Following hot on the heels of the plans by Asda Walmart to develop the North Swindon District Centre, a Framework Plan for the next stage of the 10,000 home northern development will be available for public comment between 13 and 17 November (see dates and location below).

The plan covering the area to the north of the Thamesdown Drive extension between Abbey Meads (Lady Lane) and Taw Hill (Purton Road) has been put forward by the North Swindon Development Company as a requirement of the outline planning permission granted by Swindon Borough Council in June 2000.

The Redhouse and Oakhurst Framework Plan develops and interprets the Master Plan, provides detailed design briefs for development areas and offers guidance on residential and commercial development, housing density, highway matters, noise reduction measures, conservation of flora and fauna and open space requirements.

The proposal is one of three Framework Plans covering the 5,500 homes Haydon 3 development area. Unlike other housing areas in Swindon, Haydon 3 will be less suburban and will have more sharply defined planning characteristics.

There will be an urban core with higher density town-like three storey buildings fronting onto streets and squares. A formal area will include streets more akin to boulevards and avenues.

The third part will have a more rural look as it lies close to the extensive site boundary, adjacent to open countryside. Within this area is a major site of special scientific interest (SSSI) where rare green-winged orchids were discovered.

The area will include three primary schools and the North Swindon secondary schools, likely to open in September 2004. Swindon Council is holding a public meeting at Abbey Meads School on Wednesday 15 November, 5.30pm, to hear the council's preferred options within the capital building programme.

Haydon 3 was delayed two years ago after environmentalists successfully persuaded the Government to demand an environmental assessment of the development. As a result it has had to be redesigned to provide more green corridors for wildlife and six hectares of unimproved lowland meadows will be preserved from development. For every farm pond lost, three new ones will be provided for resident great crested newts.

The council's planning committee will consider the plans in detail following public comment and responses from interested bodies. It is anticipated that the first dwellings will be occupied in late 2001, after the Thamesdown Drive extension is completed.

Exhibition dates and times           Location

Monday    13 November,  1pm to 8pm   Abbey Meads School      
Tuesday   14 November, 10am to 5pm   Haydon Wick Parish Offices
Wednesday 15 November,  1pm to 5pm   Haydon Wick Parish Offices
Thursday  16 November,  1pm to 8pm   Haydon Wick Parish Offices
Friday    17 November, 10am to 1pm   Haydon Wick Parish Offices