PLANS to convert an unused warehouse into a temporary home for indoor bowls in Swindon were approved by Swindon Council’s planning committee on Tuesday night.

Swindon Oasis Indoor Bowls Club was informed earlier this year that the existing six-rink facility at the Oasis Leisure Centre would be replaced with a gymnasium as part of the centre’s alterations by private developer Moirai Capital Investments.

The council’s planning committee has now approved a council plan to convert the warehouse it owns on Cheney Manor Industrial Estate into a four-rink indoor bowls facility for three years while the council looks for a permanent venue.

This came despite concerns from ward councillor Des Moffatt (Lab, Rodbourne Cheney) that the change of use would be against planning policy, as Cheney Manor is identified as a key employment area where non-employment uses are generally restricted.

He said another site should have been chosen, explaining that empty industrial units are an advantage in this economic climate for attracting new businesses to Swindon and developing existing businesses.

But Coun Doreen Dart, the committee’s vice chairman, said: “We understand where Des Moffatt is coming from but it’s a temporary change. If it’s more than three years, it will have to go to planning again for continuing use.

“It’s something they need desperately.”