THE former Swindon College site will soon be given a new lease of life.

Swindon Council’s planning committee accepted the £100m plans for the derelict site in Regent Circus with a majority vote, but there are still some issues to be ironed out.

Developer Ashfield Land put forward the proposals for the site, which include a seven-screen cinema, restaurants, bars, a Morrisons supermarket, shops and car parking for almost 900 cars.

A petition against the proposals, signed by 73 people, highlighted residents’ concerns that the pedestrian walkway could act as a thoroughfare for people late at night travelling between Old Town and the town centre.

There was also a small protest outside the council offices before the meeting from people all asking for a gate to be put in place and used after business hours.

However the committee were advised by officers not to impose the gate on the application as it would result in a rejection of the proposed plans and the developers could pull out of the process.

Committee member Coun Martin Wiltshire (Lib Dem, Eastcott), said: “This is a very welcome development and comes after years of work. Although this it isn’t an ideal proposal it will greatly improve this area.”

Coun Steve Allsopp (Lab, Parks), also a member of the committee, voiced his concerns that after all the work that has gone into the development it is not something that will be iconic to Swindon.

“I do feel and fear for the scheme. I thought of a site that would not be in need of regeneration for another 50 years and it would be more iconic. Its aspirations for me are too low.”

Coun Dave Wood (Lib Dem, Eastcott), fought for the gate to be put in place.

“Now that the Regent Circus development includes this route, all experts agree that Prospect Hill will become the new shortcut for rowdy groups,” he said after the meeting.

“Residents of these streets will be paying for the planning committee’s mistake.

“Myself and residents, who really want this development, suggested a simple solution of a gate that would close in the early hours of the morning and stop the problem with one easy fix.

“I have never been more ashamed to be associated with Swindon Council.”

The committee voted 13 to one to approve plans with the condition that if the development results in a number of complaints about anti-social behaviour a scheme, which is approved by residents, the council and police, will be set up address the problem.