Planning Committee approves Taylor Wimpey development plans on Ambrose Field

Controversial plans to build housing on a greenfield site at Ambrose Field just outside of Old Town have been given the go-ahead.

The decision in favour of the developer Taylor Wimpey's plan for 62 homes came despite public meetings and campaigns against the controversial development.

The Planning Committee made the decision at a meeting on Tuesday night (10 Oct) voting with officers' recommendations to give the development outline planning permission.

Cllr Nadine Watts (Lab, Old Town & East Wichel), who campaigned against the development, said: "It's really disappointing, and it all came down to money. A change in legislation is needed.

"I feel that Swindon Borough Council should have been up for the fight, but it was the fear of legal costs that deterred them from standing up for the residents of Swindon and defending the democratically determined local plan.

"If it is the threat of these costs which are leading the decision making process of our planning committee, then localism is all but finished. I believe that significant harm will be caused by this loss of open green space.

"I tried to stand up for local residents, outlying their many valid concerns particularly in relation to the unsuitability of this site and traffic issues in the light of other nearby new house builds.

"I would like to thank Marco Di Pinto for gaining over 1000 petition signatures and giving a well researched speech."

Taylor Wimpey is expected to now put in for full planning permission in the next few months. South Swindon Parish councillors Nick Burns-Howell and Claire Ellis also campaigned against the development.

Cllr Burns-Howell said: "Claire and I are very disappointed that the borough's planning committee has decided to approve the inappropriate development on Ambrose Field, despite significant public objections and the lasting negative impact this will have on the local area.

"We both spoke at the committee to outline our objections and we share residents' frustration that this was approved. We will be meeting local residents to understand how we can reduce the detrimental impact of this proposal, and following our request at the meeting implement a thorough, Design Code which will give residents a real say over how the houses are built."

After receiving approval for planning permission, Taylor Wimpey released a statement. Struan Power, Strategic Land and Planning Manager at Taylor Wimpey, said: "We are delighted that Swindon Council's Planning Committee has approved our proposals for 62 much needed new homes off Croft Road, Swindon.

"We have worked hard at engaging with local residents and stakeholders and addressing some of the concerns raised.

"Taylor Wimpey will continue to work with the residents of Swindon over the coming months and we look forward to creating a new community for generations to come to call home."