PLANS to build a small estate at Bowerhill in Melksham were expected to be given the go-ahead last night, despite objections from local residents.

An application by Persimmon Homes (Wessex) Ltd to build 13 homes at Bowerhill Farm was due to go before West Wiltshire District Council last night.

The developer hopes to demolish existing outbuildings around an 18th century grade II listed farmhouse to make way for the new homes.

The proposal has attracted protests from people living nearby and from Melksham Without Parish Council.

The parish council has recommended that the application be refused on grounds including the erosion of a rural buffer zone, and inappropriate development that will destroy the character of the area.

Objections have also been raised to the proposed access road to the houses, leading on to the A365, which the council considers to be dangerous.

In its submission to district council planning officers the council said: "The access to Wellington Drive, a few yards further down this road, was closed off many years ago due to it being a safety hazard.

"The A365 is far busier now than when Wellington Drive was closed."

The Highways Authority has not raised any objections to the principle of the access road.

The planning officer's report to the district council says the development is considered to be sympathetic to the surroundings and would be allowed under the Draft District Plan.

The report recommends that councillors agree planning permission can be granted, subject to 22 conditions.