Swindon 241 eco-home development halted due to access rights

The development has been halted to allow Swindon Council to undertake a formal consultation to resolve the issue, but the delay could mean that the development will not receive the necessary grant funding to allow the scheme to go ahead.

Local residents have opposed the plans to build 241 eco-homes homes in Gorse Hill, near Swindon. They claim that the access road to the site is subject to a 75 year old covenant which grants open access to any person or vehicle. They claim that the covenant prevents the access road from being divided up into separate walkways and a road.

"There are a number of factors, particularly legal and financial, contributing to this decision – not least that it is unlikely a scheme could be delivered in time to secure the necessary grant funding currently available from the Homes and Communities Agency," said Haboakus, the joint venture between Kevin McCloud's company Hab and housing group GreenSquare.

The joint venture had entered into detailed discussion with the Council and its senior planning officers, but it agreed to halt the plans until the issues are resolved.

The proposed plans for the development include around 240 new homes and "many enhancements" to the wider park in Gorse Hill, the developer said.  Two football pitches would remain untouched at the site, which will have its landscape and facilities improved as part of plans to invest £1m in the park.

"We hope local people will take part in discussion groups about the park improvement, recreation facilities, housing and community development proposals," said project manager Simon McWhirter. "We are very disappointed that our proposals won't come to fruition as we still believe they offer major benefits to the community through the provision of very high quality housing, an improved park, and significant job and training opportunities for local people."

"We are committed to continue working with Swindon Borough Council to provide the new homes - particularly affordable housing - new jobs, and community facilities badly needed in Swindon," he said.