River ray parkway damage (Thames Water)


This post details the ongoing issue of ensuring the River Ray parkway path is repaired and maintained. Many vehicles now use this track, in particular the 15+ ton Thames Water tankers .

Swindon Travel Choices – upcoming closure of NCN route 45

19 August 2023

The National Cycle Route 45 (River Ray Parkway) will be closed for at least a year to enable Thames Water to run a new sewage pipe. Swindon Travel Choices have issued guidance on alternative routes for cyclists and pedestrians. Both will add significant distance to the journey. Diverting through Cheney Manor adds 1.7 miles to the trip (up to an hour if walking), and the other takes pedestrians and cyclists through Shaw and Peatmoor, adding at least 30 minutes to a pedestrian’s journey.

More information from Swindon Travel Choices can be found here.



Thames Water new sewage pipe presentation to SBC gives much more detail

2 August 2023

We have received a presentation given by Thames Water to Swindon Borough Council. Called ‘Haydon End rising main burst brief to Swindon BC infrastructure delivery board’, it provides much more detail on the plans.

However, it leaves one crucial and essential question: what will be the alternative route provided to pedestrians and cyclists during the open-cut excavation work along the River Ray Parkway and Western Flyer?

The full presentation can be viewed by clicking here. Note: we think there is a typo on page 9 – Work face 2 start date should read 14/08/23 and not 14/08/24.

The high level project plan provided by Thames Water reads as follows:

Work Face 1

  • Construction of Tunnel Drive Shafts (5 No) – Start date 04/07/23, Completion Date 11/09/23.
  • Tunnelling between shafts 1 and 5 (1205m) – Start Date 08/09/23, Completion date 20/02/24
  • Pulling pipe through tunnels – (1205m) – Start Date 20/12/23, Completion Date 22/03/24

Work Face 2

  • Excavation and laying of new pipework via open cut along route of old railway (1530m) – Start Date 14/08/24 (we think this should read 14/08/23), Completion Date 06/03/24.

Work Face 3

  • Directional Drilling (310m) – Start Date 04/08/23, Completion Date 09/10/23.
  • Excavation and laying of new pipework via open cut from end of Direction Drilling Section to Swindon STW (400m) – Start Date 04/10/23, Completion Date 21/12/23.

The overall programme of site works has now commenced and the new rising main is programmed to be on line on 19/04/24 following testing.


Thames Water to run new sewage pipe along the River Ray Parkway national cycle route raises concerns

27 July 2023

The text and map in the article below can be found from this Thames Water link.

The article below raises these primary issues:

  1. The timeframe for the work is 3 July until July NEXT year – what does this mean for the disruption of the River Ray Parkway national cycle route, its planned resurfacing and the re-routing of service traffic along the repaired bridge from Galton Way?
  2. The map is incomplete! What is the route from the national cycle track to the treatment works, and what will it mean for the Western Flyer?

Thames Water article text

We’re replacing the full-length of the Haydon End rising main which will follow a new route. This will prevent future bursts and make sure it’s fit to flow for years to come.

Haydon End sewage pumping station and rising main were built in 1995-96 to transfer sewage to the inlet works at the eastern end of Swindon sewage treatment works. Its catchment area has seen significant growth in the years since.

In the last 2 years, the main has suffered many bursts and the frequency seems to be increasing. Due to the scattered nature of the bursts, a recent study advised a full-length replacement of the main.

When we’ll be working

We’ll start our work on 3 July 2023, and plan to complete it by 8 July 2024.

Where we’ll be working  

We’ll carry out our work in two sections.  

The first section will be from the Haydon End sewage pumping station to the north of the railway track. It’ll be tunnelled to minimise impact to the local environment.   

The second section will be an open-cut installation following the route of the old railway line that is now a footpath and cycle way (route 45). This section crosses the river Ray near Barnfield Road, where it will be drilled underneath the watercourse and existing properties to Barnfield Road for the final open cut to tie in point at the sewage treatment works.

