THE long-awaited £10m Semington bypass faces a further delay before a government planning inspector decides whether it can go ahead.

The inspector's approval is all that is needed before work can start.

Highways chiefs at Wiltshire County Council were expecting to hear the decision on Thursday, December 13.

But they were told no decision was being made, as the inspector wanted more detailed information on how noise generated by the bypass would be dealt with.

Tim Jones, the council's highways improvement manager, said: "Early indications reveal that the outcome of the inquiry will not be as conclusive as we would want it to be.

"The principal has been approved, but we have been asked for details on noise mitigation measures around the Lonsdale farm development in Melksham. Until this is resolved, the plans will not be fully approved."

A two-week planning inquiry was held last summer into the scheme, after objections from residents about the proposed route.

The bypass will take six million vehicles a year off the congested A350 that currently runs through Berryfields and Semington.

Mr Jones said the council had been told the objections had been rejected by the inspector.

He said the officers were disappointed about the further delay.

He said: "We're disappointed we were not told earlier, but I'm pleased the principle of the road has been endorsed."

Semington Parish Council chairman Robert Oglesby said: "I will not hold my breath until the first car drives down it. All the money is there, so nothing should be standing in its way. But there is always someone who puts a spanner in the works.

The road will run from a new roundabout on Western Way passing around the rear of the new Avon Technical Products factory at Hampton Park Industrial Estate, crossing the A361 Devizes road and joining the A350 at Hag Hill.

The road will go under the Kennet and Avon canal and over Semington brook and flood plain.