Royal Wootton Bassett residents have spoken out about plans to build more than 1,000 new homes in the town and councillors say the message is clear: "We don't want it".

Major development plans include 1,340 new homes as well as a new school, full daycare nursery, six hectares of employment land and a park and ride facility.

It is part of Wiltshire Council's Local Plan - the framework for future development.

But Councillor Nic Puntis, who spoke to locals attending an outreach event on Thursday, October 12, 2023, described a “feeling of strong opposition to the location of development sites.”

He said the public consultation held at Royal Wootton Bassett’s library was well attended by residents wanting to voice their opposition to the plans.

“I just hope as many people as possible respond to the consultation,” the councillor added.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Plans for just two of the four sites chosen for development.Plans for just two of the four sites chosen for development. (Image: Wiltshire Council)

Dave Gardiner, who lives in Royal Wootton Bassett, described a “huge concern from the vast majority of residents” about the current drafted plan.

“It’s vital that if we are to accommodate housing that will increase the town’s population by between 20 to 25 per cent, that the essential infrastructure is designed before the housing, and not left to chance as appears to be the case with the current draft plan,” he said.

"All these homes and not a single bank in the town," added Phillip Burdekin in a comment on the community's Facebook group.

"I think I read that a park and ride was mentioned; presumably so people can be given a lift to a bank somewhere, Swindon perhaps."

Rachael Aplin said: "It is very disappointing to see this. The town will not only be overrun with new developments with little amenities, but also cars. The majority of households today have two cars, some even three. 

"I hope we all come out in our masses to object these plans."

But it seems not all residents are against the development plan.

Adrian John German, who also attended the public consultation on Friday, said: “I don’t want any more houses in Royal Wootton Bassett. But we have to realise that the population is growing and we have to find homes.

“I think Wiltshire Council have done a fantastic job with their plan. The staff who I spoke to were wonderful and knowledgeable, and we need to support this plan or the alternative could be far worse.”