How this may affect you

We’ll do everything we can to minimise any disruptions to you while we work on the main by:  

  • Agree the best way to manage traffic with local highway authority when necessary
  • Letting you know in advance if we’ll be working near your home or property

Please be aware that we’ll need to close cycle way route 45 this summer for about 12 months. Diversions will be put in place.

We’ll keep you informed as work progresses. Please continue to check this page for further updates.


Thames Water to run new sewage pipe along the River Ray Parkway National Cycle route

29 March 2023 – updated 19 May 2023

Councillor Keith Williams has informed us that Thames Water will resurface the National Cycle route, but only after they have dug it up to lay a new sewage pipe along much of its length.

The work is reportedly scheduled between June and September this year. Thames Water will provide an alternative route through the nature reserves while undertaking the work.

The reason for the work is due to the repeated cracking and leakage of the existing Thames Water sewage pipe that runs from Haydon Wick to the treatment centre.

See route maps below. Why the yellow bits running through Mouldon View housing estate we wonder?


River Ray Parkway National Cycle route now considered too dangerous for cyclists

26 March 2023

With all the work being conducted by various utilities, including Thames Water, the National Cycle Route is now considered too dangerous for cyclists to use for its intended purpose.

The degree of damage caused to the track by organisations who, up until now, do not consider it their responsibility to repair has created substantial potholes and lorry tyre ruts along much of its length. Most likely for litigation mitigation reasons, a sign requiring cyclists to dismount for the length of the National Cycle Route has been erected.

Furthermore, given the state of the track, drivers of the vehicles used by the utility companies have also been warned to expect a bumpy ride.

The damage to the track is extensive, making it impassable for walkers and cyclists alike

Thames Water’s sewage pipe burst again

2 March 2023

For the second time this year and the fourth time in two years, the Thames Water’s sewage pipe near the Tawny Owl pub has burst.

More on the story can be found here on the Swindon Advertiser website.



Thames Water sewage pipe bursts for the third time in two years

11 November 2022

Yet again, Thames Water’s sewage pipe has burst, this time near the railway bridge over the River Ray Parkway. This has resulted in many vehicles, many of them huge tankers using the River Ray Parkway to help mitigate the damage the sewage is doing to the environment and repair the broken pipe.

Of course, these vehicles are inflicting more damage to the River Ray Parkway. The question is whether Thames Water’s social responsibility will convince them to repair their damage or the local Council Taxpayer will have to foot the bill. Based on previous experience, we do not expect such action from them.

Read the Swindon Advertiser story here.


River Ray Parkway damage – update

8 June 2022

Following the damage to the Parkway, which is a national cycleway, by Thames Water’s 20+ ton tankers and other utility vehicles, we met with Thames Water and SBC representatives and agreed on an action plan (see below). We are pleased to hear that SBC has decided to repair the Track during this financial year and replace the bridge over the river so that vehicles can use the Galton Way access.

SRA meet with Thames Water

9 February 2022

Members of the SRA, including Cllr Keith Williams, met with Thames Water representatives onsite on the 8th February 2022.

The Thames Water representatives stated that the track has always been as bad. We disagreed with this assertion, pointing out that the damage stops at the railway bridge, with the track on the other side up to Thamesdown Drive mainly being (there are a few areas of damage) ok.

We all agreed that the Solar Farm company, Network Rail, Electricity company, and SBC have vehicles that use the track regularly. However, Thames Water would not accept that their tankers, which typically weigh >15 tons, must be more responsible than the vehicles used by other companies for the damage caused.

We all agreed on two things:

  1. All owners of motorised vehicles using the track should contribute to its upkeep.
  2. The increased traffic along the track is not acceptable – it is a footpath and cycle route and should be protected.

Councillor Keith Williams will work with SBC on a three-point plan:

  1. The track needs to be repaired urgently – SBC should seek contributions from all motorised traffic users to repair it.
  2. SBC to negotiate an annual levy that all motorised traffic users pay for the upkeep of the track.
  3. SBC to cost a longer-term solution of re-creating the route along Galton Way, which means a new bridge over the river. The one-off cost of this solution may well repay itself over a reasonably short period of annual levies. It would also enable the River Ray Parkway to be gated to motorised traffic – which can only be good for pedestrians, cyclists, dogs, and wildlife.

