'Historic' buildings once set aside and intended to be a community centre for the huge new Wichelstowe expansion in southwest Swindon could be knocked down.

But not everyone at Swindon Borough Council is entirely convinced by the proposal

The cottages at Southleaze Farm, south of the Orchards development in Wichelstowe and to the west of the main village centre, were intended to be one of just a few older buildings kept as the rural area is developed.

But Swindon Borough Council has now applied, to its planning department, for permission to knock down the buildings.

The application says: “The buildings are unoccupied and have been subject to vandalism, arson and unlawful entry. The resulting damage of the fire has caused the roof structure to collapse rendering the buildings unsafe and beyond economic repair.”

It adds: “The existing grassed areas, trees and hedges are to remain untouched by the works. On completion of the demolitions all spoil and waste will be removed from site, all excavations will be backfilled with hardcore level with existing ground levels.”

The application says that public rights of way passing the site have been closed to prevent public access to the site, and fencing will prevent walkers and dog walkers getting near the demolition work.

There may be opposition to the plan to knock down the buildings next month, if consented, from inside the council’s own offices.

The authority’s Conservation Officer has responded to the plan, saying: “The building, despite the assertion by the submitted Heritage Statement to the contrary, would meet the criteria as a building of local interest and would be defined as a non-designated ‘heritage asset’.

“The proposal to demolish the asset would result in total loss of significance and thus harm of the highest degree.

“ The proposed loss of the asset appears to be sought for its own sake rather than in conjunction with any identifiable public benefits. The proposal for demolition would therefore represent the loss of a heritage asset.

“There are no identifiable public benefits and the proposal would not represent sustainable development.”

The officer notes that while the application says the building is derelict, and too damaged to be repairable, there are no photographs or any other information in the application to support this.

According to the local website eastwichel.org.uk the only old buildings remaining in the area now are Westlecott Farm Cottages, on the track between Stonehenge Road in East Wichel and Mill Lane in Old Town.