Wiltshire councillors have approved an outline plan for 45 homes in Burbage despite parish council concerns about whether more housing is needed.

Coun Stuart Wheeler asked for the application to be brought before Wiltshire Council’s planning committee meeting at Devizes Corn Exchange on Thursday, because of the disquiet felt by the parish council.

The scheme, submitted by Persimmon Homes, is to build the houses on an area of green field land outside the limits of development in the Kennet Local Plan.

The land is at the southern end of the High Street to the north of Seymour Pond. The footpath running through it would be retained as a “green corridor” through the estate.

Dane Godwin, for the developers, said an exit poll following a public meeting in the village on January 9 found 20 people in favour of the plan and only seven against. He said 18 of the 45 homes would be affordable.

But Burbage Parish Council chairman Steve Colling said: “The parish council narrowly agreed by six votes to four to approve with conditions this application. But the question remains, is there a need for more houses in Burbage?

“We agree it is the most appropriate location for housing but building outside the village’s limits of development is a concern.”

Mr Colling said it would bring another 45 to 60 vehicles into the area.

He said: “We’re not saying ‘not in my back yard’ but we don’t want a ghetto that won’t fit in with the rest of the village.”

Councillors agreed a condition that ownership of Seymour Pond would be transferred to the council.