DEVELOPERS are making a second attempt to demolish a former Stagecoach bus dept in Old Town and replace it with flats.

Two years ago the site in Eastcott Road was the subject of a proposal to build 61 retirement apartments, but there were fears it would harm the conservation area and it was rejected by Swindon Borough Council on the advice of officers.

Now a revised plan for 45 homes has been submitted and this time the recommendation is to grant permission. Members of the council’s planning committee will debate the revised scheme, which includes car parking and landscaping, on Tuesday.

In her report, planning officer Catherine Blow said: “The benefits of the scheme are considered to be significant and in the view of officers, together with the provision of good quality, well designed residential units would outweigh the less than substantial harm to the conservation area.”

But she added: “The recommendation is dependent on the negotiations in relation to affordable housing provision on site as well as the provision of a financial contribution towards open space.”

Central Swindon South Parish Council has no objections as long as the Section 106 money paid by the developers was used in the area, especially to reinstate the nearby school crossing patrol.

Historic England has objections on heritage grounds and has described some of the revised plans as architecturally uninspiring.

Neighbours have also objected. Judith Hockaday was concerned windows to the flats would overlook the garden of her dance school.

“The children and students use the gardens to work when weather permits and in these difficult times it is not appropriate for them to be overlooked.

“As I am sure you will appreciate they are in dance clothes – leotards etc,” she wrote.

Kate Brailsford said the application for 45 units was still too high for the neighbourhood and pointed to the impact of other houses in multiple occupation in the area.

And Michael Gray objected because he was worried about the effect of the second block on the conservation area.

“The conservation area has suffered considerable neglect over the years, but this small enclave retains largely intact having much of the rural atmosphere from when it was first laid-out by George Major in the 1840s,” he said.

“The closeness of block two to the stone walling, and its poor quality design would have a particularly negative impact on the character of this area.”

The application is up for discussion at the meeting in the Civic Offices at 6pm, along with controversial plans to remove redundant plinths at Lethbridge Primary School and a scheme to build 28 flats at Minerva House in Westlea.