Speedway plans hit glitch (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Speedway plans hit glitch

12:26pm Wednesday 5th September 2007 in Swindon By Gazette Reporter

Plans to redevelop Abbey Stadium could be refused because they include too many expensive houses and not enough community facilities and open spaces.

Developers wanted to demolish the home of the Swindon Robins speedway team and replace it with a new stadium, with youth training facilities, 450 homes, a care home and 16,745 square metres of offices.

But a report sent to councillors ahead of Swindon Council's planning committee meeting next Tuesday recommends the plans are refused.

The report said: "The proposal will lead to an over-provision of housing and fails to make provision for the full infrastructure and community facilities that would be required by this development.

"It will result in the significant loss of a designated Key Employment Area to predominantly residential uses, which will prevent the site from realising its full potential to create jobs.

"Although this application is being recommended for refusal this is in planning terms only and in no way implies that council would not support the retention of speedway and greyhound racing facilities at Abbey Meads, should an acceptable application come forward."