Coate - This could be a different scene if houses, business park and university are built thereTHE draft plan for the development of Swindon went on show to the public for the first time yesterday.

The Local Plan contains policies and proposals of how land will be used in and around the town.

Some of its more controversial aspects include building 1,800 homes and a new university campus at Coate.

The plan will be available to the public until January 12 for a six-week consultation period so that objections and comments can be made.

The idea is that it should become an agreed blueprint which will be in place until 2011.

The council stresses that details are not yet finalised and all would have to go through planning committees in the same way as any other application.

The public can go into the council offices in Station Road or Swindon Library to view the documents.

But by lunchtime yesterday only four people had been into the council offices in Station Road to make comments.

People who had not been in to see the plans had mixed views. While many welcome the thought of growth and expansion if it helps Swindon's economy, others don't believe their opinions will make any difference.

Martin O'Donnell, 40, a bricklayer, of Old Walcot, said: "The influx of people would make places like the hospital even more crowded. It's not big enough as it is."

Newsagent Nick Foster said:"The council says we can make our objections but this is rarely the case. It's all probably decided already."

Robert Hamley, 53, a factory worker, of Cranmore Avenue, said: "Although in places I think this development plan is controversial, it won't stop me from going in and making my objections.

"I won't hesitate to tell them I think Coate Water should be developed as a leisure park nothing else."

Jim Gardiner, 52, a supervisor from Eldene, said: "We really don't have the infrastructure in place to support the kind of expansion the council is talking about. I might go to see the plans if I get the time."

Margaret Hillier, 61, a retailer from West Swindon, said: "People need all these homes but can Swindon cope with it?

"The roads are congested already and the hospital is crowded. I'm not sure whether I will go and comment on the plans.

"I really don't think it makes any difference to the council's decision."

Christopher Jones, 27, a salesman from Abbey Meads, was undecided. "It's a double-edged sword," he said. It's good for the town to expand and people will need all these homes, but it could lead to overcrowding. I doubt very much I will go to see the plans."

Elliott Scott, 23, retailer from Chiseldon, felt people should be more concerned about what's in the proposals.

"It might affect us all. I didn't know we could view the plans or make objections but I might go now that I know."

Councillors will use the plan when considering whether to grant planning permission for applications.

Objections can be raised by filling in a form available from the council offices.

The council will acknowledge all objections by letter.

All comments made in writing will be available for public viewing once collated and will be considered.

When an earlier draft of the plan went on show in September last year, more than 270 organisations and individuals made representations. Around 2,650 objections were made then, along with 460 statements of support.

The local plan, together with the County Structure Plan, Minerals Plan and Waste Plan forms the development plan for Swindon.

The major sites selected in the original draft plan for housing to meet the need for 23,000 dwellings between 1991 and 2011 were in the Northern and Southern Development areas, but a new greenfield housing site has been added at Coate.

Other changes include affordable housing and to encourage prestigious large houses in Swindon.

Additional land must also be found for employment and the adding of a high-tech business park and University at Coate help meets this need.

Another key change is the identification of Pipers Way and Groundwell as mixed use on employment land that is currently underused.

The plan also looks at shopping in the town centre, local centres and in Highworth and Wroughton.

Recreation and leisure should be encouraged through keeping green space and improving sports facilities and visitor attractions.

There are also chapters on improving the transport infrastructure and protecting conservation areas, historic buildings and regenerating the central area.

elidbury@newswilts.co.uk