SURVEY work is under way on a proposed site for 50 new homes near Lydiard Park as councillors prepare to fight for the best deal possible for the land.

Two public consultations have been held for the area, which would offer 40 per cent affordable housing. And owners of the land Taylor Wimpey have pledged to give 89 per cent, which cannot be built on, to Lydiard Millicent Parish Council to use as it sees fit.

Exploratory works at the site began last week.

A spokesman for Taylor Wimpey said: “We will be undertaking some trial trenching and site investigation surveys in order to assist us in our understanding of the site as we finalise our planning application.

“This survey work has been agreed in advance with Wiltshire Council and forms a necessary part of our pre-application information gathering for the scheme.

“These investigations are purely exploratory and will take place in the field closest to Tewkesbury Way. The work will take approximately three weeks to complete.

"Whilst these works are underway, we will ensure that public rights of way remain open and unaffected. Environmental monitoring will then continue at weekly intervals following the initial investigations.”

The surveys are expected to conclude by August 10 ahead of the outline planning application being submitted by the end of the summer. While local councillors still oppose the scheme, they have urged pragmatism considering the site is within the borders of Wiltshire.

Coun Tim Swinyard, (Con, Lydiard and Freshbrook), said: "While I warn caution, I do so as this in in Wiltshire's borders and this is not the first time we have faced such a dilemma.

"That being said, I cannot imagine a Planning Inspector in the country who would let housing be built not only so close to historic land and buildings, but right in the sight of it.

"We need everyone who cares deeply for Lydiard to work together to oppose this development. While we want the best deal should they somehow get permission, we are wholeheartedly against this and we need as much support as possible."