The developers behind a bid to build 220 homes north of Westbury have promised to reconsider their designs, after residents expressed concerns at the plans.

AMEC consultants presented plans for the estate at a two-day public consultation last week, on behalf of landowner the Gloucester Land Company, and pledged to re-evaluate aspects in the face of opposition.


The scheme would see land off the A350 to the north of the town used for a collection of homes and apartments, with 30 per cent guaranteed as affordable housing.

Speaking at the meeting last Friday, consultant James Shuttleworth said: “We’ve had a lot of feedback, which was mostly well-balanced.

“Most people don’t want it because it’s in their back yard, but some do  understand why we need more homes, and there are people that have been coming in recognising the need for growth.”

Around 130 people attended the consultation, with many citing flooding and traffic congestion as the major concerns.

John Hall from AMEC said: “There was very little support for the flats at the bottom of the site, so we are going to have to think about that, and we’re also looking again at the way in which we deal with affordable housing.
“Now we will go away and take stock, and come up with a design that reflects what the local people have told us.

“I would like the redesign to be done in the next fortnight; as there is an opportunity for us to go back and present to the town council before the end of the month.”

Westbury West councillor Russell Hawker, who attended the consultation, said: “One of the features I like is that it is on a sustainable site, and it also includes open spaces for kids to kick a ball about or play cricket.

“I am aware that there is some opposition to it and people are right to express their views, but this will not come down to the numbers who
object, but the weight of the argument.”