Housing development plans on display

The development is to the south of the town

Amended plans for the redevelopment of Swindon's 'Front Garden' have gone on display.

Developer Bryant Homes wants to build up to 4,500 houses on the 764 acre greenfield site between Old Town and the M4.

The latest designs show 10 significant changes to previous plans which Bryant says will make the construction more environmentally friendly.

The proposals are on public display at Wroughton's Ellendune community centre this week, and from next week they will be at Swindon's civic offices.

Road improvements

Charles St. George, who represents Bryant Homes, said: "We have increased the amount of green space, and the width of the wildlife corridors."

The plans include an area for the Great Crested Newt, measures to protect water voles in the area and more green spaces.

Road junction improvements on Croft Road and at junction 16 of the M4 are also highlighted, and more work will take place into using acoustic barriers to reduce noise from the M4 and Southern Relief Road.

"We have been in very detailed discussion with community groups, councils and the Environment and Highway's Agency about the changes," Mr St. George added.

The new proposals are expected to go before the borough council's planning committee by the end of the year, but the site could take up to 10 years to develop.