16 affordable homes at Oakfield Campus, Marlowe Avenue, Swindon

What was proposed

The application proposed 16 affordable homes, comprising 10 flats and six houses, with landscaping on a vacant brownfield site.

“Proposal: Erection of 16 new Affordable Housing dwellings consisting of 10 flats and 6 houses, with associated landscaping.”

“The Proposal The application seeks permission to erect 16 dwellings upon a vacant brown field site.”

Officer report

The site and its surroundings

The former campus site lies within Swindon’s settlement boundary, is surrounded mainly by housing and retains a redundant games area for removal.

“The application site is located within the settlement boundary of Swindon, as defined by the Swindon Borough Local Plan (SBLP) within the ward of Walcot and Park North. The site is the remainder of the previous Oakfield Campus, the larger part having previously developed under application S/19/0192.”

“The site is located on the corner of Greenbridge Road and Marlowe Avenue with access to the site from Marlowe Avenue. The site is predominately surrounded by residential developments although there is a commercial element opposite the site on Greenbridge Road.”

Officer report

Earlier site development

The larger campus area was approved for 239 homes and a community hub, while the former evening centre later received demolition approval.

“Relevant Site History S/19/0192 - Erection of 239no. dwellings and community hub building (Class D1/B1(a) uses) including public open space, play facilities, car parking, landscaping and associated works. – Approved Subject to Conditions July 2019 – This application is to the immediate east and north of the application site.”

“S/DEM/24/1204 - Prior Approval application for the demolition of the Evening Centre building. – Prior Approval Not Required November 2024”

Officer report

How the scheme was assessed

The proposal was considered acceptable in design, transport, ecology, drainage and residential amenity terms, subject to conditions.

“Design, Layout and Landscape Policy DE1 of the Local Plan requires a high standard of design and includes a number of design principles that the development should meet. Policy SC1 of the Local Plan also requires high quality design for all development in central Swindon. The proposal will be assessed in terms of the site’s context and character, the layout, form and function and amenity.”

“Residential Amenity and Pollution Impact on the amenity of existing residents The NPPF includes that planning should “always seek to secure high quality design and a good standard of amenity for all existing and future occupants of land and buildings”.”

Officer report

Consultation and public comments

consultees raised no objection or supported the proposal subject to conditions, and one public comment suggested providing 16 nesting bricks.

“Only one comment was received from the public via North Wiltshire Swifts, the full comment can be viewed online via the above link. Whilst not objecting to the scheme it was suggested that the application should include 16 nesting bricks…”

Officer report

Who spoke

Councillor Emma Bushell spoke as the ward councillor in support of the application.

What members discussed

Members asked whether design features from the neighbouring development would continue, and officers confirmed that design cues and materials were secured.

“The responses provided by officers to questions raised as part of the Members only discussion can be broadly summarised as follows: • That the existing Nationwide development included features such as solar panels, charging points, and air source heat pumps for heating systems, and whether those…”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor Matthew Courtliff proposed approval, Councillor Neil Hopkins seconded it, and all councillors supported the proposal.

“Councillor Matthew Courtliff proposed that planning permission be granted, subject to the conditions set out in the Case Officer’s report. Councillor Neil Hopkins seconded the proposal. All Councillors were in favour of the proposal, and none were opposed.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to the conditions set out in the case officer’s report.

“Resolved – That planning permission be granted, subject to the conditions set out in the Case Officer’s report.”

Minutes