Melksham Without Parish Council has voted to oppose plans to build a new estate on land north of Bowerhill, following a heated public meeting.

The council’s planning committee met on Monday at Christie Miller Sports Centre, where members of the public heard developer Mactaggart and Mickel’s plans for the 255-home development off Pathfinder Way.

Residents at the meeting raised fears over increased traffic congestion and pressure on schools and medical services, as well as the loss of the buffer of land between Melksham and Bowerhill.

Josephine Mister, of The Spa said: “The density of the houses is much too much for that area.” The committee voted unanimously to oppose the plans, and urged residents to write to Wiltshire Council with their objections.