A FRESH public meeting has been called to discuss the Ambrose Fields development.

Councillors organising the meeting are concerned that the 62-home development, which did not feature in Swindon’s overall housing plan, could create a precedent that would see new homes built elsewhere.

The planned development, on land off Croft Road, is expected to be discussed by Swindon Borough Council’s planning committee in October.

Earlier this month Swindon Borough Council’s planning officers refused to approve Taylor Wimpey’s drainage plans.

They said that the developer had not confirmed how drainage systems would be maintained after the builders left, nor had they demonstrated that the development would not increase the risk of flooding elsewhere.

Councillor Nadine Watts, who represents Old Town, said: “There’s a lot of pressure on existing drainage systems in the area. That’s our main concern.”

She also feared what message approving the development would send to other areas under pressure from homebuilders.

“It’s setting a precedent,” she said.

“You can have an area of land that isn’t in the Local Plan, but for one reason or another we haven’t built enough housing, so these pockets of land get developed.”

Coun Watts said that residents told her Taylor Wimpey had been canvassing opinion of residents in Old Town, East Wichel, Lawns and Old Walcot.

“It’s interesting that Taylor Wimpey are not prepared to have a public meeting, but the same people are asking the same questions of residents,” she said.

Taylor Wimpey confirmed that they did not plan to attend the meeting in September.

Struan Power of Taylor Wimpey, said: “One of our main priorities is to ensure we engage directly with affected residents and create meaningful opportunities for discussion.

“In the previous weeks, we have met with residents adjacent to the site and fully understand their individual concerns. We have therefore declined the opportunity to attend further public meetings at this time.”

Representatives for Taylor Wimpey have spoken “directly” to over 2,500 households about the development, Mr Power said.

He added: “We have worked hard to address local concerns about issues including drainage. We will continue to work with Swindon Borough Council’s expert officers on mitigation measures for any area where this is required, however we are confident our proposals will enhance the local area.

“The Taylor Wimpey team remain committed to working with local residents throughout the planning process and we will continue to inform, and update over the coming weeks.

"If residents do have any questions, please contact our community engagement officer by email at michelle.thurgood@corkscrewcommunications.com.”

A public meeting to discuss the development will be held at Croft Sports Centre on Monday, September 11, at 8pm.