CAMPAIGNERS say they are continuing to remain vigilant after learning that a developer has registered an interest on a plot of land on the Hilperton Gap.

Barratt Homes has taken an option to purchase land north of Middle Lane, which is an indication that it would be interested in building there if planning permission was granted on the land.

Wiltshire Council has not yet made a decision on a planning application for 180 homes submitted by HGT Developments LLP and Framptons Planning. The scheme has been delayed several times, and the last target date for a decision was March 8.

George Bunting, chairman of Hilperton Gap Action Group, said: “We hope that there are now greater grounds to reject the application for homes in the north of the gap as we understand that the five-year housing supply can be met without needing that development.

“But last week surveyors were seen on Middle Lane and the Land Registry have now recorded that Barratt now has an interest in this land, which implies they are planning to submit an application – it’s a warning for the future.

“The Gap is a much valued by local people and if Trowbridge is about to expand as a town it needs green spaces for people to play in.”

Two bulldozers were spotted on the site, on land to the south of Middle Lane, on the Wyke Road side of Elizabeth Way, where the first controversial planning application on the gap was submitted.

Mrs Gwinnell, of Horse Road, Hilperton, said: “Everything has gone a bit quiet lately but it’s important that this is kept in the public knowledge.

“I saw two bulldozers on the site and some estate cars parked at the side, which looked a little bit ominous.

“Maybe it was just innocent but the last thing we want is for them to do something sneaky in the hope nobody will notice.

“The planning application hasn’t been approved yet so we need to keep campaigning to make sure it is refused."

Over 370 letters of objection have been sent to Wiltshire Council since the application was submitted in February last year, many of which raise concerns over the fact the Gap is a natural floodplain and has been a popular recreation area for families for decades.

A Wiltshire Council spokesman said: “The application for up to 180 houses is still pending a decision as there are several significant issues with this application that need to be addressed before a recommendation is made.

“As the land is in agricultural use, operations connected with that use may not require planning permission, but the applicant is aware that any building operations will require planning permission.”