A controversial plan to convert a family home in Old Town into a nine-bedroom student-style house could be approved if councillors follow the recommendation of planning officers.

The scheme by Scott Kirby will be discussed by members of Swindon Borough Council’s planning committee on Tuesday because the plan is to convert a house into an house of multiple occupation. The recommendation is that they approve the conversion.

That is despite South Swindon Parish Council’s planning committee being very critical of the plan.

Mr Kirby, who says he hopes to attract either young professionals, or weekly commuters to Swindon to the scheme, had originally planned to make the five-bedroom house into a 10-bed property, using the garage at the back of the property for the last room.

But that has now been amended to a nine-bed plan, with the garage being used as bicycle storage.

The officer's report says the conversion would provide housing for young professionals and key workers and would not affect the character of the conservation area.

The committee meets at 6pm on Tuesday, July 9, at the civic offices in Euclid Street.