There are concerns over plans for a new play park in Swindon.

Crest Nicholson has submitted a planning application for a play area off Cooper Close adjoining the Northern Woodland Edge public open space.

The local amenity has been planned as part of the Tadpole Garden Village development for some time and a Reserved Matters Application was approved on March 29, 2018

The recently released plans reveal a pyramid net, a nest swing, an inclusive multiplay centre, an embankment slide, a spinning pole, a cable ride zip wire a pentagon swing, two goals, picnic benches and a cycle rack will be included.

While the arrival of a new play area has been welcomed, some feel that changes to how it is currently planned are needed. 

(Image: Swindon Borough Council)

Local campaign group Mums on a Mission - Swindon (MOAM), which aims to help make facilities in the town as accessible as possible, feels that there are some issues with the plans as they are that will make using the equipment harder for young people with disabilities. 

A spokesperson said: "These are the plans for a new play park up at Tadpole in North Swindon and MOAM is concerned about many things

"We are concerned that the proposed surface looks like bark, which is inaccessible. It would be a huge shame to surround accessible play equipment with an inaccessible surface

They added: "At least one entrance is via some steps - can a slope here be incorporated instead of steps, or along with them."

(Image: Swindon Borough Council)

They have also requested that one of the five swings in the pentagon swing set be replaced with a high-back design and that the nest swing be the largest size possible (1.2m) 

They also said: "[The multiplay unit] looks great and we love that it's in the centre of the play park, and includes some play panels. It isn't clear from the images if the ramps go all the way to the ground, which we strongly recommend so they are wheelchair accessible

"Meanwhile, we are pleased to see an embankment slide and a picnic bench with a wheelchair space."

Other comments on the planning application showcase different objections, with some residents concerned about how close it will be to their homes. 

A landscape architect acting on behalf of Swindon Borough Council also said the plans were not acceptable in their current form, and suggested some changes as well as further information. 

You can view the plans yourself using reference number S/RES/24/0930 on the council planning portal - https://pa.swindon.gov.uk/publicaccess/

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