A PLANNING application has been submitted for a huge development in Malmesbury which could see the creation of more than 200 new homes in the town.

Persimmon Homes has registered a revised application with Wiltshire Council for 231 new houses after a detailed application in July last year was unsuccessful.

The new application, for land at Backbridge Farm, includes plans for a public open space and the potential for the expansion of Malmesbury Primary School.

Alterations included in the new plan cover an increase in the number of three bed affordable houses in line with recommendations from the council’s affordable housing officer, a realignment of the main access route following an archaeological evaluation and a footpath to facilitate a more direct access to the adjacent Dyson factory.

The site is covered in Malmesbury’s Neighbourhood Plan (NP), a key factor which will decide the outcome of the application after its principles were upheld in the decision to refuse planning for 71 homes at Gleeson’s proposed Filands development in July.

However the NP, which accommodates the building of 270 new houses in Malmesbury by 2026, only allows for 170 new houses at Backbridge Farm – 61 short of Persimmon’s application.

Roger Budgen, chair of planning on Malmesbury Town Council, said: “It’s disappointing to note that the revised plans come in with the same number of houses.

“We would have expected the developer to have taken notice from comments form a wide range of organisations and people who were also disappointed at that number as it will put increased pressure on services.

Roger added that the town council’s environment and planning committee will meet at 7pm on Tuesday, September 12 to discuss the application.

“This is an opportunity to get it right and not present problems to the town and residents in future years”, he said.

Persimmon has been approached for comment.