RESIDENTS in a Wiltshire village could see their community increased by up to 15 new homes if a series of planning applications get the go-ahead.

Developments, planned for Codford near Warminster, would see homes built on two former allotment sites.

Codford farmer Josh Stratton and developers FPD Savills are due to lodge an application for the Church Lane allotment site in the next week or so. They hope to build eight houses in the village, close to the ANZAC War Grave Cemetery.

The proposal is for a mix of eight two, three and four bedroom houses.

Seven will have gardens backing onto Beanis Path with one smaller thatched property to the south of the listed cottages.

The land is currently owned by Mr Stratton, a third generation farmer, and has been in his family for 80 years.

Mr Stratton said: "We have tried to provide a range of properties, starting from affordable two-bedroom cottages, to attract a range of buyers. We've gone for a very high quality of design.

"I may build the houses myself, I haven't decided yet. We have been working at getting permission for 15 years or so.

"It took a while to get the layout of the plan agreed within village policy limits. It's been a long process."

Wiltshire Rural Housing Association is also hoping to build two pairs of semi-detached houses and one pair of bungalows on the old allotment site in Cherry Orchard.

A completely new sewerage system will be installed to accommodate all the properties in Cherry Orchard with costs divided between the housing associations and householders.

WRHA director Gill Shell said more houses could also be built on the site as part of a partnership with West Wilts Housing Association.

She said: "The houses will be environmentally friendly with solar panel heating and adaptable roof space so extensions can be added above."

District council planning officers will evaluate three further sites in Codford.

These have been identified for Hastoe Housing Association who plan to build another small development for local people to rent or part buy.