WORK on a 98-home development on the former GEC factory site in Melksham could start in May if final planning permission is granted.

Sarah Foster, planning and development surveyor for JS Bloor, which was given outline planning permission to develop the Beanacre Road site in October, said work should start in about three months.

Speaking at a Melksham Town Council meeting on Monday, she said: "They would like to start work in May or June but what is being found in the ground is so horrible that there are delays due to contamination."

Melksham Town Council gave its backing to the plans for the 1.4-hectare development at the meeting in the town hall on Monday.

But the council plans to write to West Wiltshire District Council, which has the final say, to request attention is given to safety on the site, storage of wheelie bins, and the building materials used.

Mayor Terri Welch suggested looking into whether a covenant could be passed to make sure bins are stored at the rear of the houses, to keep them out of sight.

As with the rest of the town, each household would have two wheelie bins and a black box for recycling.

Cllr Nick Westbrook said the position of some of the houses close to the main road could present a hazard to children.

He said: "How high are the railings? Will they create a safe barrier for young children coming out of their front door and straight on to a main road?"

Cllr Davina Griffin said she was disappointed with the lack of facilities for residents the £20,000 set aside would pay for just one piece of play equipment.

Town councillors recommended houses on the site are built only from brick or stone.

The plans have left open the potential for access to land earmarked for a new railway station and bus