PLANS to transform the Old Town Locarno have been approved by councillors.

Some residents had objected to the height of the development and said the proposal to build 129 flats on the site would add to existing pressure on car parking in the area.

But Swindon Council's planning committee gave the project the green light at last night's planning meeting at the Civic Offices.

Former council leader Mike Bawden told the committee the development would be a great opportunity for Old Town and would restore civic pride.

The building will now house a piazza and be a glamorous setting for the town's register office.

A restaurant, bar and coffee shop are also part of the plans and the piazza will have a terrace so diners can eat al-fresco.

The apartments, planned for three separate buildings, have been designed with balconies while the penthouses have views of the Marlborough Downs.

The southern wall of the old Town Hall is to be demolished and a new seven-storey building will comprise of 78 flats.

The register office will be located in another new four-storey building on ground level.