WORK on building over 200 new homes in Warminster could begin as early as April, say developers.

Redrow Homes was granted permission to build 203 new homes at Tascroft Rise, between Victoria Road and the A36, in July 2016 to the dismay of residents in nearby estates, who are worried about an increase in heavy goods vehicles filling their streets.

The application has received nearly 150 objection letters on Wiltshire Council’s website, many of which raise concerns over the access to the site, through the already congested cul-de-sacs to the west of the town.

Warminster councillor Rob Fryer said: “I don’t think anyone is happy about this.

“We now have to hope that a temporary track can be built for heavy goods vehicles carrying materials because residents in that area of the town are very concerned about lorries passing their homes as the development takes shape.

“It’s such a shame that we will be losing that green space; it seems like there is no end to these developments being given the green light in Warminster and further afield.

“I know there’s a need for more housing across the country but it really is sad to see."

A separate planning application for a similar number of houses next to the Redrow development, submitted by Persimmon Homes, is currently being discussed by Wiltshire Council's planning committee.

Persimmon's plans include the provision of a new access road to the site to take pressure off the housing estates adjacent to the development, but that road will not be built until Persimmon's application is granted.

A Redrow Homes spokesman said: “We hope to be onsite to start work in April or May but we cannot give any exact dates until the pre-commencement conditions are released.

“The Redrow team has worked closely with officers and key stakeholders to evolve a development layout which meets the housing needs of the community and addresses issues raised throughout the planning process.

“We remain committed to building quality, and much-needed, new homes in Warminster and understand there are strong feelings within the local community. We will continue to listen to and engage with residents in the area at each stage of the development.”

The full plans can be viewed by searching 14/06562/FUL on Wiltshire Council's planning portal.