After the plans were first lodged in August 2024, Councillor Gavin Grant claimed the proposal by Hollins Strategic Land to build the homes on land off Sherston Road would 'destroy' what makes the town 'so special'. And back in March, the council's strategic planning committee rejected the application, despite a recommendation from the council's own planning department that permission should be granted. Unfortunately, we are not in that position - we are lacking a five-year land supply,” the case officer said. Councillor Ernie Clark said he was as 'sick and tired' of feeling pressured to approve plans because of this lack of supply. The then-chairman of the strategic planning committee Councillor Howard Greenman agreed that he did not want councillors to be 'swayed by the fear of costs and appeals'.