A DEVELOPER’S bid to get out of A419 improvement duties has been withdrawn.

Persimmon had applied to borough council planners change the conditions of planning permission granted in 2012 – meaning they would not have to pay for improvements to the A419 and J15 of the M4.

The requirements were conditions of being granted planning permission for an 890-home development at Badbury Park, off Marlborough Road.

The Adver reported earlier in the month that the application had been invalidated.

However, borough planners and the developers themselves have confirmed that the application has now been withdrawn.

It is not yet known whether it will be re-submitted in the new year.

At a meeting of South Swindon Parish Council last week councillors warned that developers had the borough council “over a barrel” – after the council failed to meet government’s housebuilding targets.

Councillor Chris Watts said: “Our local plan is a busted flush. The developers know that we’re over a barrel, because they know we have to build 2,000 homes a year.

“They’re essentially putting quite a large scheme at risk for the borough council and holding the borough council’s feet to the fire.”

Responding to news that the application had been withdrawn, chairman of South Swindon Parish Council Coun Chris Watts said: “We are content that the developer has withdrawn the planning application subsequent to the South Swindon Parish Council planning committee’s decision last week.

“My concern is that intent has been displayed. We will remain vigilant and eagerly await future applications on this site.

“It is key that developers understand their obligation to ensure that the infrastructure is improved to accommodate the expansive growth planned for this area of the borough. Residents of Liden, Eldene, Parks, Covingham and Lawns already suffer daily congestion pressures at Commonhead Roundabout and Junction 15 and a clear plan of improvements is imperative.

“Unfortunately, Swindon Borough Council as a primary planning authority has been greatly weakened due to the failure of their 2015 local plan. The result is developers are emboldened to maximise profit to the detriment of the needs of the residents of Swindon and this must be resisted.”

Persimmon were contacted for comment. A spokeswoman confirmed that the application to change the planning conditions had been withdrawn, but did not offer further comment on the reasons for the withdrawal.