RESIDENTS in north Swindon are meeting to discuss a potential development which could see 1,690 homes built.

Oakhurst Residents’ Association is holding a public meeting tomorrow at Oakhurst Primary School, at 7.30pm about the development at Tadpole Farm, It comes before pre-application consultations by developer and site owner Crest Nicholson.

Previous negotiations between the developer and north Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson saw the original proposal for between 2,500 and 3,000 homes reduced to between 1,500 and 2,000.

At the end of last year residents expressed concerns that Oakhurst Way would become overloaded with traffic heading to the new development, as well as the possibility that Lady Lane would be reopened to ease congestion.

Crest Nicholson has now agreed to look at building houses on the northern edge of the site and to only make a connection to Tadpole Lane and Oakhurst Way near the end of the development period.

This means that construction traffic will be directed via a new link road to the north east to join the road and tunnel under the A419.

Coun Vera Tomlinson said: “Considering that just over a year ago Crest was suggesting the site could accommodate 2,500 or more houses, I think it’s good news that they are looking at a high quality lower density development that councillors argued for.

“I am encouraged they have said they want to include green space across the Tadpole Farm site and Tadpole Lane is to be redeveloped as a ‘green lane’ to reduce traffic speed.”

But Jeff Hill, who chairs the residents’ association, said: “The plan for how traffic will use Oakhurst Way in the future needs to be sorted out before Crest submits a planning application for Tadpole Farm – not at some point in the future after house occupation has started.

“It’s just too easy for assurances given now to be reinterpreted later. Let’s not forget, 10 years ago the master plan for North Swindon did not even include extending the development into the land at Tadpole Farm.

“In fact, the proposal only appeared about five years ago.

“I’m also very concerned that Crest carried out a survey of traffic use of Oakhurst Way during half-term.

“The data will be distorted, we must ensure a new survey is undertaken to show how the road is used during term time.”

A Swindon Council spokesman said: “We are continuing to have discussions with the developer who we don’t expect will make a formal planning application for a number of months.

“At this stage it appears they are looking for a development of 1,700 homes.

“We understand the concerns of residents and we are still considering a variety of options.”