PLANS are being made to make sure people living on Pathfinder Way in Bowerhill will be able to get to and from their homes once work starts on 213 new houses nearby - as that is likely to lead to closure of part of the road.

Local councillors have met housebuilders Taylor Wimpey, who were hoping to be granted final permission yesterday (Thursday) for the development, to make sure residents’ access is maintained, and to talk about creating links between the new homes and the Bowerhill community.

Parish clerk Teresa Strange said: “The meeting was held to discuss the proposed closure of Pathfinder Way while the new homes are being built by the company.”

Taylor Wimpey has put in a reserved matters application to Wiltshire Council, having bought the land with outline planning permission for homes.

The number of new houses proposed has been reduced from 235 to 213, because the company’s plans also include space for a primary school with an early years nursery and open areas. The school land would be transferred to Wiltshire Council once the services and roads are in place.

Wiltshire Council has also asked for land to be made available to extend the primary school later on, if required. This land will also be transferred to the council, with a caveat that if the school is not extended within ten years, it can revert back to the developers.

The councils are keen to integrate the estate with neighbouring developments and have asked for footpaths to link the homes to the school and to the proposed Bellway housing estate on land to the east of Semington Road, as well as to Birch Grove and the shops and facilities at Bowerhill.

Mrs Strange added: “Wiltshire Council officers want to integrate the old and new developments to create a cohesive community.”

Up to 20 per cent of the new homes will be for affordable and social housing and 23 open market two-bedroomed homes will also be aimed at younger buyers.

Taylor Wimpey is hoping to start work this autumn on the roads, with the new homes being built in the second half of next year.

Some of the trees on Pathfinder Way would be cut down in order to create the access road to the new estate. Councillors have asked for them to be replaced elsewhere.