LOCAL people have been overruled yet again on an issue concerning Swindon's future, it has been claimed.

Coun Ian Dobie, the deputy leader at Swindon Council, has accused the Government of ignoring residents' views over plans for Coate.

His comments come after leader Mike Bawden welcomed news plans for a university campus and 1,800 homes on the site has been backed by the Government following a report by an independent panel.

Coun Dobie said: "It is of great concern the views of councillors, parishes and people count for so little with this Labour Government.

"Yet again a major decision affecting the people of Swindon has been decided in Whitehall."

The scheme has been adopted for the local council's structure plan. It will still be subjected to a detailed planning application and may be called in by the Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott.

Jean Saunders, of the Save Coate campaign, a main player in the bid to block the plans, has criticised senior councillors for the stance they have taken.

"I am pointing the finger of blame for this latest development at Coun Mike Bawden and his party," she said.

"I find these remarks disgusting. How can Coun Dobie come out with these comments when his party have been behind the plans for a university from the outset?"

About 12,000 signatures against the proposals have been collected.

Mrs Saunders added: "We are all for a new university campus but not here. The town centre is the place to have it. We are genuinely concerned about the future for this area and the impact that any development will have on the wildlife."

Retired farmer Dennis Eatwell, 72, has lived in Day House Lane, which overlooks the proposed site, since 1976.

Mr Eatwell (pictured), who regularly walks in the countryside around Coate, said: "I wouldn't like to see the university come here."

Alan Hayward, the co-ordinator for Swindon Civic Trust an independent organisation that looks at planning and environmental issues who is also a spokesman for Swindon Forest Protection Group, said development on Coate would be bad news for the town.

"Coate is a major asset. If it goes the town will be a lot less appealing to businesses," he said.