Huge 'new village' joining Blunsdon to Swindon set for approval

The development would effectively remove the separation of the village from Swindon proper.

Councillors on Swindon Borough Council’s planning committee will next week consider – and decide – on the proposal by Persimmon Homes and Primegate Properties Kingsdown to build what is, in effect, a new village with 1,550 houses, as well as a new primary school, a village centre and sports facilities.

And the recommendation in the report from planning officers is to approve the plans.

"The benefits and importance of delivering the Kingsdown development to the spatial strategy for Swindon are clear: providing for housing need in a sustainable location, a high-quality development, a new primary school site to meet future needs of the wider area, biodiversity enhancement, and highway improvements.

How the 1550 homes could look (Image: Swindon Borough Council)

"In terms of delivering the Local Plan requirements and delivering a five-year housing land supply, the council is heavily reliant upon the earliest commencement of development at Kingsdown.

“The development will respect the local character but also move the community towards a more sustainable future.

"Development will accord with the principles of high-quality design and best practice to create a townscape that is varied and sympathetic to its environment.”

The application masterplan shows the development would put a significant area of housing on the south of the B4019 in Blunsdon.

South of that would be the primary school and public green spaces, playing fields and the village centre with more houses then extending south to the edge of the A419.

A bridge would be built over the dual carriageway to link the new development to Groundwell Industrial Estate.

The plan has come before the committee after being ‘called in’ by Blunsdon Parish Council, which is against the proposals.

"When this is completed, the population will have trebled, and we have never been satisfied that the local infrastructure would be able to cope with the increase in traffic that the site would produce.

"The strain is clear and obvious as outlined by National Highways over the years.”

But the council’s planners say: “There is an acknowledged need to meet the borough’s housing and economic requirements for growth.

“The application is in conformity with the Local Plan, being an important and significant part of the Kingsdown strategic allocation."

The developers and the council will have to agree the contributions made by the builders – known as section 106 contributions - to improve facilities and infrastructure in the borough before work can start.