A children's play area in Sparcells could be moved if plans to build six houses are approved.

Swindon Borough Council's Housing Development Company has applied to build the houses on the site of the former community centre in Sparcells Drive in West Swindon.

When it first put its plans to neighbours it received opposition from them and the Shaw Residents' Association and West Swindon Parish Council, with the loss of the play area being foremost in objections.

Now the company has suggested that it relocates the toddlers' play area to the north of the site - and the residents association and parish council no longer object.

The move also seems to have won over the borough council's planning officers who have recommended to the committee that it approves the scheme at tonight's meeting.

The report says: "The loss of a small amount of general recreation space would not adversely affect local needs in view of the adequate existing quantity of open space in the area, in particular Sparcells Field to the north.

"However, there is a shortfall of play space within the Shaw Ward. As the development proposes to remove the toddlers' play area, in order to mitigate this loss, the application now includes the re-provision of the toddlers play area within Sparcells Field, the existing open space to the north of the site."

A condition is suggested for granting permission; that no work starts on the houses until the new play area has been constructed and is in use.

The meeting begins at 6pm.