Swindon council decides on plan to squeeze more homes into cul-de-sac

Liden: A plan put forward by MGF Facilities Management to build two detached houses at the end of the cul-de-sac in Matley Moor has been refused.

The company has wanted to use an open green space next to number 14 for the three-bedroom houses, with a drive and detached garage for both houses.

But 10 neighbours wrote in to object, Liden Parish Council also objected and ward councillor Mike Davies asked the matter to be called to the planning committee saying it meant “houses being built on small dots of land that have been used as green space by residents for generations".

The decision of the planners said: “The development would result in the loss of allocated public open space [the council] seeks to retain except in certain circumstances. The applicant has failed to provide any justification, or appraisal, to demonstrate that the loss of the space would not impact upon the quantum or quality of such space.

“The development would result in a form of development that would result in the complete loss of an area of open space and green vista which makes a significant and positive addition to the street scene.”

Highworth: The Numbercrunchers, an accountancy and business support firm in Cirencester has the permission it sought to put up colourful signs at its new branch at on Highworth's High Street.

How the Numbercrunchers branch in Highworth will look (Image: The numbercrunchers)Its application for listed building consent for the unit at number 34 asked permission for some minor internal changes and for its display on the street.

This has been approved by the council.

The company said: “Highworth will be a scaled-down version of the Headquarters in Cirencester but very much in the same style, colour scheme and presentation of the original.” 

Covingham: Dog groomer Shelley Well’s application to use the front utility room at 25 Finchdale in Covingham has been approved. Ms Wells told planners that only one person would be carrying out the grooming business. Planners approved the scheme but said the business may not operate on Sundays or Bank Holidays, and there must be a half-hour gap between the end of one appointment and the beginning of the next.

Hinton Parva: The third, or perhaps the fourth depending on how you count them, application to knock down the chalet that gives its name to the property The Chalet in Church Row in the village south of Swindon has been approved.

Plans to knock down the building and put up a more modern house were granted permission in 2021 and 2022, and the latest plan was given consent in September this year.

Now the applicant Randal Pakema has been given approval for an amendment to that last application, made after it was approved, whereby the basement of the new house would be enlarged to create a third bedroom, more windows would be added to the house and a garage with home office would be retained.

Extensions: Applications have been put in to build extensions at 62 Grange Drive, Stratton St Margaret; and 6 Bayleaf Avenue, Woodhall Park.

Applications for extensions or outbuildings have been approved for 89 Elmore, Eldene; 14 Benwell Close, Westlea; 8 Rhine Close, Rushey Platt; 8 Fieldfare, Covingham; 116 High Street, Blunsdon (retrospective); 34 Wrde Hill, Highworth; 16 Buckleberry Close, Stratton St Margaret; 1 The Archers, Highworth; 12 Goddard Avenue, Old town;  1 Severn Avenue, Haydon Wick; The Folly, Nell Hill, Bishopstone and 25 Goddard Avenue, Old Town.