Residents campaigning against a development that could use small residential roads in Warminster as access points have received support from the MP for South West Wiltshire.
Andrew Murrison is pressing Wiltshire Council to insist that developers make alternative arrangements for access to building land to the west of St Andrews Road, where the proposed 212 dwellings will be built.
The MP, who has visited the site with local residents and councillors, said: “The developers with an interest in this substantial development need to be working together to ensure disruption to the lives of residents is minimised.
“I see no evidence of them doing so and hope that the council will ensure they are not allowed to ride roughshod over people.”
Residents, who believe that Victoria Road should be used for the access road instead, have been campaigning since plans were presented at a public consultation in January.
They have put together a petition and held several car parking protests, where they parked in St Andrews Road to make access difficult.
Sandra George, of St Andrews Road, has been heading the campaign.
She said: “I am delighted. It is good he is on our side.
“We are still hopeful that they will find another access point off Victoria Road.”
The plans were submitted to Wiltshire Council by Redrow Homes Ltd in July, but a decision has yet to be made.
The MP has also voiced concerns over the extent of housing envisaged and said: “Whilst there is undoubtedly local housing need, I do not see the employment opportunities implied by the type and extent of the build proposed.
“Jobs will be accessed in Bristol, Bath and Swindon and in the future increasingly along the M4 corridor and the Bournemouth/Poole conurbation. I am not satisfied that this is being adequately reflected in the core planning process. Unless it is, Warminster will assume the character of a dormitory town with more road misery on the creaking A350 and A36.”
Dr Murrison plans to ask Communities Minister Eric Pickles to intervene if a satisfactory resolution is not achieved soon.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here