Cottages close to housing development could be knocked down

Southleaze Farm cottages could be demolished under council plans

Some of the last remaining rural buildings near a major Swindon housing developments could be demolished.

Derelict cottages at Southleaze Farm were once earmarked for a community centre accompanying thousands of new homes in Wichelstowe.

But they have now been declared unsafe by Swindon Borough in Council after becoming a magnet for vandals.

The local authority faces opposition from inside its own offices over fears a non-designated “heritage asset” would be lost of it knocks them down.

In an application to its own planning department, the council said: “The buildings are unoccupied and have been subject to vandalism, arson and unlawful entry.

“The resulting damage of the fire has caused the roof structure to collapse rendering the buildings unsafe and beyond economic repair.”

New homes next to the Wilts & Berks Canal in Wichelstowe

“The existing grassed areas, trees and hedges are to remain untouched by the works.”

Rights of way passing the site have been closed to prevent public access to the site, with fencing stopping walkers getting near any demolition work.

In response to the plan, the council’s conservation officer wrote: “The building, despite the assertion by the submitted heritage statement to the contrary, would meet the criteria as a building of local interest and would be defined as a non-designated ‘heritage asset’.

“The proposal to demolish the asset would result in total loss of significance and thus harm of the highest degree.

'No benefits'

“The proposed loss of the asset appears to being sought for its own sake rather than in conjunction with any identifiable public benefits. The proposal for demolition would therefore represent the loss of a heritage asset.

“There are no identifiable public benefits and the proposal would not represent sustainable development.”

Hundreds of new homes are being build nearby as part of the Orchards estate in Wichelstowe, close to the M4 motorway.

Local sources said the only old buildings still standing in the area are Westlecott Farm Cottages, situated on a track between East Wichel and Old Town.