CAMPAIGNERS opposed to plans to build a new warehouse and manufacturing plant between Swindon and Wanborough say it won’t attract new hi-tech companies to Swindon.

Pharmaceutical company Wasdell group has applied to build a new headquarters on fields just east of the A419 and it says phase two of its plans for a science park will bring more firms and highly skilled and paid workers to the area.

But the South Swindon Protection Group, formed by Wanborough residents to oppose the plans says there’s no evidence of that.

A spokesman said: “ Phase one, a 50ft high packaging facility – twice the size of the DB Symmetry Warehouse next to Sainsbury’s on the A420 – does not set in motion the seedling required to grow a science park.

“Nor can we find evidence in the documentation that links the substantial phase one facility to any third party hosting university or science establishment – an overwhelming criteria for a science park.

Phase 2, which is “subject to demand” is for further industrial units totalling 48,000m2 including another huge warehouse. Pictorial representation of the plans below highlights the land grab required.

“Association with a packaging warehouse operation or manufacturing plant alone on an isolated site would not qualify as a science park.

“There are several large employment land sites designated and designed by SBC to support job growth opportunities. Wichelstowe is an excellent example that clearly satisfies the planning requirements of this proposal with sufficient space and capability, plus associated road and motorway access schemes required for haulage, distribution and commuters.”

Wasdell Group, which is based in Blagrove in Swindon, did not respond to a request for comment by the time the Adver went to press.