RESIDENTS are being urged to make sure they have their say on an Old Town planning development which will be decided next week.

Last year, plans were revealed to convert the former Stagecoach depot on Eastcott Road into retirement flats.

The bus company has moved to a site in Cheney Manor and the old one is now empty so Churchill Retirement Living submitted a plan for 61 apartments and other facilities.

But planning officers have said the scheme would not fit in with its neighbours as it is within the Prospect Place Conservation Area and have recommended councillors refuse it at committee next week.

They acknowledge there are social benefits to building retirement homes but this does not outweigh the negative impact.

In a report to the planning committee, officers said: “The proposed development, by virtue of the proposed design and impact upon the site’s heritage assets, without adequate justification and mitigation, would significantly harm and fail to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and the setting of King William Street School, a building of local significance.”

Councillor Paul Dixon (Lab, Eastcott), who is not on the planning committee, has said it is important locals go to the meeting, taking place on Tuesday, to make sure their views are taken into account.

He said: “I will be making the point that I would like to see the redevelopment of the former bus depot site, however it is crucial that this redevelopment does not detrimentally impact on the site’s heritage assets, nor harm the character and appearance of the Prospect Place Conservation Area.

"Regardless of whether this application is approved or refused, it is great news for local residents that Stagecoach moved their depot to Cheney Manor and that residents living next to the site are not woken up and disturbed at all hours of the day.”

Prior to putting in the application, Churchill held a public engagement session and said it felt the plans would enhance the area.

Planning director Andrew Burgess said: “We believe our proposals for this site will significantly enhance the local area and provide much-need specialist housing for older people.

“This scheme would be built using high quality materials to a traditional design to ensure it is in keeping with the character of Swindon.”

Tuesday’s planning meeting will take place in the council chambers and will start at 6pm.