Page 8 - link magazine

8 The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com

Cracking the code to build first Wichelstowe homes
The last obstacle to the Wichelstowe development was removed in January and house building could begin in a couple of months.
The approval of the design codes between the M4, Old Town and address sustainability and climate lic consultation. “We’ll keep on
for East Wichel paves the way for West Swindon for many years. change. Only 5 per cent of dwell- pushing to get the best out of a bad
housing developers to submit de- Group leader Terry King said ings are to be constructed to deal,” promised Mr King.
tailed planning applications for the there is still great concern about achieve an ‘Excellent’ Eco rating. The draft design codes for Mid-
first houses, close to Croft Road in the ever present risk of flooding, The developers will now submit dle and West Wichel will be sub-
Old Town. These are expected to narrow roads and the high hous- a detailed plan to the council which mitted later this year. For updates:
be available this autumn. ing density, which he says is in- will be followed by a 6 week pub- www.wichelstowe.co.uk
The codes provide clear design compatible with a village concept.
instructions and set the overall He also draws attention to a recent Bath Uni does u-turn away from Coate
quality and character of new hous- report about children living within
ing, public spaces and community 500 metres of a motorway suffer- Despite five years work and protestations by Vice Chancellor Glynis
buildings. ing lasting lung damage. Over half Brakewell that Bath University had to have a campus next to Coate
They were the focus of a last the homes at Wichelstowe will be Water, the University Council has decided to withdraw from the project.
ditch campaign by the Front Gar- closer than this. On offer was free land from hous-
den Action Group who have been Campaigners feel that the plans ing developers but issues about Gov-
trying to block the development should include more measures to ernment funding of higher educa-
tion made its realisation uncertain.
Donald Brunwin, chairman of
Does your existing agent have a
Swindon’s Civic Trust, said that
Landlords!! laid back attitude? Why not try us? they were relieved at the reprieve.
“On the other hand, we are acutely
We are an independent family owned and run
estate agency offering over 40 years of combined aware that Swindon needs more
property experience in Wootton Bassett, Purton, local higher education and we are
Lyneham, Swindon and surrounding villages. calling on Swindon Council to look
• Only 9% pcm for our Full Property Management again at the original plans for a
service. town centre university facility.” Hands off Coate. Youngsters protesting
• Competitive one off fee for our Introduction Only Redrow and Persimmon Homes, against the campus idea in 2004
service.
who own the land between Coate Jean Saunders of the Save Coate
• Further discounts on multiple properties & Water and the Great Western Hos- Campaign which attracted 23,000
recommendations.
pital where they want to build 1,800 petition signatures said, “they
• Advertising through the web & local publications
homes and a business park are con- reckon that as long as land is left
• No costs until a tenant has been housed
fident they can attract another uni- for the campus, some other uni-
• 7 days a week viewings
versity to the site. The Swindon versity might take it up. It’s not
Local Plan 2011 specifies a campus quite as straightforward as the de-
www.alanhawkins.co.uk 01793 855222 must be part of any proposal. velopers seem to think.”

www.kingfisher-conservatories.co.uk

1 April 07 8 15/3/07, 2:18 pm