A plan for a small development of homes for ‘active older people’ over 55 was turned down because it would impact a ‘green belt’

That was despite significant support from neighbours and even ward councillors.

The green belt was put in place as the New Eastern Villages developments take shape to protect parts of the area.

James Dunn and his wife live at The Quest in Old Vicarage Lane in South Marston. The grounds of their house are about four acres in size – and the Dunns proposed building specially designed low-rise houses and bungalows.

The idea is that those over 55 can move out of the houses in which they have raised their families and live in houses specially designed for older people, but still near their friends and family in familiar surroundings.

The application said: “We seek to deliver a form of housing which enables older people to live independently within their existing communities.

“The houses will be restricted to permanent occupancy by persons aged 55 years and older, together with dependant relatives, and carers. The homes will provide sufficient space to allow for adaptability and accessibility to meet the needs of the occupants throughout the lifetime of the development.”

 

Slightly unusually the matter had been called in for discussion by Swindon Borough Council’s planning committee by ward councillors because planning officers had recommended refusal.

Councillor Matt Vallender said: “There is a significant breadth of local support for this development, It meets an identified need for these houses. His colleague Councillor Tom Butcher said there are compelling arguments in favour of this development.”

Mr Dunn himself cited the support for the scheme from South Marston Parish Council and that every comment from neighbours, four in all, was in favour.

He said: “This will allow people who have raised their family to downsize from the under-occupied and expensive-to-run family home. And it will free up those houses for more families to occupy.”

The recommendation for refusal was primarily that the location of the houses is not ‘sustainable’  as there are insufficient walking and cycling links, but more importantly that the houses would be built in the non-coalescence areas designated for the New Eastern Villages.

These areas are designed to prevent different villages merging with each other and the existing villages of South Marston, Wanborough and Bishopstone and creating a large urban sprawl on the edge of Swindon.

Councillor Gary Sumner said: “The issue is not the merits of this scheme but the integrity of the planning policies to protect these areas as designated green land. And to protect the landscape.”

The recommendation to refuse planning consent was passed unanimously.