Leisure centre alterations at The Oasis Leisure Centre, Swindon

What was proposed

The application proposed internal and external works to bring the listed leisure centre back into use, including pool changes, dome recladding and link-building alterations.

“The Proposal 3.1 This application seeks listed building consent for various internal and external works to the listed building to facilitate it being brought being back into use. Internally these include: removal of ‘racer drop slide’ with related partial filling in of deep end of pool, removal of internal flumes (and associated support tower), changes/re-configuration of ‘training pool’ to side of main pool to include installation of new ‘aqua play’ equipment, removal of…”

“As part of the application changes to the entrance or ‘link’ building are also proposed which include the erection of a new storey to it and its re-cladding plus the removal of the existing ramped access to it. It is important to note though that the existing ‘link’ building is not itself listed and thus the only element that does require consent under this application is that where any new elements…”

Officer report

The site and its heritage

The site includes a Grade II listed swimming-pool dome and earthen bank, while the dry-side buildings and link building are outside the listing.

“The Site and Surroundings 4.1 The application site is the grade II listed Oasis leisure centre. As well as the listed dome and associated earthen bank the site edged red plan also encompasses the access to the leisure centre, areas of car parking and the ‘dry-side’ of the leisure centre (including sports hall and link building). These latter elements do not form part of the listing though.”

“The surrounding area is mixed in character and includes a college, flats and industrial uses.”

Officer report

Earlier consents

Earlier listed building consents covered investigative works, dome restoration and reinforced-concrete frame sampling in 2022 and 2024.

“Relevant Site History 6.1 Listed building consent was granted under reference S/LBC/22/1106 for ‘Investigative works to the listed concrete structure’ in 2022.”

“Listed building consent was granted under reference S/LBC/24/0936 for ‘Collection of samples to analyse the extent of the reinforced concrete frame’ in 2024.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

Historic England did not object, while the conservation officer supported the works; the Amenities Society and residents objected to heritage and wider site impacts.

“Consultee and date received Summary of Comments Officer Comment Central Swindon North Parish Dated 06 th March 2025 No Objection, the committee have concerns over whether there is adequate parking provision. Addressed in report Historic England Dated 11 th March 2025 • Historic England do not object to the proposals, but note that the proposed replacement dry side building could potentially have a minor adverse impact on the setting of the listed dome.”

Officer report

What residents raised

Residents raised concerns about murals, pool features, the heat exchanger, the sports hall, parking, open space, housing, the canal and future viability.

“Consultee Summary of Comments Officer Comment* Public/Residents (Object) • Public notice not published immediately. Heritage • Ken White Murals should be retained / preserved. In particular the ‘desert’ mural and those within bays E1-E4 and E8-E9. Could be restored with waterproof paint. • Only 1 being retained (4); panels in bays 2, 4, 5, 11 and 12 all viable. Should also be kept.”

“Built with money from Swindon tax- paying residents. • Loss of public open spaces • Against Section 8 of NPPF • Not in line with Local Plan 2026 • Increase in vehicle traffic / congestion = negative impact on access • Not enough parking provision for flats and Oasis – will users be able to park? • Lacks vision for future need • Social inequality – reduction of publicly accessible facilities • Public health impact – physical and mental well-being of residents • Pedestrian /…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from a ward councillor, the applicant, objectors, cabinet members and other councillors.

Members debated the balance

Members discussed the sports hall, parking, alternative facilities and the benefits of reopening the pool, while refusal was proposed over several policy concerns.

“The Oasis is proposed, under the current plans, to provide approximately 280 parking spaces, including disabled parking spaces. The applicants have justified the level of parking provision on the site on the basis of the capacity of the facility itself. The demand for parking spaces may also be lessened by the loss of the sports hall.”

“It is acknowledged that the loss of the sports hall would result in the loss of an indoor sports facility. Weight should be given to the reopening of the pool, as well as the open space and play space provisions as part of the proposals. • The new Local Plan will require adequate sports provision to accommodate growth within the Borough. The Plan recognises that the sports hall is currently not open and alternate opportunities to open a sports hall exist.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The refusal motion was defeated by three votes to six, and a later approval motion passed by seven votes to three.

“Three members of the Committee were in favour Councillor Courtliff’ s proposal and six members were opposed. The motion fell.”

“Seven members of the Committee were in favour of the proposal. Three members of the Committee were opposed to the proposal. The motion was carried.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to the reported conditions and an additional priority for using biodiversity net gain funds in Swindon where possible.

“Councillor Claire Crilly proposed that planning permission be granted, subject to the conditions set out in the case officer’s report and subject to the condition that any biodiversity net gain funds are utilised within Swindon as a first priority, where possible. Councillor Neil Hopkins seconded the proposal.”

“Resolved – That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions outlined in the case officer’s report and subject to the additional condition that any biodiversity net gain funds are utilised within Swindon as a first priority, where possible.”

Minutes