More council housing could be coming to Swindon.

The borough council’s cabinet will be asked approve land at the junction of Queen’s Drive and Drakes Way for up to 32 council-owned homes.

And cabinet member for housing and public safety Cathy Martyn will also be asking her Conservative colleagues for money to progress the possibility for another 71 houses, flats and bungalows in Windmill Hill in the far south of town.

The first site is either side of Bromley Close on the edge of the town centre. 

Coun Martin said: “We are committed to providing a range of houses – and more affordable houses are a big priority. 

"If we can get funding from Homes England we’d also want there to be social housing, but that does depend on securing that funding.”

Together the sites are 1.4 acres in size, just a little larger than a standard football pitch. The council believes it could fit up to 32 homes on the land.

If cabinet approves going ahead with work on developing the land, it will be asked for £50,000 for a detailed design.

Coun Martin added: “We are looking creatively across Swindon for sites. There are some large sites, like the redevelopment of Queen’s Drive on the old George Gay Gardens site, but  also smaller sites with fewer houses.

“It’s about making sure it fits, really.”

Neighbour Peter Franklin, walking his dogs, said: “We don’t really use it as an outdoor space. It’s so near the busy roads.”
If the £50,000 is allocated it will be used to help work on redeveloping a cleared site in Windmill Hill just north of the Great Western Way.

Coun Martyn said: “This site was previously been considered by the council-owned housing company  but is now more suited for affordable housing.”

A scheme for this site has already been produced, suggesting seven two-bed bungalows, 34 two and three bed houses and 30 one and two-bed flats in a single block.

The  proposals are supported by opposition Labour councillors. 

The group’s spokesman on housing Emma Bushell said: “Any intention expressed by the council to build new council housing in Swindon is to be welcomed.  Labour councillors have been urging the council to build new council houses for years and have pledged to build 1,000 new council houses over five years if elected.

“New council housing is desperately needed given the number of Swindon residents unable to afford decent housing in the town, who are stuck on the on council’s housing list or in temporary accommodation for years. 

“Any new homes should be built to the highest design and environmental standards.”

Neighbour Peter Franklin, walking his dogs said: "We don't really use it as an outdoor space. It's so near the busy roads."

If the £50,000 is allocated it will be used to help work on redeveloping a cleared site in Windmill Hill just north of the Great Western Way.

Coun Martyn said: “This site was previously been considered by the council-owned housing company but is now more suited for affordable housing.”

A scheme for this site has already been produced suggesting seven tw0-bed bungalows, 34 two and three bed houses and 30 one and two-bed flats in a single block.

The proposals are supported by opposition Labour councillors. The group’s spokesman on housing Emma Bushell said: “Any intention expressed by the council to build new council housing in Swindon is to be welcomed. Labour councillors have been urging the council to build new council houses for years and have pledged to build 1000 new council houses over five years if elected.

“New council housing is desperately needed given the number of Swindon residents unable to afford decent housing in the town, who are stuck on the on council’s housing list or in temporary accommodation for years.

“Any new homes should be built to the highest design and environmental standards.”