RESIDENTS in North Swindon are set for more building work after another planning application was given approval.

Members of the planning committee accepted a 350-home proposal at Abbey Farm, off Lady Lane and Tadpole Lane, which will also include a primary school and shops.

A number of objections to the proposal had been raised on the basis that it falls outside land designated for house building in the upcoming Local Plan, and will have a detrimental effect on the surrounding area.

However, have looked at the application, which went through several alterations, council officers came to the conclusion it brought significant benefits to the town so recommended it was approved by the committee.

The project will also include just over 100 affordable homes.

Speaking at the meeting, Les Durrant of DPDS Consulting, acting on behalf of the applicant, said: “We believe that the total package offered in this application is a unique opportunity to provide a high quality environment.

“This came together after a very public consultation and I would like to thank the residents and ward members who have helped. We have tried to meet all reasonable requests put to us.”

Among those who opposed the application was Blunsdon Parish Council who said the application, which is adjacent to the 1,700 home Tadpole Farm development as well as another house-building project at the Abbey Stadium, will ruin the Midvale Ridge.

Chairman Ian Jankinson said: “It is a real shame that a beautiful piece of land will be ruined by a development, just because it has a school which is not necessarily needed. There is no employment land so 350 working homes will have to travel through already congested roads.

“What's more, this land is outside the Local Plan which is set to be adopted soon. An application on land next to this was rejected last year on the basis that it would set a precedent for building on green land outside the council's planning strategy.

“If they are going to ignore the Local Plan, then we may as well tear it up.”

As part of the agreement the developers will have to pay almost £2 million towards the various local schemes. The will likely include £100,000 to go towards Mouldon Hill Country Park and £300,000 towards a bus subsidy for five years.