DEVELOPERS are seeking permission to build 50 homes in Alderbury for a second time.

Longford Estates has proposed a redevelopment scheme for the village, including up to 50 houses in land off Firs Road, associated parking, a relocated guide hut, a new preschool building and extending the land of primary school playing fields.

An inquiry was launched on Tuesday, after the developers were initially refused planning permission earlier this year.

While developers believe the project will benefit the village, residents have voiced concerns regarding traffic, the environment and amenities already in place.

Barrister Scott Lyness, on behalf of the developers, told the inquiry the scheme should be valued as a “positive and long-term contribution to Alderbury” and an “opportunity to help the villagers”.

But Zack Simons, on behalf of the local planning authority and Wiltshire Council, argued against the appeal, and said the plans would cause “overdevelopment beyond the requirements of a large village,”.

On Tuesday associated parties also had the opportunity to give their perspective on the proposal, including the chairman of Alderbury Parish Council, Elaine Hartford, who rejected the appeal.

She said the scheme would lead to “traffic movements causing air pollution in the village and along the A36, which is already overstretched, more flooding, loss of amenity land, and loss of the wildlife habitat,” adding: “Alderbury does not have the infrastructure to support such a large development .”

Echoing main points raised by Wiltshire Council, councillor Richard Britton said the scheme was not enough of a “community-wide benefit”, adding: “I would have liked to have seen a much smaller scale development in line with the rate of growth in the village.”

Closing statements are set to take place this morning (Thursday, November 15).

The planning application number is 17/04001/OUT.