PASSIONS ran high when protesters confronted North Wiltshire District Council in the battle to protect Corsham from a 600-home development.

But district councillors voted in support of the plans at a meeting in Chippenham's Neeld Hall.

The outline application for about 600 houses, public open space, a local centre and nature conservation area was submitted by the Ministry of Defence, Bryant Homes and Persimmon Homes for a 33-hectare plot at Pockeredge Farm and Peel Circus, to the west of the town.

A Government planning inspector in 1995 had decided the area should be allocated for residential development, in the emerging Local Plan.

Coun Peter Davis said the ruling meant they had no choice but to approve the plan. "We have not succeeded in maintaining the size of the town as we would like it, but we will get considerable investment in the town," he said.

Corsham residents turned out in force at the meeting and refused to share councillors' acceptance that the development could not be refused.

"You're a lot of sheep being led to the slaughter," said Doreen Stevenson. "I find it totally disgraceful."

Patrick Gulliford, of the Corsham West Residents' Association, told the meeting a poll of residents had indicated overwhelmingly that Corsham people did not want the development as they were afraid the huge population swell would swamp schools and doctors' surgeries.

David Bowen Jones contested the claim that a refusal was not possible, saying recent planning policy guidance gave them greater freedom to consider the needs of the local population. Afterwards he also criticised Coun Ruth Coleman for knitting during the meeting, suggesting it indicated disrespect for the serious nature of the issue.

"Like Madame Lafarge she knits while Corsham faces the guillotine," he said.

But Mrs Coleman said: "If he had listened to my intervention at the meeting he would have been aware I take the issue seriously.

"I have been knitting at meetings for more than 30 years and not only does it keep my family and friends well supplied with garments but I find it very calming."

Members decided by 27 votes to four in favour of an amended resolution to delegate the matter to the head of development control to work out a planning agreement, and that the Secretary of State be consulted on the application, saying the district council was minded to grant permission.

The amendment means the Corsham Local Plans Working Group, made up of town, district and county councillors, will be consulted throughout negotiations.

The plan includes a number of benefits for Corsham, including the designation of an area for building shops, a nature area, 100 affordable homes, funding for buses, pedestrian and cycle links, and £252,000 towards a new railway station.

Developers would also contribute £30,000 towards extending surgeries and allocate land for a community facility.

Coun Christine Crisp said she was concerned the plans were unclear whether the land would be given or would have to be paid for when the hall was built.

But protesters vowed to fight on in a bid to halt the development. "We'll be writing to the Secretary of State with our objections," said Mr Gulliford. "We will resist this application to the end."