Views sought over plans to turn stadium into homes

The Abbey Stadium will host its final greyhound racing meeting in December

Residents are being asked for their views on plans to turn a speedway and greyhound racing venue into homes and a community space.

Abbey Stadium in Swindon, home to the town's speedway team until 2020, will host its final greyhound racing meeting on 30 December, owner Gaming International announced in March.

There are two separate planning applications for the land at Lady Lane. Legal & General has proposed 130 new homes, while Gaming International has proposed a community hub with food and retail units, sports facilities and workspaces.

A joint public consultation has been launched and will close on 8 May, with an in-person exhibition event to take place on 30 April at Blunsdon Village Hall.

The two applications are supported by a shared masterplan.

Legal & General said the 130 homes would be comprised of 96 houses and 34 apartments, including a mix of one and two-bedroom flats, and two, three, and four-bedroom homes.

Gaming International's proposal is to redevelop the land into The Abbey Community Hub.

Clarke Osborne, chairman of Gaming International, said: "We are keen to hear what potential leisure/sport uses local residents would like to see included on the site and we look forward to working with the community to maximise the positive impact of potential employment opportunities and significant investment into Swindon."

Those unable to attend the event at Blunsdon Village Hall can submit feedback online.

The companies said they would consider feedback, alongside technical reports and surveys, and respond to any issues before submitting planning applications to Swindon Borough Council around late spring or early summer.