REDEVELOPMENT of two Rodbourne sites is a step closer after Swindon Council’s planning committee approved outline plans.

The council is marketing the former Rodbourne Farm North Allotment and old Even Swindon Primary School sites.

The draft briefs, approved on Tuesday evening during a meeting at the Civic Offices, have been put together by planning consultants Turley with several possible future uses being considered.

In the autumn, there was a public consultation, which found that amenities such as a car showroom or drive-through eatery would be appropriate at the allotments, in Barnfield Close. It was deemed residential properties or a community facility would be welcomed at the former school, in Rodbourne Road.

A council spokesperson said: “The briefs will be used to support the marketing of the sites by identifying the form of development that is possible. Any potential purchasers can use the briefs as a base for site appraisals to inform any offer they make.

“The briefs have been prepared to set out the objectives and requirements to guide and encourage the redevelopment of the sites.”

Concerns for the impact on Hughes Street and Bruce Street have been considered and Turley said any future use would need to provide sufficient parking for the proposed use.

The briefs are now expected to be put out before the public for final alterations.

A Turley spokesperson said: “Through open and constructive pre-application discussions, officers can help deliver a development that meets the council’s expectations, while saving application time and money by highlighting key issues at an early stage and optimising the potential of the site.

“The aim of the service is to remove, as far as possible, uncertainties as to what is likely to be approved or rejected.

“This will reduce the risks of additional costs arising from failed applications or redesign work.”