Homes built on former Swindon speedway stadium car park

New pictures show the greyhound racing and former speedway venue's car park has now all but gone and a house and the beginnings of a road have been constructed. 

Planning permission for 179 homes at the Robin Gardens development, applied for by a joint partnership between housebuilder Taylor Wimpey and stadium owners Gaming International, was granted by Swindon Borough Council but with conditions.

Under the terms of the decision, work on building a new Abbey Stadium must be completed before the homes themselves can be sold - including a new stand and a sound cancelling barrier.

The foundations for more homes at Blundson's Abbey Stadium (Image: Dave Cox)As pictures of the progress in housebuilding and the demolition of the site's large car park circulated on social media, many reacted with anger. 

Former Swindon Robins co-promoter Lee Kilby, said: "'No houses built until the stadium was finished' was the SBC and political line. I see houses being built and no completion finished.

"Heartbreaking. Gut-wrenching and diabolical all-in-one massive punch in the face for Speedway fans."

Andy Freegard added: "Utterly scandalous!! What gives these people the right to trample over so many people's memories and emotions."

In response, council leader Jim Robbins confirmed a meeting was set to take place to discuss the issue. 

An entire house at the Lady Lane housing development site, Robin Gardens (Image: Dave Cox)In posts on Twitter, made on November 25, he said: "Had some meetings with officers yesterday to make sure that the planning rules are going to be enforced and will be inviting Cllr Daniel Adams and his ward colleagues to a meeting for a conversation. Think we are all on the same page."

He added: "Just to clarify, the planning team have been working with the developers and there is a 10-point list that they need to satisfy. To date, that hasn’t happened.

"Planning officers are investigating what work is currently ongoing and checking to see if the agreement has been beached."

The agreement on the granting of planning permission said: "The owners covenant not to commence development of the residential units until milestones one to 10 have reached practical completion and a certified copy of the relevant certificate of practical completion has been submitted to the council by the contract administrator"

The milestones are 1 move tracks, 2 establish contractor’s compound, 3 service and foul drainage connections, 4 construction of basins 1 and 2, 5 remodel of basins 3 and 4, 6 landscaping and POS, 7 demolition and ground clearance 8 north car park, 9 acoustic fencing – stage 1 and 10 Stadium buildings.

Another image of construction at the Abbey Stadium site (Image: Dave Cox)

A new stand at the stadium appears to have been completed, but Gaming International hasn't issued a public update on its progress since April, and did not respond when the Adver asked for an update at the beginning of October. 

Read More: Abbey Stadium: Future of Swindon greyhound venue unknown

But Taylor Wimpey has confirmed that as far as it is concerned, the obligations to allow the company to start building houses have been met.

A Taylor Wimpey spokesperson said: “We have been in regular discussion with Swindon Borough Council regarding the planning conditions on our site in Swindon and can confirm that pre-commencement obligations in relation to the stadium have been met. 

“Construction work is now underway and we expect to release the first homes for sale in December.”

Gaming International has been approached for comment.