Second time lucky: Swindon apartment plans finally given the go-ahead

A project to convert a former social club into Flats in Swindon has been granted the second greenlight after original plans were cancelled due to Covid-19 lockdowns.  

Despite the World Health Organisation deeming that Covid-19 is no longer a major cause for concern earlier this year, some projects are still feeling the effects of the pandemic.

In July 2020 Brett Property Group applied to convert the former Reform Club in Beechcroft Road, Swindon, into five one-bedroom flats, but the approval was not acted upon because of the series of lockdowns that were implemented throughout 2020/21.

Although lockdowns stopped the original plan from going ahead, this only spurred the development company to work harder. After lockdowns were lifted for good, the organisation changed their plans to help people who now work from home. Despite keeping the same number of overall flats, this needed a new planning application, which was submitted earlier this year.

The company’s application said: ‘Each flat seeks to include a study room predominantly driven by encouraging working from home, either on a full or part-time basis.

‘There is a requirement for this type of facility following the Covid-19 pandemic and increased fuel costs which have become unaffordable to many, as well as helping with sustainability.

‘One car parking space is allocated per dwelling and adequate cycle provision is provided on site.’

It added that such a change would make the development more likely to go ahead: ‘The addition of study rooms marginally improves the viability where the development will receive a lending facility.’

As a result, the new plan has been approved by planners at Swindon Borough Council, who said: ‘The property forms part of a residential terrace and already has a residential appearance. The front elevation will be altered in terms of introducing an undercroft to provide vehicular access to the rear parking.

‘The changes are not considered to depart from the established residential character of the building, street scene and character of the area.

‘The change of use to residential would introduce a more compatible use in terms of noise and disturbance with adjoining properties than the existing use of the property as community club.’

Image: Aled Thomas