SCORES of residents attended a public exhibition of controversial plans to build more than 50 homes in Highworth.

Taylor Wimpey gained outline planning permission in January for 53 homes, including 16 affordable homes, off Pentylands Lane, after Swindon Council’s refusal was overturned in an inquiry.

The developer is now consulting on a detailed planning application, which includes two, three and four bedroom houses designed around areas of green space.

At yesterday’s exhibition at the Highworth Community Centre, visitors were able to see boards showing various aspects of the development and speak to representatives from Taylor Wimpey.

David Milne, a member of the Friends of Pentylands Country Park, was happy with the design of the houses but was concerned about the proposed access from Pentylands Lane onto Grove Hill.

He said: “There may be a traffic problem on Grove Hill at the top. You can only just about get your car along it at the moment and you’re putting in another 53 houses on it with two car parking spaces.”

Brian Gill, whose home in St Michael’s Avenue borders the development site, said there could be more accidents due to vehicles having to tackle a blind corner as they turn right out of Grove Hill into the development.

He said: “I just fear there’s going to be a terrible accident, especially with increased traffic coming to and from the development site.”

But Michael Collett, 72, of Bydemill Gardens, said: “I feel personally that it’s going to be a benefit to youngsters who need a starter home. There’s so few opportunities in Highworth. That land is of no agricultural use and never has been. It was only used for grazing of horses.”

A spokeswoman for Taylor Wimpey said the development would also see the developer contribute more than £580,000 towards public services and amenities in the town.

Investments would go towards culture and leisure facilities such as the community centre and library services, and improving the town centre. A new footpath is planned to link the development to the Bara Close play area and enhancements would be made to existing recreational pitches.

Improvements would also be made to roads, including new pedestrian crossings with dropped kerbs and tactile pavements near to the site.

The construction is also expected to provide new jobs.

The spokeswoman added: “Access details to the development were approved in the outlined application and have already been considered by the council.”

An application for the detailed plans is due to next month.