The SRA write to Thames Water CEO & Sir Robert Buckland MP

13 January 2022

Shaw Swindon River Ray Parkway damage

In early 2021, Thames Water suffered a problem with their sewage pipe in the vicinity of Shaw Forest Park between the Barnfield Road treatment works and North Swindon. While Thames Water undertook repairs, they used tankers to transport the sewage via the off-road River Ray Parkway greenway. The resultant damage to the Parkway caused by these tankers and ancillary vehicles is significant. However, Thames Water have told SBC that they will not make good the damage they have caused.

We have written to Sarah Bentley, Thames Water CEO, inviting her to reconsider past decisions and, as a matter of urgency, make good the damage Thames Water has caused.

Click here to download the letter in pdf format.


11 January 2022

Thames Water

In early 2021, Thames Water suffered a problem with their sewage pipe in the vicinity of Shaw Forest Park between the Barnfield Road treatment works and North Swindon. While Thames Water undertook repairs, they used tankers to transport the sewage via the off-road River Ray Parkway greenway. The resultant damage to the Parkway caused by these tankers and ancillary vehicles is significant. However, Thames Water have told SBC that they will not make good the damage they have caused.

The SRA will be escalating this issue in the near future.


15 December 2021

The condition of the track continues to deteriorate. These pictures were taken on 11 December 2021. It can only get much worse through the winter unless action is taken urgently by SBC enforcing Thames Water to pay for their damage.


5 October 2021

Thames Water are refusing to pay for the damage. Therefore, damage caused by a private company damaging a public right of way because of their infrastructure failures, has to be payed for by the taxpayer, e.g. all of us.


26 May 2021

Clearly an alternative route for these vehicles has either not been considered, or is not possible.


19 May 2021

As a consequence of the broken sewage pipe running from North Swindon to Thames Water’s treatment facility at Barnfield, many vehicles involved in its repair are traversing the River Ray Parkway, which runs behind Shaw Forest. This traffic has caused a lot of damage to the path, which both pedestrians and cyclists use extensively.

One puzzle for us is why the vehicles do not use the entrance from the end of Galton Way, which runs from Great Western Way just after B&Q and just before Bruce Street Bridges?

The SRA has written to Councillor Keith Williams. He has raised the issue of access and Thames Water being held responsible for the regrading of the path with Borough Council officers. We have expressed our desire for the regrading to take place before the autumn.

Litter Picking


Dates for 2024

We meet at 10:30 outside the Village Inn pub at Shaw Village Centre. If you have your own litter picking tools, please bring them along, if not then we can loan you some.

No dates set for 2024


More volunteers wanted

We are keen for others in our community to offer a hand in our litter picking endeavours, please drop us an email if you have any questions or comments.

The Keep Britian Tidy website offers lots of subject relevent information: www.keepbritaintidy.org


Previous litter pick events

11 November 2023

Six SRA members cleared seven bags of litter.

9 September 2023

Seven volunteers cleared ten bags of litter and removed many weeds cluttering the central isle of the Shaw Village Centre.

13 May 2023

A few SRA members cleared one bag of litter.

26 November 2022

Six SRA members plus another volunteer cleared ten bags of litter and removed weeds from the plant beds.

29 October 2022

Six SRA members plus one new volunteer cleared seven bags of litter and removed weeds from the plant beds.

17 September 2022

Seven SRA members cleared eight bags of litter and removed weeds from the Shaw Village Centre plant beds. We remain hopeful that the Parish Council will introduce an improved garden maintenance schedule for the Centre once they take on ownership in the coming months.

2 July 2022

Seven SRA members cleared 11 bags of litter and removed many weeds from the Shaw Village Centre plant beds.

9 April 2022

Four SRA members cleared four bags of litter.

