PLANS to build a hotel, restaurant and coffee shop in Rodbourne have been submitted to the borough council, despite opposition from residents and councillors.

In early December, development firm Loc8 held a consultation at the Even Swindon Community Centre allowing residents to scrutinise proposals for the erection of a Travelodge, Starbucks and Subway at the old Barnfield Close site before their formal submission to the council.

Bosses at Loc8 freely admitted that people’s initial responses had, on the whole, been negative.

But last week, despite clear opposition from residents and councillors, a planning application was submitted, causing great concern for locals.

The 70-bedroom, 26,000sq ft Travelodge, drive-through Starbucks and 1,250sq ft Subway restaurant will be situated within close proximity to Even Swindon Primary School, and locals are deeply displeased.

Paul Richards, 35, one of the Rodbourne residents leading the fightback, said: “I am gobsmacked they are going to build this in such a small place.”

Paul’s main concerns include the inevitable increase in traffic and the safety of children who live nearby and go to school in the area, as well as other concomitants such as noise and light pollution.

Paul said: “To drive more traffic through that area is very dangerous indeed. You constantly hear cars racing up and down here, breaking the speed limit.

“At the moment, drivers don’t expect cars to come out of what will be the hotel entrance and it will be very difficult for people trying to merge onto the main road.

“Also, many parents in the area are very concerned about the close proximity to the school. From a child protection point of view, and being a parent myself, it is totally reckless that they have chosen to build right next to a school.”

Paul has urged all concerned residents to attend Swindon Borough Council’s next planning meeting, being held on April 11, in a bid make their feelings known to councillors.

He added: “If they think this will go through quietly they have another think coming.”

Developers Loc8 were approached for a comment but did not respond before the Adver went to print.