Setting their sights high

8:00am Friday 7th September 2007

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RESIDENTS are worried that plans for a 17-storey skyscraper to replace Swindon College will overshadow their homes.

The proposed tower will dominate the Swindon skyline, as it will be the same size as the nearby David Murray John building.

An outline planning application to transform the Regent Circus site will go before a committee on Tuesday.

A supermarket, restaurants, hotel. cinema and public square are also part of the plans.

Developer Ashfield Land and Parkridge originally submitted plans for the residential tower to be 20-storeys, but was forced to reduce it to 17.

The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) slammed the tower concept in an independent review.

"There is no logic for the proposed shape or location of the tower and it will overshadow the proposed public square," it said.

A number of people who live near the site also feel that the huge residential block will be too tall.

David Dignum, of Edmund Street, said: "There is going to be 40 per cent reduced light. I'm calling it the tower of darkness. I feel for people as it is wrong that this is happening."

Coun David Wood (Lib, Eastcott) said that concerned residents have been in touch.

"I have heard reservations. A 17-storey tower has the potential to overshadow homes below and people are concerned about it.

"I will be at the planning meeting as will some residents to demand some answers. If the developers can't address the concerns satisfactorily, we hope the planning committee will ask them to rethink.

"We need to know how much of a shadow it will cast.

"I am in favour of the development, but we need to make sure it doesn't disadvantage those living around it."

Fred Blunt, of Edmund Street, said he did not welcome the height of the skyscraper.

"I wouldn't be too happy about it," said the 32-year-old. "It has been difficult for me to get a television signal because of the height of the college. It would be better if it was lower. But, overall, the development will rejuvenate the area, as it has becoming run down."

Barman Mike Boon, who works in the Beehive pub, was shocked to find out the proposed height.

"I'm a bit astounded that it is going to be 17 storeys. The size does concern me."

Paul Dolling,48, from nearby Wells Street, said: "If it will be 17 storeys, then it will be about the size of the Murray John building.

"I think the development is in the wrong place as there are too many people crammed into too small a space."

Peter Greenhalgh, the cabinet member for planning, highways and transport, said: "I don't think the residential building looks out of place. The design looks pretty good. It is an exciting development and is a sign of how much interest there is in Swindon."

Colin Turner, 65, of Edmund Street, said he was thrilled about the regeneration project.

"I think it is the most wonderful project I have ever seen," he said.

" I'm in favour of clearing the college, which is getting taken over by vandals."