2 March 2022

Five SRA members cleared five bags of litter.

6 November 2021

Five SRA members and one supporter cleared six bags of litter from around the Shaw / Ramleaze area and continued with some weeding of the Shaw Village Centre.

11 September 2021

Four SRA members collected four bags of litter from around the Shaw / Ramleaze area and weeded part of the Shaw Village center

14 August 2021

Six SRA members collected six bags of litter from around the Shaw / Ramleaze area and weeded part of the Shaw Village center.

10 October 2020

The team of eight people worked in a non-group related way and cleared 11 bags of litter from the area.

14 September 2019

Just four of use worked hard litter picking and weeding the village Center

13 July 2019

Nine people again cleared 10 bags of litter and tidied the raised beds.

22 June 2019

Nine people cleared 10 bags of litter and tidied around the raised beds.

18 May 2019

seven people cleared 12 bags of litter and tidied some of the central corridor.

27 April 2019

A small group of four made good progress

23 March 2019

Six volunteers collected ten bags of litter in just one hour.

3 November 2018

Ten of us collected over 20 bags of litter and removed weeds from the central corridor.

8 September 2018

Six people representing a small turnout from SRA members and a few other residents.

23 June 2018

A small contingent cleared many bags of litter in the hot sun.

19 May 2018

Just a handful of regulars turned out on a sunny day to clear many bags of litter and remove countless weeds from the Village Center central corridor.

21 April 2018

About a dozen ‘regulars’ showed up today for the SRA litter pick and Village Centre maintenance. We cleared several bags full of weeds from the Village Center central corridor and about 15 bags of litter. My thanks again to the regular team for their efforts.

17 March 2018

Freezing conditions did not deter 10 community minded people from clearing nearly 30 bags of litter from the area and remove many weeds from the Shaw Village Center central walkway.

28 October 2017

Nine people collected 20 bags of litter in the autumn sunshine. A special thanks to Liz from Toothill who responded to the West Swindon Facebook posting and came along to help out.

23 September 2017

The usual suspects turned out again in the early Autumn sunshine. Between the twelve of us we collected about 20 bags of litter and 10 bags of weeds. Sadly, posting on Facebook does not seem to be inspiring any new people to come along and help.

8 July 2017

Another good turnout on a hot sunny day. About 14 volunteers collected an estimates 25 bags of litter and 5 bags of weeds. That said, the challenge to get the Village centre weeds under control is simply not possible unless we get many more volunteers for that task. Three people cleared some of the weeds, but it needs at least ten people to make a real impact!

29 May 2017

Good turnout with seven non-SRA volunteers coming along to help out. Another 15 bags of litter collected. However, not enough people willing to help tidy the shrubs and weeds in the Village Centre. This was left to just one individual. We really need more help for this task or we will have to drop the concept.

25 March 2017

Excellent turnout on a nice sunny day. Several new volunteers which is always great to see. We collected well over 30 bags of rubbish which, considering it has only been a few weeks since the ‘spring tidy up’, really goes to show how selfish and disrespectful so many people have become with their litter dropping.

Anyhow, the photo does not include all those that helped and the pile of rubbish is not all the bags as some volunteers continued with their efforts well past the noon wrap up time.

Whilst some were litter picking several others continued with our efforts to keep the weeds at bay within the Shaw Village Centre.

Our thanks to everyone that came along and lent a hand!

5 November 2016

A nice crisp autumn day saw eight of us work hard to collect a huge pile of litter, about 20 bags, in just over one hour. We also managed to weed the central corridor through the village centre.

See this article on Swindon Advertiser website

10 September

Despite heavy rain a small diehard group of four amazing individuals worked hard to rid the Village Centre of some of its weeds. Postings on social media did receive some attention, but the rain will certainly have deterred many from turning out to help.

14 May 2016

No shortage of litter to be found as usual. With seven of the team off litter picking and three of us sorting the plant beds in the Village Centre, we made a huge difference. Just imaging how much could be done if we had more volunteers. If you are reading this, please come along to our next event!

