OPPONENTS of a long-awaited new development in Westbury were last night planning their next move, despite the project getting the green light.

District councillors passed Marshgate Developments' bid to build four shops, 14 homes and 50 car parking spaces in the town's Leigh Park area on Thursday.

The plans have been opposed by Dilton Marsh Parish Council, who fear the village's rural buffer zone will be compromised by the development.

Although they cannot appeal against Thursday's decision, councillors were set to consider alternative action at last night's monthly meeting.

Cllr Alison Irving said: "We were very disappointed with the decision. We understand the needs of the new estate, but we have needs as well which seem to have been superseded."

Westbury councillor and chairman of the Leigh Park Community Centre and Residents' Association Russell Hawker was delighted the development had got the go-ahead.

He said: "We have worked long and hard to persuade the developers and West Wilts planners to change all their plans and to arrange the shops the way they are now designed and approved."