Hundreds sign petition to halt 180 new homes plan

More than 600 signatures have been collected on a petition against plans to build 180 new homes and a medical centre in a Wiltshire town.

Property developers CG Fry & Son previously announced its intention to develop the site on Wenhill Lane, in Calne, ahead of a public consultation which took place earlier this month.

The petition, launched on change.org by local resident Deidre Airey, argued that the area's natural habitat was "now at risk" and that the project would "drastically alter the town's character".

The plans also include a connecting route with the existing Calne-Chippenham cycle path and the installation of bollards to convert parts of Wenhill Lane to pedestrian and cycle use only.

CG Fry & Son has been approached for comment.

In its outline document, CG Fry & Son described the development as comprising "up to 180 residential dwellings of which 30% are proposed as affordable housing for local people".

Also included are plans for a new medical centre, a play space and a viewing point.

The proposals detail development on four fields to the south west of the town centre although one of the fields is intended to remain largely undeveloped to "preserve the setting" of the Grade II*-listed country house Verne Leaze.

In response to the proposals, Ms Airey launched the petition on 4 March, arguing that it would negatively impact the local environment.

"We are very concerned that the wildlife that goes through these fields and down to the river is going to be affected," she said.

"There's been bats noted there, and deer, lots of other wildlife and hedgehogs that are definitely going to be affected and it's an area that is used daily by people to walk their dogs."

She also urged local residents to get involved with the full outline planning application due to be submitted soon.

"It [the development] may change the whole town," she said.

"The petition is to raise awareness and let everyone have their say and be involved and so we can make connections.

"When the planning proposals are put in place, everyone has the opportunity to put their opinions forward and raise objections if they wish to."

CG Fry & Son have been approached for comment.

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