Business · Swindon
Proposed changes at Orbital Shopping Park see estate agency relocation plans
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Swindon Borough Council is considering two planning applications that would see an estate agency move within the Orbital Shopping Park to make way for a new food or drink venue.
Major changes are on the horizon for the Orbital Shopping Park in North Swindon as two interconnected planning applications have been submitted to the local authority. The proposals involve a strategic reshuffle of commercial units to facilitate a change in use for one of the site's prominent locations.
The first application seeks a Certificate of Lawfulness for Unit B11. This unit, which sits directly opposite the North Swindon Library, is currently occupied by Connells estate agency. The application proposes a shift in the unit's permitted use to allow for the sale of food and drink, specifically intended for consumption on the premises. This change suggests the potential arrival of a new cafe, coffee shop or restaurant at the shopping park.
To accommodate this change, a separate application has been lodged to relocate the existing Connells estate agency to the shopping park's Management Suite. The move would see the commercial office transition into the heart of the site's administration area. According to planning documentation, the Management Suite building also houses existing customer toilet facilities, which are expected to remain unaffected by the proposed relocation.
Councillor Vinay Manro has drawn public attention to the applications, encouraging residents to engage with the planning process. Residents can view the full details of both applications through the Swindon Borough Council planning portal. Cllr Manro has advised that since these are requests for Lawful Development Certificates, feedback regarding existing planning permissions, conditions, and restrictions is particularly relevant to the council's decision-making process.
The applications are currently under active consideration by the council. Local residents and stakeholders are encouraged to submit any formal comments directly via the council's website to ensure their views are fully documented as part of the formal review.
Source: Swindon Advertiser - Lifestyle · View original