REVELATIONS of a land-swap deal in Westbury were discussed with David Thornton, managing director of Persimmon Homes (Wessex), at Monday's town council meeting.

Persimmon hope to purchase six acres of land at Redlands lane and two-and a-half acres at Penleigh in return for providing sporting facilities at an unconfirmed site in Westbury Leigh.

The developer hopes to use the land to build 100 new homes in addition to the 800 they already have planning permission for at their Westbury Leigh site.

In answer to concerns voiced by Cllr Eli Manasseh, Mr Thornton said that no existing play facilities for younger children would be sacrificed for new sports pitches.

Mr Thornton confirmed that Persimmon has been approached by several sports groups with regard to setting up a charity commission for the supervision of new facilities.

It was revealed that the developer has already concluded talks with Matravers School, landowners of the Redlands site.

Nigel Gilhespy, headteacher at Matravers, said: "For us there is a very clear benefit. Most importantly it will allow us to enhance the facilities on our existing site. "

West Wiltshire District Council, which owns the land at Penleigh, held a private meeting on Monday.

Its recommendation will not be made public until after a policy meeting in December.

A planning application is expected to be submitted in the New Year.