PLANS to squeeze 57 homes into a green space near a country park sparked safety fears, traffic concerns and worries about loss of wildlife.

The application submitted on behalf of Southern and Regional Developments suggests building 15 more properties on land near Pentylands Country Park than was agreed upon in Highworth's neighbourhood plan.

The town council fears that the added homes will make some smaller than the suggested standard and remove the buffer zone that keeps them away from the noise of Blackworth Industrial Estate and smell of the nearby sewage works.

Having Pentylands Lane as the only access to the development could prove problematic as it is regularly used by dogwalkers and cyclists going to the country park. Plus, councillors suggested that it would not be able to cope with the 100+ vehicles the new development would add.

And they highlighted a potential flood risk with the drainage plan. The council first raised these issues back in September 2019 but not enough has changed to ease their worries.

Separately, hedgerows that would be removed to widen the lane may affect wildlife in the area, including deer, foxes, hedgehogs, and bats.

Coun Julia Bishop said: "There is simply not enough room for a two-way traffic system, it would be a nightmare.

"I can only see danger in every aspect, and they know that because we discussed it with them and the 57 homes instead of 42 issue when they did the first presentation."

Coun Maureen Penny added: "That traffic coming onto St Michael's Avenue and Grove Hill would be a show-stopper, it would cause so much backlog and the cars and vans ticking over would destroy the atmosphere."

A Claremont Planning spokesman said: "Southern & Regional Developments have demonstrated

that the site can be accessed safely from Pentylands Lane.

"Through the assessment of traffic impacts, it has been identified that off-site highway mitigation toward improving the traffic controlled junction in Highworth Centre will be necessary through a financial contribution.

"The urban design principles advocated by the council is deliverable on site, whilst providing the number of residential dwellings proposed.

"The proposed development will not harm protected species or habitats. The conditioning of the retention of boundary trees / hedgerows and protection during construction is agreed."

Highworth Town Council recommended the plans be refused.