heard during the public consultation.

"We managed to get a couple of sites taken out during the previous consultation. I can’t promise we can do that, but whatever anyone’s views, or even if people have questions, this is the chance to be heard.

"And if this is approved - if - then this is a chance to say what would be needed in terms of facilities.

The free drop-in session is being run at the Ellendune community centre between 9.30 and 11.30am tomorrow.