Training stables belonging to one of Wiltshire's leading racehorse trainers are set to be doubled in size despite concerns from councillors.

Stan Mellor has been given permission to increase the number of stables at his Pollardstown Racing Stables in Foxhill near Lyneham by 32, taking the number up to 60.

He will be able to provide more accommodation for staff with a six-bed hostel and two-bed bungalow in his existing yard.

And he has been given the go-ahead to create a stores building, a trainer's house and racing office and another six-bed hostel and two-bed bungalow in a second yard.

The plans were agreed at a meeting of Swindon Council's planning committee last night subject to an agreement being reached with the developer about issues such as traffic considerations.

Local residents are worried building work will mean heavier traffic using the country lanes near the stables and the parish council has objected that the scheme would lead to more vehicles in a rural area. Councillors at the meeting also raised concerns other livery stables in the area might follow in Mr Mellor's footsteps, re-naming themselves racing yards and seeking permission for building work.

But the council accepted its officers' opinions that the scheme would not detract from the character of the area and should be given approval. They also agreed with Mr Mellor that he had to provide staff accommodation because none was available elsewhere in the area.