RESIDENTS in North Swindon are set for more building work after a plan for 350 homes was given approval.

Members of Swindon Borough Council’s planning committee accepted the proposal, for Abbey Farm, off Lady Lane and Tadpole Lane, which will also include a primary school and shops.

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

However, after several alterations to the application, council officers concluded it brought significant benefits to the town so recommended its approval at Tuesday’s committee meeting.

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: “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.”

Blunsdon Parish Council opposed the application, arguing that it will ruin the Midvale Ridge as it is next to the 1,700-home Tadpole Farm development as well as another house-building project at the Abbey Stadium.

The council’s chairman Ian Jankinson led the campaign against the development.

He 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 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 £2million towards various local schemes.

This will likely include £100,000 to go towards Mouldon Hill Country Park and £300,000 towards a bus subsidy for five years.