COUNCILLORS in Warminster have vowed to contest plans for 20-flats in the town.

Grimson Properties has submitted an outline planning application to West Wiltshire District Council to demolish two houses and build flats at numbers 67 and 69 Victoria Road.

Residents packed into Dewey House for a meeting of Warminster Town Council's planning committee on Monday to air their views. The Rev Alison Wadsworth said: "This is totally and absolutely out of character with this area."

She said the development would exacerbate the traffic problems, particularly with cars coming out of Beacon View and Saxons Acre.

Anthony Perry, of Saxons Acre, said it was hard for people to cross Victoria Road already and more flats would lead to increased problems for mothers with children and elderly people.

Jeanette Bullen, of Ruskin Drive, said the retirement homes at the back of the property would be severely overlooked if the development were given the green light.

She said: "We moved there because it was going to be quiet and peaceful."

Alan Chapman, of Beacon View, was worried about being overlooked and did not believe 20 parking spaces would be enough for 20 flats.

Cllr John Syme said: "I am reminded of a film I saw called A Bridge Too Far this is an application too far."

He said the development would have an adverse impact on the character of the area, overlook neighbouring properties and add to traffic problems. He said access and parking spaces were insufficient and there was a lack of public open space for residents as the garden would be too small.

Cllr Martin Baker said: "Any concept to build an edifice as this is an outrage and I will fight it every inch of the way." Cllr Andrew Davis wondered whether there was enough support underground in terms of sewerage and water supplies to support the flats.

The council recommended the application be rejected and passed on Cllr Syme's comments to the district council, including the fact there is a public right of way next to the development.

Richard Hutchison, managing director of Grimson Properties, said: "We are quite relaxed about the situation if people feel strongly then so be it and it is up to the committee to decide. "We don't want to get into a conflict with anyone."