Southern plan submitted

Front Garden building scheme sets out proposals for another 4,500 homes

Housing developer Bryant Homes has lodged its formal planning application to develop the Front Garden area of Swindon, 309 hectares running alongside the M4 between Old Town, West Swindon.

Every house in Swindon should have received a newsletter giving details of the project including a plan showing how the land will be used.

The proposals include up to 4,500 and sites for employment, schools, shopping, community use and open spaces. There will also be a new southern relief road and 1,000 space park and ride scheme, close to a site for a railway station. Thirty per cent of homes will be affordable housing and nearly half the site has been earmarked for green space. A major feature will be a restored route for the Wilts and Berks.

"We'll now examine the application very carefully and consult widely before formally considering it," said council leader Sue Bates.

"The principle of development has been established through the adoption of the Wiltshire Structure Plan. But the council will ensure the submitted details add up to proposals for a town extension designed to the highest standards and meeting environmental and transport concerns."

Every resident within the application site has been notified by letter as have a further 1,600 householders who live within 100 metres of the application boundary. Central government has also been advised of the applicationšs receipt.

A master plan and technical information, including an environmental impact assessment, support the application. There is an exhibition of the application in Premier House, Station Road, between 9am and 5.30pm Mondays to Fridays.

If the project proceeds, Swindon Council will benefit by many millions of pounds as the council owns most of the land where the development will take place.