PLANS drawn up to pinpoint potential new housing sites in Chippenham include part of a graveyard, reputedly for plague victims, and the private garden of a Grade II listed house.

North Wiltshire District Council is conducting an urban capacity study to find out where new houses could be built in the next ten years, in an effort to protect greenfield sites.

But already a consultation document drawing up ideas has come under fire.

Consultants Chesterton Plc and Jon Rowland Urban Design looked at the ten urban areas in the district, including Chippenham, Calne and Corsham, as part of the preparations for the next Local Plan.

But one of the sites pinpointed in the study is a piece of the graveyard by St Andrew's Church in Chippenham, and the town council have lodged objections.

"This graveyard is the only quiet green space within the shopping centre of the town," councillors Ross Henning and Bill Wood said in a report.

"There is no vehicular access to the site from a public road."

They said housing would spoil the setting of the church and the conservation area.

"This is part of the graveyard and I want assurances this will not be considered any further," said Coun Maureen Lloyd, at a meeting of the Chippenham area committee on Monday.

Another controversial site mentioned in the consultation document is the large garden of The Grove in St Mary Street.

But the town council opposed this saying new housing would spoil the appearance of the river valley and the character of St Mary Street.

Peter Horner, the owner of The Grove, said he was amazed to find out his garden had even been considered for housing development.

"I knew nothing about it," he said. "I was told the river area was completely safe from development and a protected area. This is a Grade II listed house. I am flabbergasted the study should even think about it."