The future of the enormous Honda plant in South Marston is set to be decided tonight.

The £700m development plan for the site is due to be decided by Swindon Borough Council’s planning committee.

The plans are being put forward by developer Panattoni, who bought the former car factory when it was vacated by Honda in 2021.

The plans show an increase in the use of the 145-acre area, with buildings of differing sizes that could be used for industrial uses or storage and distribution, located just off the A419 and the M4.

Ten units will be built, with some very close to the edge and houses nearby, along with a large park with a lagoon at the south of the site.

Panattoni said: "We are committed to delivering a best-in-class employment park and business community at Panattoni Park Swindon, setting new standards for commercial development with high-quality sustainable buildings, supporting facilities and infrastructure, all set within a landscape which enhances biodiversity and is accessible to employees, visitors and the local community by sustainable modes of transport.”

The decision of the planning committee will be independent and made on planning grounds. Members of the committee are not allowed to indicate any opinions about the matter before it is discussed in the council chamber.

But the leader and deputy leader of the council are not bound by such rules.

Leader David Renard said: “We are delighted that the Panattoni planning application is now ready to be considered by the planning committee.

"This is the culmination of many hours of meetings between Panattoni, our planners and ourselves and I thank all those involved for their determination and perseverance.

"The proposed redevelopment of the Honda site is so important for the Swindon economy.

"If approved, it will lead to around £1.2b of investment and the creation of around 7000 new jobs; far more people than were ever employed on the site previously. It is not long ago that some were suggesting that Honda’s closure was going to be the end of Swindon.

Deputy leader Gary Sumner said: “The Conservative administration has developed a positive working relationship with Panattoni delivering, first the £400m Amazon facility, and now the redevelopment of the former Honda site.

“As part of the development, we are determined to ensure that climate change and quality of life issues such as flood risk, protecting and enhancing the natural environment and noise mitigation are integral to it."