GAZETTE & HERALD: THE possible development of quarters for guests at Quemerford House caused angry residents to speak out at Calne Town Council's development control committee meeting last week.

Residents are now keeping an eye on district council agendas to make their feelings known again, according to Coun Ellie Bland.

Coun Bland, who attended the committee meeting as a resident, said around eight people spoke against the proposals. She was also of the opinion the nearby A4 could not take more traffic and more junctions.

"We have fulfilled, as a town, our quota of houses until 2010. We don't need any more," she said.

Coun John Ireland, who voted against planning permission, said the development may be the first of many.

"It's a listed building, it's an architectural gem and unfortunately the present owner wants to develop it.

"The lake in the grounds is full of very diverse wildlife and in there are European listed species which it is an offence to disturb."

He said if permission was granted to build he feared all the gardens could be developed.

Marc Willis, managing director of the developers Willis and Co, wanted to reassure people a ditch at the bottom of Quemerford House garden, where there are great-crested newts, would not be touched.

"The site where the building will be is totally occupied by a tin garden shed and a brick garden shed," he said.

Chairman of the town council's development control committee, Coun Tom Briggs, said he abstained from the vote because he did not agree with his colleagues' decision.

"They (councillors) are thinking it will be a guest house for people to rent out rather than for friends and family."

The town council's committee voted 7-0 against with two abstentions.