Plans for a controversial 17-house development in Luckington have been recommended for refusal by North Wiltshire District Council officers.

Angry villagers objecting to the scheme submitted 33 letters of objection to the council.

Their arguments included issues such as the development's impact on the landscape and worries about an increase in street parking.

But 26 residents supported the application because they felt it would sustain the village as a balanced community.

The parish council supported the application.

Reviewing the case, planning officers said the land at Southend House, on the Street, Luckington, is included in the village conservation area.

They felt building the houses on this site would extend urban development to the south of Luckington, and erode the village's rural setting.

The district council previously refused outline applications for houses on this site.

But it was resolved to grant approval at the Development Control Committee in October 2003, subject to improving the design and layout of the scheme.

Members of the district council's development control committee will vote on the application on January 26.

The meeting takes place in the Council Offices, in Monkton Park, Chippenham at 6pm.