PROPOSALS to build nearly 500 homes in Old Town look set to be given the green-light next week.

Earlier this year, a planning application was submitted to transform Marlborough Park - just off Piper’s Way - into homes.

The land is currently empty but, if the planning committee gives its approval, 400 new houses will be built along with more than 70 retirement flats.

Swindon Borough Council planning officers have considered the proposal and decided it is acceptable so it will go before councillors on Thursday.

They said: “Although there are a number of outstanding matters relating to the safe manoeuvrability and operation of the proposed highway with parts of the detailed element of the application, it is considered that these matters are not insurmountable and can be satisfactorily resolved in due course.

“The development will be of a high quality as determined by its design, which will be original to Swindon; and its scale and density and use of materials.

“It will make very efficient use of land that is defined as previously developed land and will contribute significantly to meeting the council’s house building targets.”

While there were no formal objections, Nationwide, which uses the adjacent Wakefield House, had some concerns about the impact it would have on roads which have been addressed within conditions attached to the plan.

Local resident Steve Sparkes also made a number of comments, highlighting a concern of many in the area about the lack of accessible GPs in the area.

He said: “The proposal is to add 500 households to an area that encompasses Marlborough Road/Broome Manor/Broome Manor Lane/Croft Road/Hesketh Crescent, an area that is now well under provisioned for GP surgery coverage.

“The need is even greater if you factor in a retirement community who would undoubtedly prefer to have a GP surgery-pharmacy on site, especially with infrequent public transport opportunities from the estate.”

In their conclusion, the planning officers said neighbouring Broome Manor Golf Course will not be affected.

Places for People and ZeroC Holdings Limited are the two organisations behind the application.

They say: “The proposals have been formulated to incorporate green infrastructure, to improve connectivity and permeability; and to encourage biodiversity gains through the establishment of green corridors linking green space within and beyond the site limits.”