A PLAN to build 14 flats on the site of the Hertz car rental garage in Ermin Street, Stratton St Margaret has been dropped.

Smiths Holdings had lodged an application with planners at Swindon Borough Council to construct 14 two-bedroom flats on the site of the now-demolished garage.

The designs submitted were criticised by neighbours and the long, linear block of flats was also unpopular with the urban design consultant.

Submitted in February, the plans have now been withdrawn.

Also in Ermin Street in Stratton, the owners of Wemyss Lodge care home, have applied for permission to build a number of extensions.

They want to create four new rooms and to refurbish six existing rooms, a bedroom for overnight stays by relatives, a dedicated hairdressing salon and improved escape measures in the event of an emergency.

The care home says the idea is not to increase the number of residents but to be able to provide a single room for each resident, because five of its rooms are currently twin bedded.

The application adds: “Demand for the home is always high and there is a constant waiting list.

“There is very little requirement for dual occupancy which has meant the maximum potential for care provision is seldom achieved.

It is expected that the application will be decided by Monday December 24.

The application is available through the Swindon Borough Council website and is open for public consultation.