30158/5A CRUNCH meeting to decide the fate of the Hilperton Gap ended in a stalemate on Friday. Over 300 people turned up to a special meeting of West Wiltshire District Council's planning committee at the Civic Hall, Trowbridge.

Councillors decided to look again at the possibility of relieving traffic through Hilperton village by building a new road on another route.

The issue of whether or not developer Persimmon Homes or anyone else should be allowed to build a 1.1km road through the green open space known as the Hilperton Gap has divided the village of Hilperton, with a poll of villagers revealing almost a 50/50 split between those in favour of and those against the road.

People living on Hill Street and Church Street have been campaigning for many years for a road to relieve the traffic problems they have been facing.

John Stangroome, of Hill Street, said: "With the traffic coming up there, you step out of your front door and it nearly blows the clothes off your back and it is getting worse.

"If you live on Hill Street or Church Street the quality of life has deteriorated considerably. It is a health hazard."

The roads through the village are used by heavy traffic including HGVs and, as many homes are directly on the pavement, lorries are passing within feet of front doors.

The Friends of Hilperton Gap argue that, although a road is needed, a different route should be considered.

The group has put forward an alternative route to the north of the village, which could eventually link up with a bigger bypass taking in Staverton, Holt, Trowbridge and Bradford on Avon.

They argue the Gap road will simply displace traffic problems and will eventually lead to housing development on the remaining land.

Speaking after the meeting on behalf of FOHG, Cllr Steve Oldrieve, one of several councillors who have been barred by council rules from taking part in the planning process, said: "The committee's deferral of a decision gives the opportunity to look at

viable solutions to the traffic issues on the east side of Trowbridge and the FOHG will support this." In the current District Plan housing development is not permitted on the land, but this plan is due to be reviewed in 2011.

Trowbridge mayor Grace Hill said: "I believe there will be houses built if the road is built, I do not see how that will not happen."

The fact councillors have been advised not to attend meetings because they are considered to have an 'interest' in the application has dismayed many villagers and some fellow councillors.

Five of the 12 members of Hilperton Parish Council were not granted special dispensation by West Wiltshire District Council so were effectively barred from taking part in the debate.

Jacqui Clark, of Trowbridge Road, whose district and parish councillor husband Ernie is affected by the advice, said: "It is nothing short of a disgrace. Local people feel completely disenfranchised."