GWR Sports Ground, Swindon

LPC (Trull) Ltd’s clients were seeking a comprehensive residential development of the site within the urban area of Swindon. The site was promoted strongly by the making of Local Plan Representations, appearance at the Local Plan Inquiry, preparation of a Development Brief and liaison with Sport England and the Environment Agency.

Following the site’s adoption, an outline planning application was then submitted to the Local Planning Authority.  Planning permission was achieved following a “call in” inquiry and the completion of a comprehensive Section 106 Agreement.

Following changes in planning legislation in the latter part of 2009 that enabled an application to be made to extend the time limit for the commencement of a development, such an application was submitted.  This was granted permission by Swindon Borough Council, the decision having been delayed due to an objection from the Environment Agency (subsequently rescinded).  To protect the owner’s position, reserved matters for 201 dwellings were submitted, which are awaiting determination.