5 March 2016

Despite a litter pick taking place the day before (which collected over 20 bags of litter) as part of the ‘clean for the Queen’ initiative, we still managed to collect another 25 bags just from the area around the Shaw Village Centre. Many thanks to the SRA members that came along and also to Robert Buckland MP and his assistant Andrew Timlett who gave up 1.5 hours of their time to help with our efforts.

14 November 2015

Another good turnout by SRA members who were joined by two others, despite the poor weather conditions. The central avenue through the centre was tidied and another 20 sacks of litter collected.

10 October 2015

Eleven people (all but one from the SRA) showed up to help – 28 sacks of rubbish collected and lots of weeding completed. Still so much to do and not enough volunteers to make a substantial difference.

23 May 2015

A warm sunny day that had been preceded by some wet weather made weeding a little easier. However, we were unable to complete all weeding due to the prolific growth that happens this time of the year and simply because there are just not enough of us to make a big enough impact. If you are reading this and have a mind to help out, please do come along on the 4 July – you will be very welcome!

25 April 2015

A pleasantly dry day at the end of a period which saw several weeks of no rain. Consequently the ground was rock hard which presented quite a challenge for weeding. Seven members of the SRA plus one new volunteer from Grange Park worked hard to both clear litter and keep the Shaw Village Centre plant beds looking tidy. If only we had more volunteers we could do so much more – it is just a couple of hours of effort that we are asking for.

14 March 2015

Cold but dry weather prevailed and yet more litter was cleared from the area by the SRA team. In addition our efforts in maintaining the plant beds in the Village Centre are really starting to pay dividends with masses of colour on display from the bulbs we planted over a year ago.

21 February 2015

Excellent weather helped moral as we cleared many bags of litter from the area and worked on the Village centre garden which is now starting to look good – spring is coming and so many of the bulbs we planted over a year ago are starting to show themselves.

8 November 2014

Eight members of the SRA together with councillor Nick Martin and Tesco manager Alan Isles worked hard despite the miserable wet conditions – more weeding of the central corridor and planting of spring bulbs took place and we also collected eight bags of litter from the surrounding area.

13 September 2014

Nine members of the SRA worked hard on litter picking and gardening in and around the Shaw Village centre. We managed to weed and tidy the whole of the central walkway and planted more bulbs and a few shrubs. The areas looks much better for our efforts. Unfortunately despite good coverage in the Swindon Advertiser for the event and prior engagement with all the business owners in the centre, no additional volunteers came to help. We will continue to do our best to manage the area, but unless more help is forthcoming, we may well have to reluctantly recommend to our local councillors to cobblestone the whole area.

10 May 2014

Thanks to the fifteen volunteers we were able to clear about 20 bags of rubbish and make a good dent in the weeds along the central corridor of the Village Centre. The gardening part is proving long and slow work. More willing volunteers to help with this task are needed.

8 March 2014

More litter cleared and gardening completed. The bulbs are starting to look good, but weeds are becoming very apparent. It is clear we will need more help as spring approaches to keep the weeds at bay.

1 February 2014

We had an excellent turnout of volunteers despite the weather. Plenty of litter cleared and plant beds weeded. The hundreds of bulbs we planted in 2013 are showing signs of life and should give a great display in a few weeks time. The Swindon Advertiser ran an article on our efforts – click here to read it.

23 November 2013

With help from fifteen cubs and scouts and five helpers of the 1st Toothill Scouts group, the SRA cleared over 30 bags of litter from in and around the Shaw Village Centre. This together with our 13 April 2013 clear up amounts to about 70 bags of litter cleared in just two events.


Application to build houses north of Purton Road – Allowed

Planning Inspector allows the application

1 December 2023

Following two refusals by Wiltshire Council and two refusals by the Planning Inspector, the applicant got third time lucky. The planning inspector for the third public inquiry has allowed the application.

Click here for the Inspectors report.

