THE wait to find out if 58 houses will be built on the former Westbury Hospital has been prolonged yet again, after the decision was deferred at a meeting on Wednesday (August 10).

Wiltshire Council planners delayed the decision, 18 months in the making, so they could visit the site before making up their minds.

The idea for a site visit came from Westbury councillor Gordon King, who has fought the scheme since it was announced.

Speaking in the meeting, he said: “Living in Westbury, you can’t help but feel under siege at the moment.

“Applications keep on getting approved and public services are dwindling. There’s also a poor retail choice and if you want to get your child into a reception class – forget it.

“Currently, Westbury is not a sustainable community, and that will only worsen if this is approved.

“We know that there is a problem with housing supply but Westbury should not have to carry the full burden.

“The residential roads in that area of the town are very narrow and traffic is a real issue throughout the whole town.

“58 houses is simply too much when it does not provide a benefit to the town. You should defer your decision for consideration.”

Cllr King’s proposal was seconded by Cllr Magnus Macdonald.

Five councillors agreed with the recommendation and five opposed it, before chairman Cllr Christopher Newbury made the deciding vote, sticking with his original stance to opt for a site visit.

Westbury town councillor David Tout, who chose to represent himself as a resident, spoke in favour of the houses.

He said: “It has been a very long and weary process to arrive at this meeting today. This is a very contentious application, but to refuse it would be a 100 per cent U-turn by Wiltshire Council, and I therefore support it.”

Town Cllr Ian Cunningham and Erica Watson, chairman of the Sensible Thinking on Patients (STOP) group, both spoke in opposition.

After the meeting, Mrs Watson said: “Overall it was a good outcome as we were expecting it to be approved.

“We’re glad that the committee listened to the points we made before making their decision.

“As far as I’m aware, members of the public will not be allowed to speak at the next meeting as it has been deferred, but we are still happy with today’s decision regardless of that.

“We will continue to protest to get the best possible outcome for Westbury.”

It is not yet known when the site visit will be held.