A new builder’s merchant could be created on the cleared site of a former office building in south west Swindon near the M4.

Developer Robert Cort properties has put in a planning application to build the new centre on the site of the levelled Pegasus House, and old H-shaped office block in a rectangular site formed by Frankland Road, Ramsden Road and Great Western Way.

The developer says Scorpio House will not be changed or affected by the building of the new builder’s merchant unit.

But as part of the proposals, Robert Cort Properties wants outline permission to be able to build another unit, with details of precise size and appearance to come later, for industrial or warehousing purposes, or to be used as a retail shop, cafe or restaurant.

The drawings sho0w that unit would be sited on the south western portion of the site, near the main access off Frankland Road and opposite Scorpio House.

The huge builder’s merchant unit would describe a hexagonal shape in the north eastern corner of the site near the roundabout junction with Great Western Way.

The company’s application says: “Given the industrial context of Blagrove estate, the proposed builder's merchant follows the same language of simple massing, shallow pitched roofs and metal cladding.

“The building is designed to have a low-level grey brick plinth, light grey profile metal cladding to the walls and roof. The light colour softens the mass of the building whilst a darker mid-grey highlights the entrances and frames the form of the building to add interest.

“The chosen materials are functional and simplistic which coincide with the proposed use class. The large expansive of pitch roof lends itself to the installation of photovoltaic panels to the west-facing slope.”

And the plan emphasises that the huge building can be flexible if needed: “The design of the building provides a large flexible warehouse unit which could be re-used for industrial or warehousing purposes should the builder's merchant ever vacate.

“The southern end of the warehouse has a mezzanine floor under which houses the offices, small product store and showroom.”

The proposed trading times for the merchant would be 6.30am to 7.30pm during weekdays, to 6pm on Saturdays and 7am to 5pm on Sundays.

No decision has been made on the proposal. Swindon Borough Council’s website says the deadline for a decision is Wednesday August 21.