BEHIND the clipped hedges and neat front gardens in the peaceful village of Codford, a war has been waging over a controversial planning application.

There have been accusations of impropriety and a lack of transparency in how the parish council has dealt with plans to build affordable homes in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

The council met on Tuesday night and finally decided to offer an apology to a villager who had spoken out against the proposal.

Policeman Andy Fee had previously asked the parish council to clarify how they selected a piece of land in Green Lane, which is just behind his own house in Quinton Place, to be developed for affordable local housing.

The land at the centre of the debate belongs to parish councillor Maurice Cole.

When Mr Fee did not receive what he believed to be a satisfactory answer, he accused the parish council of a lack of transparency.

What Mr Fee did not expect to happen was for his employers to be informed, in writing, of his allegations - by the parish council.

Cllr David Peters said: "I was personally affronted, I believe I am always honest with my dealings and to have my integrity questioned in that way was deeply hurtful."

In a letter to Martin Richards, Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police, Codford Parish Council alleged that Mr Fee had accused them of impropriety and asked for their advice on what he had said.

Wiltshire Constabulary replied by saying Mr Fee had done nothing wrong and the matter happened outside work.

Mr Fee argues that he did not say the parish council was dishonest and the council breached his human rights to a private life outside work by writing to his employer about something unrelated to his profession.

A number of other residents of Quinton Place turned up at Tuesday's parish council meeting to argue against the handling of the Green Lane site selection.

Parish council chairman Romy Wyeth admitted unintentional mistakes had been made but defended the parish council against claims they were underhand in any way. The council decided it would ask Mr Fee to confirm that he was not questioning their integrity and would apologise to him for being heavy-handed in contacting his employer.

Annie Pursey, Mr Fee's fianc, said: "I think for the sake of living in the village things needed to be resolved but at the same time Andy was not at fault."

  • West Wiltshire District Council's planning committee was due to debate the plan for 10 homes on land next to Quinton Place at a meeting last night. For