PROPOSED flats near the town centre have been dismissed as out-of-keeping with the area by parish councillors.

Fears have also been raised that the layout of the three-block development off Morse Street could also encourage crime, with Wiltshire Police suggesting it could create a pedestrian cut through and encourage anti-social behaviour.

Planning agents DPDS Consulting have submitted an application on behalf of developer Harry Barclay for the 24 flats.

At a meeting of South Swindon Parish Council’s planning committee, councillors voted to object to the plans on the grounds the development was out of keeping with the local area and may result in increased crime.

Coun Stan Pajak said: “I’ve asked for this to go to borough planning committee. It’s unusual and it’s out of keeping with the local area.”

An alleyway running from Newhall Street to Deacon Street, which would form the northern boundary of the proposed development, was “full of rubbish”, Coun Pajak added: “There’s an abandoned car there, yet this is pedestrian access and cycle access [for this development]. If the applicant takes over the site, he will have responsibility over that alleyway.”

The councillor called for developers to improve the alleyway to prevent it being used as “a rubbish dump that is obnoxious to residents and an eyesore”.

Coun Patrick Herring raised concerns over the three-storey blocks potentially overshadowing neighbouring homes. The provision of 14 parking spaces was praised, although councillors stressed residents in the flats would be unable to apply for street parking permits for the area.

Four residents have written to the borough’s planning team to object to the plans. David Calder, of Dixon Street, wrote: “Illegal parking in this area is a big problem and the fact that permits will not be issued will make little difference. This development will in its proposed form make this matter worse.”

The flooding authority has recommended the application be turned down, as no plan has been submitted detailing how the developers would deal with surface water.

In a design statement submitted with their application for planning permission, agents DPDS said their plans had been designed “to reflect and enhance the local character and distinctiveness”. They said the landscaping around the flats would offer a “pleasurable experience, safety, defensible space and robustness while still feeling open, relaxed and comfortable”.