TOWN CENTRE: There has been an application to change Cakecraft on Faringdon Road into a takeaway. 

Cakecraft announced on Facebook in January that it was going to close, saying that it was a "sad decision", and that the shop would be closed from Monday, February 28. 

The owners added: "Sadly the advent of Covid-19 and the lockdowns that followed in 2020 and 2021 had a significant impact on our trade. And we are no longer getting the foot fall of customers that used to shop with us.

"To add to this the result of the full implementation of leaving the European Union in January 2021 and the additional customs duties applicable to our European customers, it is no longer feasible for Cakecraft to keep the doors open."

They went on to thank "each and every one of our customers".

There are no details of what type of takeaway will take over the premises. 

RODBOURNE: A former social club in Rodbourne could be turned into "partially demolished" and turned into "12-bedroom co-living accommodation", if plans are approved.

The  club, on Morris Street, was previously used as a working men’s and social club, but has been empty for a number of years. The developers say in their planning statement that marketing evidence shows there has been no interest in its use a community facility.

At the rear is a long skittle alley which is single story with a flat roof and ancillary storage. An external stairway exists as an emergency exit on the western side of the building at the rear. On the first floor is the managers flat.

The planning statement says that the type of accomodation proposed provides "an ideal solution" for young people who need to rent accomodation once they leave home, or young professionals working away from their family homes.

The applicant says they has designed this scheme in order to provide a range of "generously sized" ensuite bedrooms providing privacy for the residents. Large areas of communal kitchen/living/dining areas allow for social integration.

PURTON: There has been another attempt lodged to build houses on the edge of Purton. 

It comes after plans for 25 homes at Pavenhill in Purton were heavily criticised, with a councillor saying the plans will cause a huge amount of distress and anger.

Now developers want to build 60 homes on land at South Pavenhill Farm, Pavenhill, as well as creating the point of connection of access road from Pavenhill and shared footpath/cycleway and emergency access from Ringsbury Close.

The proposed development will comprise up to 60 new homes, including up to 24 affordable, as well as public open spaces, play opportunites, and new pedestrain routes. 

Eight would have one-bedroom, 18 would have two-bedrooms, 29 would have three, and eight would have four or more bedrooms. 

ST MARGARET & SOUTH MARSTON: An applicant wants to turn a set of offices into twelve studio apartments. 

An application for 26 residential flats for Stirling House on Viscount Way on South Marston Park. 

South Marston Park comprises a range of established and well-known businesses including Aldi, Amazon, B&Q Distribution Centre, Hermes, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissin UK Ltd and Wilson Tool.

The applicants said: "It is considered that the proposed ‘change of use’ to form 12 no. studio apartments at ground floor utilises its conversion potential, retaining the general character of the building and the identified constraints."

Each residential studio apartment comprises an open plan kitchen / living area / double bed and ensuite facilities.

The applicants added that the plans are "deemed necessary to allow the building to function with new occupiers and not continue to be an empty unit to let."

EXTENSIONS: Applications have been lodged to build extensions to houses, or to build or convert outbuildings and lofts at 127 Clifton Street, Kingshill; 37 Tiverton Road, Gorse Hill; 10 Bosworth Road, Grange Park; 38 Hughes Street, Rodbourne; Wyndlesham, 138 Okus Road; 91 Goddard Avenue, Old Town; 74 Southbrook Street, Rodbourne Cheney; 51 Emerald Crescent, Abbey Farm; 1 Briery Close, Stratton St Margaret; 36 Banwell Avenue, Park North; 126 Shaftesbury Avenue, Park South; 15 Beranburh Field, Wroughton.