DEVELOPERS have scaled back proposals as they re-apply for planning permission for a new housing development in the west of Swindon.

Primegate Properties (Hooknorth) Ltd, on behalf of Bovis Homes, has submitted an application for outline planning permission to build 175 new homes on the field between Grange Park and Lydiard Park, after it withdrew a proposal for 210 houses in May this year.

Alistair Macdonald - director at Primegate’s agent, the DPDS Consulting Group - said: “The previous application was withdrawn because there were a number of issues we could deal with but not within the council time period.

“There was an issue with heritage provision and the impact on Lydiard Park as well as highways access. We have planned for a buffer on the park boundary and we think Hook Street is capable of accommodating the level of traffic now that the number of houses has been reduced.”

The proposals include a selection of two to five bedroom properties, 30 per cent of which will be affordable. Primegate also plans to maintain around 40 per cent of the site as open space, with a children’s play area, cycle paths and pedestrian walkways.

But despite the alterations local residents and councillors still remain opposed to the development.

Madeline Caple, who moved to the area in Grange Park near to the new development three years ago, said: “As far as I'm concerned the proposed developement would cause extra congestion in Hook Street, more risk of flooding for some of the residents and worst of all, the idea of more housing on top of Lydiard Park would alter the whole image of a country park.

“We felt that this area was quite unique as we have all the facilities that we need, but this end of Grange Park also had a rural aspect. Now if more housing is on the cards this area will lose its character.”

Freshbrook and Grange Park councillor Michael Dickinson said: “We have not seen the application formally but from what I’ve heard and read it does not look materially different from the previous one.

“I am opposed to any house building on that site – I think this development is unnecessary and it’s unwanted.”

Coun Dickinson added developers had lost key leverage following the scrapping of the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS). Swindon Council officers are currently drawing up a local core strategy to replace to RSS.

Fellow councillor Mick Bray said: “Little has changed other than the reduction in the number of houses which could still produce homes for 500 cars.

“Once again our united front will swing into action to show the applicants that they will be fighting a lost cause – Hook Street will remain green.”