GAZETTE & HERALD: FINISHING touches to controversial plans for 44 new homes on land behind a Chippenham primary school were due to be discussed by district councillors last night.

Bristol-based developer Wimpey has outline permission to build on a 1.3 hectare site near Charter Primary School at Pewsham, land which was intended for use as additional playing fields.

The properties will range from two bedroom terraced houses to five bedroom detached properties, and will include 13 low cost homes.

The plans were given the green light in March 2002 and the new application is to resolve matters including siting, design, external appearance, landscaping and access.

So far, 21 neighbours have written to North Wiltshire District Council complaining about increased traffic, access problems, loss of open space, loss of privacy, drainage and the working hours on site.

The parish council has also objected to the proposal, saying the affordable housing needs to be spread out rather than grouped together.

A revised plan has been submitted to address concerns regarding positioning of garages, communal parking and orientation of several of the plots.

Simon Smith, North Wiltshire District Council's case officer, has recommended the scheme for approval.

In a report to the council's development control committee, he said the scheme was appropriate to its location in Pewsham Way. "The remaining minor concerns regarding layout would not justify a reason for refusal," he said.