Issue details

Councillor Grant provided the following comments on this proposal:

“I should like to register my disappointment that the Council has chosen to ignore the views of local residents on this matter. One is tempted to ask   what is the point of consulting with residents when the decision made, of all the options before them, is the one residents least favoured.  In light of this can I ask for long it is intended  to keep this matter “private and confidential “?  This land currently belongs to the people of Swindon     surely they have a right to know as soon as possible that  sometime in the near future they will no longer own it.”

Councillor Pajak provided the following comments on this proposal: “I am supportive of marketing the site which never achieved its hoped for usage levels. This is similar to another site, which was due to selecting a poor location not selected for how it would perform but rather availability and costing. The ideal site never happened due to economics and timings. My only concern with the site is the highways implications of this amazingly busy junction which must be agreed before the development.

Councillor Crilly provided comments on this proposal: Concerns regarding Traffic/Access to the Site

I am concerned about the increased traffic going directly on to the main road from this site. The preferred option would be of traffic going into and out of the site would be wholly or partially via a different route.

If traffic is to access the site via the main road, then there would need to be lights at the entrance in otherwise it will be difficult and dangerous.

The different options

Feedback from residents in the area have mainly expressed disappointment that of the site is not going to re-open, especially considering the ongoing problems with large amounts of traffic and delays along the main road. Other feedback I have received indicates that a Drive-through coffee or MacDonald’s wouldn’t be particular popular with residents.

Councillor Dempsey - No Comment received

Councillor Ibitoye provided the following comments on the proposal: Whilst I understand that the site was underused, I do think that any future proposed development must offer commensurate benefits to the local community. We need either local jobs for local people or a mix of well-designed, low carbon housing (or a combination of both). I will reserve further judgement for any ensuing planning application and will seek resident’s specific views as and when an application is submitted.