A BID to call in the approval of 250 new homes in Highworth and potentially have the decision overturned has been rejected.

Highworth’s councillors unanimously agreed to ask the national planning authority to look at Swindon Borough Council’s reasons for giving the green light to the Gladman development on land along Shrivenham Road.

They argued that the new estate was a cause for “serious concern” and had seen “considerable objection from local residents” which they claimed were not given enough weight by the borough when deciding whether the controversial plans should be approved.

Highworth's main issues with the plan revolved around the houses potentially causing traffic problems on an already busy and congested road, making the street with no full pavement less safe for pedestrians - particularly pupils going to and from the two schools - and being built outside Highworth’s settlement boundary.

After sending the letter asking for the call-in in to the secretary of state for housing, communities and local government.in June, the town council faced an anxious wait for a reply.

They have now received a response - but it’s not the one they had hoped for.

In a statement, the council said: “Highworth Town Council is disappointed to report that the Secretary of State did not agree to the call in and therefore the decision notice to approve outline planning can go ahead.

“Although this news is extremely disappointing, we hope that it demonstrates that Highworth will do all they can to resist any development that proves to be detrimental to the town and its residents.

“Please visit the website and click the latest news to view the submitted statement of referral document.”

Though outline planning permission has been granted and there is now no chance of that decision being undone, the developer still has to submit more detailed plans for the borough council’s planning committee to consider.

If these plans and reserved matters are given the green light as well, construction of the new estate can then begin.

To mitigate safety concerns, Gladman promised to extend the footpath on one side of Shrivenham Road and add a new light-controlled crossing.

Swindon Borough Council passed the motion to approve the outline plan by eight votes to three after the bid to refuse the plan fell by three votes to seven with two abstentions.