Drivers heading to and from Swindon might need to be aware that a speed limit could be about to change.

Developer BDW South West has permission to build an estate of up to 250 houses on green fields to the north west of Shrivenham Road, just south of Highworth.

Its detailed application on design and layout is still awaiting a decision – but it has already been established that access to the estate will be from Shrivenham Road.

One of the conditions of permission demands: “Details of a scheme to manage vehicle speed on the B4000 on the southern approach to the Highworth built-up area shall be submitted to and approved:  in order o facilitate safe access to the development site on foot and by car

That scheme has now been submitted to planning officers.

It proposes to extend the 30mph zone which comes into force on the southern edge of the hilltop town further south past the junction with the new development,  and then create a new 40mph transitional zone before the highway reverts to the national speed limit which exists for that stretch of the highway now.

A decision has not yet been taken.