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Fight to preserve Lydiard Fields First impression of new £95 million
likely to go to a fourth round Oasis/North Star leisure complex
Swindon Planning Committee unanimously rejected Persimmon Homes’ Moirai Capital Investments Limited has revealed what the huge leisure
application to build 73 houses at Lydiard Fields, adjacent to Grange Park, development centred around the refurbished Oasis Centre at North Star
off Hook Street, on 12 March. could look like in advance of a planning application in June.
Councillors went against an officer consultation in November last year. Moirai spokes-
recommendation to accept the appli- They argued this took into account man Bobby Rach
cation which means the developer is the requirement not to visually in- said the proposals
likely to appeal against the decision trude upon the park. had evolved since
- the second concerning the site off David Barnard, chair of Lydiard they were revealed
Hook Street. Fields Action Group, said residents last November. “The
Lydiard Fields Action Group has were delighted councillors supported most striking change
been battling against more housing their stand against encroachment on in the plans is the
so close to Lydiard Park, encouraging Lydiard Park. “It’s a very important bringing together of Swindon College site Oasis Great Western Way
the committee to consider the lack asset to Swindon. The planning the various elements
of services and the traffic congestion committee’s decision was democracy so that they are, effectively, all under of some 6,500 seats; a two hundred
more development would cause. in action; it demonstrated that the one roof. This means that visitors will metre real snow ski slope (the longest
The planning committee blocked community can make a difference be able to move easily among all the in the UK), with a separate slope for
an application for 175 houses on the when we stand together and fight for various attractions. beginners and a fun snow area; ten-pin
field off Hook Street in 2010. This what we believe in. “The scheme includes all the ele- bowling; a multiplex cinema; a hotel;
was later upheld at a planning appeal "Thanks to all residents who have ments originally planned for the sites. leisure-related retail, cafés, restaurants
because it would have spread urban supported the group. An appeal will So, in addition to the existing Oasis and bars; and multi-storey parking.”
development into Swindon’s rural no-doubt follow, but we'll be ready." facilities, there will be a music and See the full story and site layout at:
hinterland and harmed the setting If the developer appeals they will entertainment arena with a capacity www.bit.ly/northstarplan
of Lydiard Park. argue that Swindon Council plan-
However the planning inspector ning officers had recommended the Views wanted on cycle and foot routes to the railway station
left the door open for an application committee pass their plans. However Malcolm Shepherd, chief executive of Sustrans, which promotes sustainable
for housing next to Grange Park, Freshbrook councillor Cindy Mat- transport solutions, and Mark Hopwood, managing director of First Great
so long as it could not be seen from thews still believes the borough and Western, want to hear views on how to improve access to and from Swindon
Lydiard Park. Persimmon Homes re- residents will be able to argue a strong railway station, at Steam Museum on Thursday 11 April, 5pm to 7.30pm
turned with a proposal for 91 houses, case to prevent further expansion. For details and to book a place at the discussion mail: swindon@sustrans.
which was reduced to 73 after a public www.lydiardfields.org.uk org.uk or call Hannah Escott on 01793 600720.

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