Plans for more than 150 new homes have been labelled a “sprawl” of “boxy houses” on the edge of rural land.

In early July, a reserved matters planning application for 163 new properties on the land at Marshall Road in Devizes was submitted by developers Vistry Homes Ltd.

But the scheme has received criticism from Devizes Town Council, who have backed the development of housing on the site, due to a number of design details.

In a statement read at a recent planning meeting by Richard Ormerod, the Devizes Guardians raised several issues with the plans.

Cllr Ormerod said: “We believe the proposed layout will be a sprawl, with serried ranks of boxy houses and parked cars.

“The layout shows a landscape or habitat belt through the middle of the site, with houses hard up against Sleight Lane at the far end.

“We suggest it would be better to plant this landscape or habitat belt, with its flood balancing pond, alongside Sleight Lane, move the housing to the middle of the site, and conserve the Lane’s leafy, rural character.”

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: The land at Marshall Road

The statement also raised concerns that no attempt had been made to make a feature of the old railway embankment or incorporate footpaths or cycleways along the old railway.

At the meeting, the town council voted to object to the plans, citing several factors including the impact on landscape features and the rural aspect of the area.

Town Cllr Jonathan Hunter added: “We want developers to be conscious of the surroundings that they’re building in and for these developments to be for the benefit of local areas.

“We also want developers to follow the right kind of guidelines.”

Vistry Housing Ltd told this paper the plans would provide a boost to Devizes’ housing supply and that all feedback received will be taken into consideration.

They claim a green infrastructure corridor will be re-introduced to facilitate pedestrian connections and promote ecological objectives.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: The land at Marshall Road

A spokesperson said: “We’re pleased to have submitted our reserved matters planning application for these new homes at Marshall Road, with the site having been granted outline planning permission earlier this year.

“The new development will make a significant contribution to the area’s housing supply and will also enhance and improve existing landscaping and open spaces.

“As is common with all planning applications, we will review feedback from consultees in due course so that we can deliver the best possible outcome.”