Houses being built on a the cleared site of a former tyre fitters would be a ‘godsend’, according to at least one neighbour.

Owner of a building firm John Reape has applied for planning permission to build six homes – four terraced houses and two flats – on the triangular plot of land behind his house in Shrivenham Road.

And residents behind and next to the proposed development seem to be in favour.

Mr Reape had gained planning permission for the site at 203 Shrivenham, Road previously but it had lapsed.

He said: “I think this would be a good use of this land – better than just leaving it empty. There used to be a building on the site, be we demolished that a while ago.”

The building had become a target for vandals and other anti-social behaviour before it was knocked down. It has been used as a yard for Mr Reape’s building business but his plans show four large terraced houses could be built along the alleyway separating the site form a very newly built block of flats, with gardens behind the houses and two parking spaces for every unit.

Mr Reape said: “There’s a lot of housing coming in here – the flats next door are really new and just down the road there’s a site where they are building 60 houses.

“We’ll be aiming to build for the next level up form starter homes – these will be family homes, with three large double bedrooms in the houses and two bedrooms in the flats. There’s clearly a need for housing in the area and I think this is a sensible use of the site.”

If planning permission is granted by Swindon Borough Council, neighbours will be pleased.

Susan Rexworthy lives behind the site in Copse Avenue and will have a direct view of the houses.

She said: “I’m all in favour of it. I think it’s a good thing. I know that there was permission there before.

“The yard’s been used by the builder for his business and he’s used it for burning waste before. He agreed to do it over the other side form us, but now there are flats over there, so they get it. It’ll be much better with houses, and much nicer to look at.

“It would be a godsend, to be honest with you.”

Sophie Harrigan has just moved into her home close to the site

She said: “I didn’t know about the plans – but that would be better.

“It’s not much to look at, at the moment. I don’t mind that much but houses will be better.

“It’s a nice area around here, so I think plenty of people will want to move here.”

The plans are available to view and comment on at swindon.gov.uk using the reference S/19/0870.

Comments should be made to Swindon Borough Council by Tuesday, July 9.