CONCERNS have been raised about plans to build 231 houses in Malmesbury.

Planning permission has been submitted by Persimmon Homes for a proposed 31 acre site situated at Backbridge Farm in Malmesbury, which is currently agricultural fields backing onto the Dyson factory car park.

The site was earmarked in the Malmesbury Neighbourhood Plan but only 170 houses were allocated originally.

Malmesbury Town Councillor and chair of planning and environment committee, Cllr Roger Budgen, has aired concerns over whether the town’s infrastructure can cope with the increase.

“We’re content the site is one of the best sites for development, but there is concern by this significant increase in houses,” he said.

“We will be looking into that and the reasons why they’ve increased the number by 36 per cent.

“Any increase is a concern as to whether primary education in the town can cope.

“Bear in mind we have already had to accept 180 homes at Filands which were shoehorned into the neighbourhood plan at a late stage.”

Wiltshire Council member Cllr Simon Killane believes the plans, which include 40 per cent affordable housing, provide a positive opportunity for Malmesbury.

He said: “There will be a focus on starter homes, as there is a real issue about young people getting on the property ladder.

“The reality is as population grows, the school will have to grow, and with the Dyson expansion, there will be more pressure on school places in a couple of years.”

Malmesbury resident Paul Barton supports the plans. He said: “It’s about time Malmesbury had more housing and an extension to the primary school.

“I feel this town needs more housing and the school does need upgrading so that more students in the area can attend a school in the town instead of being directed to other schools in the area.”

The original plans were put up for public consultation earlier this year, with a revised scheme now submitted by Persimmon Homes.

Richard Briggs, managing director for Persimmon Homes Wessex, says the company will work with the community and Wiltshire Council “to deliver the aspirations identified for the site in the neighbourhood plan”.

He continued: “The proposals include residential dwellings of mixed types and tenures, public access along the adjacent river corridor, an equipped area of play and land for the potential expansion of Malmesbury Primary School.”

A public meeting is to be held by the town council planning and environment committee to discuss the plans on Tuesday, August 9, at Malmesbury town hall at 6pm. Residents will be able to leave comments on the plans until August 18.

For more information on the plans visit wiltshrie.gov.uk and search planning application 16/06401/FUL.