Page 8 - link magazine

8 swindonlink.com • February 2011
Lydiard fi eld should become part of country park say residents

After their success in October at Swindon Council’s planning committee where an application by Primegate Properties (Hook North) Ltd.
to build on the last green fi eld between Grange Park and Lydiard Park was fi rmly turned down, residents on Lydiard Fields Action Group
(LFAG) are now deep into another battle to persuade a planning inspector to reject an appeal.
Land owners Primegate want halgh said the Grange Park site was
permission so that Bovis Homes can different to others in the borough Lydiard Park
build 175 houses, thirty per cent of being considered for housing, for
which will be affordable housing. example at Tadpole Lane. “The key
The eight borough councillors point here is the land on Hook Street
representing wards in West Swindon was never designated as develop-
support the residents, as does South ment land. This is a speculative
Swindon MP Robert Buckland. development and I would urge
David Barnard of the LFAG said everybody to oppose it.”
the objections put clearly at Swin- Councillor Nick Martin said
don’s planning committee remain people in West Swindon and north Hook Street
as strong. “The road network is Wiltshire are worried that Hook
overstretched, as are schools and Street will be the trigger for a further The forum agreed to write
local medical services. Grange Park planning application to Wiltshire to the planning inspector Grange Park
was badly affected by fl ooding from Council for 2,000 houses between expressing objection.
the fi eld three years ago, and we’re the southern edge of Lydiard Park For details on the appeal, go to
very concerned about the impact and the M4. www.planningportal.gov.uk/pcs
on Lydiard Park as a heritage site.”
During the appeal process the de-
velopers have submitted an amend- Oakhurst speaks out against Tadpole Farm homes plan
ed plan for the site, different to the
plan rejected by Swindon Council. Vastly greater traffi c volume, fl ooding and pressure on school places will result if nearly 1,700 homes are
However the planning inspectorate built at Tadpole Farm, north of Oakhurst, Abbey Meads ward councillors and Swindon planning offi cers
will be considering objections to both were told at a public meeting called by Oakhurst Residents’ Association on 11 January.
plans at the same time. Well over a hundred people heard for the area by March, following maintained now, so fl ooding will
At the West Swindon Forum on from strategic planning offi cer Phil detailed discussion with borough take place here and upstream.
10 January, Freshbrook and Grange Smith that the new planning core planners and councillors. Brychan Travers was sceptical that
Park councillor Michael Dickinson strategy for Swindon includes Tad- In December 2009 The Link re- the council would listen to people’s
said, “we are back having to object; pole Farm as a development site (see vealed Crest wanted to build 2,500 opposition. “I just wonder if public
hopefully this time the developers story on page 4). houses, a thousand more than the consultation comments count for
will get the hint – people in West He added that, separately, site previous core strategy proposed. anything. There was no support
Swindon do not want these houses.” owners Crest Homes are expected Negotiations have brought this total for Tadpole Farm in the old core
Fellow councillor Peter Green- to apply for planning permission down to 1,690 and Mr Smith said strategy plan; how much negative
Crest would use a new link road to feedback does the council need
the north east under the A419 via before it changes its view?”
Blunsdon Hill for construction traffi c Coun Vera Tomlinson said she and
and also for the fi rst residents. The colleagues Peter Heaton-Jones and
connection to Oakhurst Way would Peter Stoddart are very concerned
take place at some point in the future. about the Tadpole Farm proposals
Residents’ association secretary and are listening closely to what
Steph Exell, chairing the meeting, people are saying. “We are on your
said there is little time for the com- side as you have elected us to take up
munity. “Swindon Council have your concerns. We are taking down
Rendezvous Special For Two decided that Tadpole Farm is a place all of your comments and we will
to build more houses and Crest will go through them carefully. At the
be applying for permission anyway. end of the day local councillors will
1/4 Aromatic Crispy Duck People will need to make their views oppose the planning application if
OR Barbecue Ribs, Crispy Seaweed & Mini Vegetable Spring Rolls very clear when the core strategy it’s not the right thing.”
Choose 3 Dishes of your choice from our selection: consultations take place and also at In the January Link coun Tom-
Sweet & Sour Chicken (HK Style) the community consultation meet- linson, who is vice chairman of
Beef with Green Peppers in Black Bean Sauce ings held by Crest.” Swindon’s planning committee, said
Clive Sears said parents are very the discussion between the council
Prawns with Ginger & Spring Onions concerned about school places. “I and Crest had been productive and
Spicy Salt & Garlic Chicken live about half a mile from Isambard she hoped that they will be able to
Lemon Chicken but I’m not sure my daughter will deliver on the outline agreements.
Chicken Curry be able to attend our local secondary Stephanie said, “Oakhurst turned
Shredded Chilli Beef school. Building more houses and out to show support for its commu-
Satay Roast Pork another primary school will force nity. Tadpole Farm is not a foregone
TEMPLATES even more children to attend school conclusion, but people will have to
★★★
Egg Fried Rice, Prawn Crackers & Fortune Cookies outside their community. speak out if they want to stop their
“The quality of life in North Swin- area being overwhelmed by more
£18.88 (Menu Price £26.15) don is deteriorating and there seems traffi c and reduction in the quality
to be no concern to prevent this.” of their environment.”
Tel: 01793 703388 said he was very concerned about Rapid transit plan
Geoff Austin from Mayfl y Road
Unit 2 Elstree Way, Abbey Meads SN25 4YX DELIVERY OR TAKE AWAY fl ooding in the area. “In 2008 water A late amendment to the Swindon
OPEN: Sun - Thur 4.45pm - 11.15pm; Fri & Sat 4.45pm - 11.45pm backing up from the River Ray Core Strategy indicates a ‘rapid tran-
sit route’ between Isambard School
Last orders for delivery 15 minutes before closing time. Open Every Bank Holiday nearly fl ooded houses. If Tadpole and Redhouse Village Centre.
Licenced to sell and deliver wine and beer Farm goes ahead, all the rainwater Make contact with Oakhurst
See our full menu at: www.rendezvous.uk.net will drain towards the Ray; the Residents’ Association via http://
water courses in the area are not
bit.ly/oakhurstresidentse

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