Rejected plans to turn old hotel into flats appealed

The plans would make homes for 22 people

A developer is appealing after its plan to turn a former hotel into housing was turned down by Swindon Borough Council.

Brett Invest Ltd wants to convert the old Regent Hotel into two five-bedroom shared apartments and 12 flats.

The council said it would support the plans if the developer put £14,000 into improving local infrastructure but the company was not willing to make the payment.

Planning permission was refused and now Brett Invest is appealing, arguing that it should not have to make a contribution for such a small development.

The disused building is on Victoria Road near the centre of Swindon.

The developer's plan would turn it into accommodation for 22 people, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

'Only reason for refusal'

When Swindon Borough Council looked at the application last year it said Brett Invest would have to put up money as a section 106 agreement, to spend on things like local parks, public sports facilities and allotments.

Brett Invest has now appealed to the government planning inspector. It claims that there are enough local parks and outdoor sports facilities within 1.5km of the site (0.93 miles).

It argues that the decision should be overturned and claims the off site contribution was the "only reason for refusal" and was "not necessary to make the development acceptable".

The company has also applied for its costs to be paid.

The borough council will make its argument in writing, no date has been set for a decision.

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