HOUSING developers are mounting a second attempt to build beside a war graveyard in what villagers are calling an 'act of vandalism'.

The first bid to build nine houses in Codford was rejected last year by West Wiltshire District Council over fears the development would spoil the tranquility of the neighbouring Anzac war graves.

The cemetery is the final resting place for 31 dead Australian soldiers, 66 from New Zealand and two fallen British men who died in the First World War.

Relatives have since inundated parish councillors with written support after the housing threat was highlighted in three Australian newspapers in January.

Now property agent FPD Savills, which is responsible for the application, has launched an appeal against the council's decision made in December and villagers are preparing to fight again.

David Shaw, chairman of Codford and Parish British Legion, said: "It would be sacrilege and an act of vandalism to put those houses so close to the graveyard.

"We have hundreds of Australians visiting the graves every year

and every single one of them praise how peaceful and tranquil this corner of the countryside is.

"The graves and cross of sacrifice are not being developed on but we have serious objections to the proximity of the houses and the access road which would damage the special ambience of the graveyard."

Over 15 letters from angry relatives in Australia and New Zealand have been sent to Codford Parish Council chairman, Romy Wyeth and will now be used as evidence of the level of opposition against the housing project.

She said: "We have been collecting evidence and will be submitting our opposition to the appeals inspectorate and will be backed up by letters from Australians supporting us.

"The Anzac war graves should remain a place of tranquillity and we have a lot of evidence and backing that will be submitted at the appeal.

"We have been expecting the developers to make an appeal for some time."

The land south of Beanis path, adjacent to the Anzac war graves, currently serves the village as allotments.

Landowner Josh Stratton has refused to speak to the press over the application for appeal.

FPD Savills was also unavailable for comment.