More detail has been revealed after the council's announcement that Abbey Stadium development did not breach planning requirements. 

In a communication to a councillor following the announcement that no planning requirements had been breached at the site, a Swindon Borough Council planning department member has written in more detail why that was. 

The correspondence shared by councillor Dale Heenan said: "The corporate director of inclusive economy and sustainability and I have visited the site during a greyhound meet and consider that the milestones have been met - albeit to a bare minimum level.

"The stadium is in use for greyhound racing and with an appropriate fit-out, the buildings on the north side could be opened. 

"Subject to obtaining all relevant safety and licence certifications the stadium is physically capable of hosting speedway again.

"That it does not do this at present is a matter for the operator."

(Image: Swindon Borough Council)

Since Taylor Wimpey started springing up houses around the greyhound racing and former speedway venue last year, there had been concern that Gaming International had not lived up to its end of the bargain. 

The Clark Osborne-led firm needed to have completed ten requirement building milestones on the new stadium before houses were to be built - and it was not clear if this had been done.  

Recently an investigation into this from Swindon Borough Council concluded, with the local authority confirming that all planning requirements had been met. 

This is also addressed in the communication shared by Cllr Heenan, which stated that all milestones - including milestone 10 for stadium buildings - had been completed.

"A shell of stadium buildings is on-site and is capable of fit out and use. Basic covered pits have also been constructed for speedway."

Speedway fans argue that the stadium in its current state - even allowing for an 'appropriate fit-out' is not physically capable of hosting the sport.

Neil 'Ocky' Ockwell said: "If they genuinely believe the stadium is capable of running speedway again then I challenge them to prove this by hosting a meeting, even if meeting for amateurs.

Andy Freegard added: "The 'physically capable of hosting speedway statement' is fundamentally inaccurate."

In its previous announcement on the matter, the council said it was solely down to Gaming International what happens with Abbey Stadium going forward.

Council leader Jim Robbins, said: “It is now for Gaming International, as owners to recognise the importance of speedway in Swindon and bring forward the final phase for the Abbey Stadium site in line with the existing permission.”