Residents hail a great victory

Now conservationists who have been fighting the plans believe the six-acre site off Pentylands Lane is safe for at least 10 years.

The hearing in the High Court was the end of a long-running battle between the developer, Swindon Council, and local residents.

Developer Taylor Woodrow wanted the court to overturn a ruling by John Prescott, the Deputy Prime Minister, to uphold Swindon Council's decision to refuse planning permission.

The plans were referred to Mr Prescott whose remit as Deputy Prime Minister includes planning by an inspector because of a technicality.

Although the land is earmarked for development in the current local plan, it is not included in the new draft plan.

The Pentylands scheme was bitterly opposed by many people in Highworth.

The fields contain a diverse array of flora and fauna, including ancient hedgerows, have never been ploughed and the footpath running through them is used by hundreds of walkers each week.

Four years ago, residents formed the Pentylands Preservation Trust to save the area from the bulldozers.

Norman Edwards, chairman of the group, said: "It has been a long battle, and this is a victory for common sense and democracy.

"We are delighted that the High Court has at last confirmed these fields are not suitable for housing.

"We have had support from hundreds of Highworth residents in fighting this development.

"Because the land is no longer in the local plan for development, we believe the fields are safe for 10 ten years at least."

The original plans were submitted by Wilcon Homes, which has since been taken over by Taylor Woodrow.

The site was sold to Wilcon by two Highworth churches St Michael's Church and the United Reformed Church for £3.8 million in 2001.

The decision to sell the land was controversial, but the churches said the money was needed to ensure their long-term survival.

A spokesperson for Taylor Woodrow said it had yet to decide what to do with the land.