BRITISH Telecom looks set to get permission to demolish the former repeater station in London Road in Marlborough to make way for a homes scheme despite opposition from Kennet councillors.

BT says the old repeater station has been made obsolete by modern digital telecom technology and is no longer needed to boost signals for long distance calls between London and the west country.

Members of Kennet planning committee were of the opinion that the site should be retained for employment purposes, a view that was not supported by their officers or by Marlborough Town Council.

The town council said it would be happy to see the old three storey building demolished and replaced with homes as long as they did not exceed two storeys.

Two neighbours have sent letters of objection saying they fear their homes and gardens will be overlooked by the proposed new residential properties

BT refused to accept the Kennet member's view that the site should be retained for employment use and asked the planning B sub committee which meets today to consider its application as submitted.

Officers have recommended the BT plan be approved. They say the London Road site was never used for employment purposes.

"As the site is within the limits of development of the town, the principle of redevelopment for residential purposes is acceptable," their report says.

The application is in outline form only at this stage and BT's agents have not stated how many homes it is intended to build on the site.