Politics & Council · Swindon
Plans for 100 extra homes at former Intel UK HQ in Swindon scrapped
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Developer ambitions to add two floors and 101 new flats to the former Intel UK headquarters on Pipers Way have been withdrawn following significant pushback from highways and planning officials.
A major development proposal to significantly expand the number of homes at the former Intel UK headquarters on Pipers Way has been withdrawn, after Swindon Borough Council raised concerns regarding parking capacity and site infrastructure.
The application sought to build two additional floors on top of the main office building, which had already received prior approval for a conversion into 112 flats. The expansion would have brought the total number of residential units at the site to 213, adding 88 flats in new floors and converting space within the existing structure for a further 13 units.
However, the council's Transport Development Management department formally recommended the application be refused, citing a substantial shortfall in parking provision. The developer's proposal included 142 total parking spaces, which officials calculated as a shortfall of 42 spaces against the borough's strict parking standards. Transport officers described this gap as a significant issue, noting that forecasting for such large-scale developments involves inherent uncertainty.
Beyond the parking shortfall, the council highlighted the need for a more comprehensive site plan detailing the layout of internal roads, pedestrian walkways, and kerbing. Officials also requested a detailed technical assessment, known as a PICADY report, to ensure that the site's southern access point would not cause traffic queues or obstruct the existing signalled junction on the busy route.
The planning application also encountered opposition from local residents, who expressed worries regarding the scale of the expansion and the long-term impact on the area. Further complications arose from the council’s Lead Local Flood Authority, which recommended rejection due to concerns over the proposed Sustainable Drainage Systems and the potential impact on local biodiversity.
The developer withdrew the application on Monday, September 28, effectively halting the project in its current form. The site, which was previously a cornerstone of Swindon's technology sector, remains subject to the earlier consent for 112 flats, provided the developers adhere to existing conditions regarding noise mitigation, site contamination, and construction management.
Source: Swindon Advertiser - Politics · View original