Controversial homes plan to be decided

The application said the development could have a 'positive impact' on the 'public realm of the town' by providing improved pedestrian and cycle routes

A controversial proposal for more than 250 homes to be built alongside a railway line in Swindon will be decided on Tuesday.

Swindon Borough Council’s planning officers recommended approval of the 260 homes at Newburn Sidings, despite hundreds of objections.

Development company One Swindon want permission for up to 262 buildings and land for other uses, such as a convenience store or a cycle hub and cafe.

More than 500 people wrote to the council about the plan, nearly all of them objecting, citing concerns over wildlife and an increase in traffic.

The proposal is for brownfield land between Rodbourne Road and Wootton Bassett Road.

Originally the plan was for up to 360 houses, but after a long period of consultation, the application lodged had revised the number of flats and houses down to 262.

The plans show houses and flats in a narrow development to the south of the railway land, with houses to the northern end of the development and three blocks of flats at the southern end, which are set amongst green open spaces and woodland.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported many who objected raised concerns about the increase of traffic into the nearby road system, as well as concerns over wildlife which had made the woodland along the railway something of a nature reserve.

Planning officers recommended committee members give the scheme the green light and said: “Development should only be prevented or refused on highway grounds if there would be a significant unacceptable impact on highway safety.

“There are clearly identified negative ecological, arboricultural and landscape impacts."

The committee will meet on Tuesday evening at the Civic Offices in Euclid Street.