Wiltshire homes plan approved following appeal

Plans for 700 homes at Ridgeway Farm near Swindon have been approved following an appeal.

Wiltshire Council previously rejected proposals for the site over concerns about increased traffic and the effect on the countryside.

Developer Taylor Wimpey appealed and said the council did not decide within the legal time limit.

It was discussed at an inquiry and sent to Communities Secretary Eric Pickles who approved the application.

Mr Pickles said he was satisfied the proposed development is in a suitable location.

A spokesperson from Taylor Wimpey said: "Taylor Wimpey is delighted that the secretary of state has agreed with the inspector's decision to grant planning permission for the Ridgeway Farm development.

"We look forward to working with the local authority developing this scheme, including the provision of a new primary school, affordable housing and highway improvements."

A Wiltshire Council spokesman said the authority was disappointed and said: "We will consider if there are any implications from this decision for the future delivery of housing in Wiltshire."