Swindon council has resolved to grant permission for Taylor Woodrow’s plans for a major urban development to the south of Swindon.
Taylor Woodrow’s Bryant Homes brand has drawn up a masterplan comprising up to 4,500 homes and a mix of commercial, leisure and shops organised around a series of local centres and a main high street.
All homes and workplaces will be located within 300m of a bus stop.
There will also be a park-and-ride facility situated near junction 16 of the M4.
The masterplan for the Southern Development Area (SDA) has been drawn up via community consultation with the help of leading urban design architect John Simpson.
Commenting on the application, Gareth Jones of the Commission for Architecture & the Built Environment (CABE), said: “We think the proposals provide a clear structure for the development of the area, promoting high-density mixed tenure residential accommodation supported by commercial and local facilities as well as a sustainable transport plan.
“Importantly the proposals put the pedestrian first, and this has informed the overall ordering of the areas.”
The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) is urging deputy prime minister John Prescott to intervene in the planning process and prevent greenfield land being used for the development.
References: EGi News 26/01/04
