IT would appear that Malmesbury’s Neighbourhood Plan is about to be subjected to an even tougher test than it was just a few months ago.

In July, the plan’s principles were upheld as Gleeson had its Filand’s application rejected by Wiltshire Council due to the land being excluded from development.

However the land at Backbridge Farm, where Persimmon has submitted a bid to build 231 homes, has been earmarked as an acceptable site for development.

While the plan only recommends 170 homes be built, Persimmon is optimistic that it will get permission for 61 more - something that ‘disappoints’ the council.

This is, perhaps, disrespectful to the plan.

A lot of people put a lot of effort into, (and it cost a lot of money), surveying the entire town to find the best sites that will fit in with the council’s Core Strategy.

The point of local plans is to find the most sustainable means to meet the demand for new houses; Malmesbury’s is in for a big test.