Homes in a controversial new housing development in North Swindon are currently available to buy, despite an ongoing investigation into a potential breach of planning requirements. 

It was thought that the Robin Gardens development in Blunsdon, from housebuilder Taylor Wimpey, could not be constructed without Gaming International, the owners of Abbey Stadium, completing certain milestones in that building's redevelopment. 

But after building showhomes and hosting a launch event, rescheduled from January, for the new estate on February 3, Taylor Wimpey has pressed on with its plans to sell homes at the site. 

The Robin Gardens website now lists a number of property options for sale, three of which now have currently open showhomes, and one which states 'move in for Summer'. 

Swindon Advertiser: The homes for sale at Taylor Wimpey's Robin Gardens development currently mired in controversyThe homes for sale at Taylor Wimpey's Robin Gardens development currently mired in controversy (Image: Newsquest)

The building of showhomes in the former speedway and greyhound racing stadium's car park back in November sparked concern among locals that the planning requirements that Taylor Wimpey and Gaming International had jointly agreed with Swindon Borough Council had not been met. 

At the time, a Taylor Wimpey spokesperson said: “We have been in regular discussion with Swindon Borough Council regarding the planning conditions on our site in Swindon and can confirm that pre-commencement obligations in relation to the stadium have been met."

But, Swindon Borough Council announced that planning officers had launched an enforcement investigation after the leader of the council, Jim Robbins, had previously confirmed that a 10-point list had not "been satisfied".

It is not currently known when this enforcement investigation may end, and when the results will be revealed.

But a council spokesperson said: “The Council cannot comment on allegations in relation to specific sites prior to any enforcement action that may or may not be taken.

“We would advise anyone who is buying a property to make sure they carry out the necessary due diligence to understand what restrictions could impact their potential purchase, including any planning conditions or obligations.”

Schedule 1 of the Section 106 agreement states: “The owners covenant not to commence development of the residential units until milestones 1 to 10 have reached practical completion and a certified copy of the relevant certificate of practical completion has been submitted to the council by the contract administrator.”

The council has not confirmed if it has received a certificate of practical completion for all 10 of these milestones, the last of which relates to 'stadium buildings'.