PPROPOSALS for an affordable housing development that has split Minety residents have been given a unanimous go ahead by planners despite claims that the wrong site has been chosen.

Wiltshire Rural Housing Association’s scheme for 10 houses on a field next to the Old Inn at Upper Minety, had sparked accusations of NIMBYism in the run up to last week’s Northern Area Planning Committee.

Objectors claimed the site was not sustainable because it was not near village facilities including the school, that it would increase danger at the nearby junction between Crossing Lane and Flisteridge Lane and that there were other more suitable sites.

“We believe in affordable housing but it must be on the best site,” said resident Charles Cook.

He explained the site had flooded twice in the last six years and that it had been ruled out by council planners for development back in 1989.

But Jonathan Joyce said his three children had left the village when they grew up because they could not afford homes there.

“I approve of the housing,” he said. “It will help young people who would like to stay and live in the village.”

Minety Parish Council chairman Graham Thorne said there was nowhere in Minety that was close to all the few amenties.

The road between the two settlements was safe he said, the T junction was not dangerous and the site had suffered less flooding than other parts of the village.”

There was also a lot of support from people in Upper Minety. “They feel the area becoming a dormitory village for retired professionals.”

The number of people seeking affordable housing had increased markedly in recent years. “If they wish to live in the village where they were born, brought up or work, then they should be able to.”

Highways officer Roger Witt confirmed there had been no injury accidents recorded at the junction in the past 10 years.

Cllr Simon Killane pointed to the struggle village schools faced to fill places. “This is a real opportunity for the people of this area to bring back some diversity and life into their community.”

Cllr Toby Sturgis added that a critical factor in site selection was availability.

The committee voted to delegate to a planning officer to grant permission subject to conditions.