A LONG-ANTICIPATED plan for nearly 400 homes on land running along the railway lines in the centre of Swindon will soon be submitted for approval.

Development company One Swindon is promising to put in its application to redevelop Swindon Sidings – land south of the tracks running between Park Lane and Wootton Bassett Road.

The company wants people to give feedback on its website. It has put on a public drop-in session for people to view plans, ask questions and give their opinions.

The developers say plans for a mixture of 368 homes including houses and blocks of flats would regenerate the vacant land.

A spokesman for One Swindon Ltd said: “We are excited to reveal our plans to bring life to this brownfield site, our ambition is to deliver an urban residential scheme in the heart of Swindon and to create a new ‘gateway’ into Swindon when approaching from the west by rail.

“We want to hear what the people of Swindon think about our plans and to give us their feedback to help shape a successful, high-quality and sustainable neighbourhood at Swindon Sidings.’

The application has been prepared by planning consultants Turley.

Director Peter Lawson added: “This an excellent opportunity to deliver new homes, community uses and a new pedestrian and cycle link on a disused site in the centre of Swindon.

"The development marks an important regeneration scheme for Swindon, continuing to build on the town’s recent success.

"We encourage residents to have their say, and support this transformational development for the local area.”

One Swindon Ltd’s wish to develop the site has been known for more than 18 months, although the details of layout and design have not been made public before.

Ward councillor Bob Wright has already written to council planners saying the nature of the construction of the man-made sidings makes them unsuitable for houses.

He said: “The sidings behind Dean Street is an artificial railway bank/land made up of clinker. Due to its construction, location, inherent drainage and stability problems we have opposed residential development on the site.

“The land is like an island with no road links and which will be expensive and difficult to install. Residential development will have significant impact due to the nature of the site and its location.”

Residents will also be able to comment on a formal application when it is made.

The drop-in session will be held between 5.50pm and 7.30pm at Swindon West End Bowls Club, Westcote Recreation Ground, Wootton Bassett Road.

To comment on the plans, go to swindonsidings.co.uk