Calne town councillors have strongly opposed plans to demolish the former petrol station on London Road and replace it with nine homes.

Concerns were raised about the size of the three-storey block of homes proposed for the former Calne Service Station site by members of the town’s development and planning committee on Tuesday last week. Coun Roy Golding said: “We all knew that this was going to be developed at some stage but the scale of the planned development is beyond belief.

“For me, four, maybe five, homes would have been ample there.”

Thirteen residents have written to Wiltshire Council objecting to the development.

Jackie Knowler, owner of the neighbouring Carter Stores, said: “My parents live above the shop and their bathroom, toilet and living room would be overlooked. There is no provision in the plans for privacy or security.”

Councillors also voiced concerns about the access on to the A4 as they voted unanimously against the plan by Comparo Ltd, of Cirencester.