Swindon Borough Council Leader Cllr Jim Robbins has spoken in the wake of a planning committee decision to refuse permission for flats near The Oasis Leisure Centre.
Swindon Borough Council Leader Cllr Jim Robbins
Earlier this week, the committee approved a bid by leaseholder SevenCapital to refurbish and reopen the centre, albeit without a sports hall, and to create business premises nearby.
However, a bid by SevenCapital to build up to 707 flats in block on the site was turned down.
In response, SevenCapital Group Managing Director Damien Siviter issued a statement saying: "The outcome from last night’s planning committee, whereby the outline plans for housing on the Oasis site were refused permission, is a major blow for the Oasis and subsequently for Swindon.
"As the key part of the overall scheme that is absolutely crucial to funding the restoration and revival of the Oasis, this is an enormous setback for the Swindon community, calling into question whether the Oasis will ever now reopen.”
Cllr Robbins emphasised the local authority's commitment to the future of the centre, saying: “The deal to reopen the Oasis for Swindon families to enjoy, is all about compromises and, unfortunately, the Planning Committee felt unable to support arguably the most important part of the scheme.
“This is because the homes around the Oasis are needed to fund the eyewatering costs of refurbishing the listed dome and swimming pool.
“We have hit a significant stumbling block with our partner, but as a pro-growth authority, it is one we will do all we can to overcome.
“Our priority to reopen a refurbished Oasis for current and future generations remains, but we can’t do this ourselves. We will be working closely with SevenCapital to find solutions to make this happen.”
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