Controversial plans for 700 homes on a former golf course that ecologists have said is a haven for nature have moved forward.
About 200 protestors turned up to a Swindon Borough Council meeting on Wednesday where councillors voted to move the plans for Highworth's former golf course to its next stage, where more details will be drawn up.
The Council says 46% of the land will be retained for public open space, and a nature reserve.
However, local campaigners and the town council created a business plan for it to be turned entirely into a nature park, and said the development would be "catastrophic".
The golf course closed and became an open space for nature to flourish and local people to enjoy in 2019.
The land is council-owned and has been since the 1970s.
Swindon Borough Council was looking at three options: 700 homes with a nature reserve, 400 homes with a nature reserve or reserving the site entirely for a nature park.
Officers had recommended the larger number of homes as it would help meet affordable housing needs and provide more return for taxpayers.
Campaigners say the area has also become an important, accessible open space for the local community.
Local resident Robin Clegg said the space is used by more than 500 people a day and that more than 4,500 signed a petition previously to keep the site as it is.
"I've seen heron, owls, snakes, many different flowers. Surveys have shown there's over 300 different flora and fauna on the site," added Mr Clegg, adding that having the open space available is good for people's health.
Councillor Julie Murphy, mayor and member of Highworth Town Council, highlighted how an ecologist's report commissioned by the borough council said the area was a unique and important place for people and nature.
She added the council "appreciate" affordable housing is a "necessity", but new developments with an element of affordable housing are already planned for Highworth.