The story so far:

  • March 2018: Wiltshire Council refuses the application. Beechcroft Land appeal the decision
  • February 2020 – The Planning Inspector holds a Public Inquiry
  • April 2020: The Planning Inspector finds against the appellant and dismisses the appeal
  • November 2020: Beechcroft land reapply for planning permission with largely the same application other than two houses fewer (79 versus 81)
  • April 2021: Wiltshire Council refused the application. Beechcroft Land appeal the decision
  • February 2023: Second appeal hearing held
  • July 2023: The Planning Inspector dismisses the appeal again
  • July 2023: Beechcroft land challenges the dismissal in the High Court – the court orders that the appeal be re-determined
  • October 2023: Third appeal hearing held
  • November 2023: The Planning Inspector allows the application.

Date set for re-determination of second Purton Road appeal

14 September 2023

A date (4 October) has been set for the redetermination of the second appeal for this planning application. This will be the third time a planning inspector will hear this application – we can only guess how much this costs the Council Tax payer – it must run into the hundreds of thousands of pounds.

The story so far:

  • March 2018: Wiltshire Council refuses the application. Beechcroft Land appeal the decision
  • February 2020 – The Planning Inspector holds a Public Inquiry
  • April 2020: The Planning Inspector finds against the appellant and dismisses the appeal
  • November 2020: Beechcroft land reapply for planning permission with largely the same application other than two houses fewer (79 versus 81)
  • April 2021: Wiltshire Council refused the application. Beechcroft Land appeal the decision
  • February 2022 – Second appeal hearing held
  • July 2022: The Planning Inspector dismisses the appeal again
  • July 2022: Beechcroft land challenges the dismissal in the High Court – the court orders that the appeal be re-determined

Click here for the notification letter.


High Court challenge results in order for appeal to be re-determined

11 February 2023

Having had their appeal dismissed again by a Planning Inspector, Beechcroft Land challenged the decision in the High Court in July 2022. The Court has ordered the appeal to be re-determined. This does not necessarily mean that the Inspector will reach a different overall decision. We await the date for the new hearing.

All comments must be submitted to the Planning Inspector by 3 March 2023.

The letter we received from Wiltshire Council can be found here.

Here is a timeline of all the refusals and appeals to date:

  • March 2018: Wiltshire Council refuses the application. Beechcroft land appeal the decision
  • April 2020: Planning Inspector finds against the appellant and dissmisses the appeal
  • November 2020: Beechcroft land reapply for planning permission with largely the same application other than two houses fewer (79 versus 81)
  • April 2021: Wiltshire Council refuse the application. Beechcroft land appeal the decision
  • July 2022: Planning Inspector dismisses the appeal again
  • July 2022: Beechcroft land challenge the dissmissal in the High Court


Second appeal dismissed by the planning Inspector

15 July 2022

Following the second appeal by the Appellant in as many years, the planning Inspector has dismissed the application.

The report, which can be accessed here, is 12 pages long and concludes:

“There is no doubt that the appeal scheme would offer significant benefits. However, there would also be very significant harm. My judgement is that the adverse impacts would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against Framework policy as a whole. In the circumstances of this case there are no material considerations to indicate that this decision should be made otherwise than in accordance with the development plan”.


Delayed Purton Road hearing set for February 1 2022

22 December 2021

The appeal hearing, originally set for 9 November, will now take place on 1 February 2022.

Click here to read the meeting announcement and learn how to participate if you want to.


Appeal hearing delayed

7 December 2021

The appeal hearing, originally set for 9 November, has been delayed to 1 February 2022. We are informed that the original date was not convenient for Wiltshire Council.


SRA response sent

5 October 2021

The SRA sent our response in time for the 6 October deadline. Click here to download it.


Application to build houses north of Purton Road – Beechcroft Land launch (another) appeal

5 October 2021 update – SRA response sent.

Click here for our response to this new appeal.

Shaw Swindon nearby development threats

3 September 2021

Having had their application refused by Wiltshire in March 2018, Beechcroft Land launched an appeal. That appeal was dismissed by the Planning Inspector following the February 2020 public inquiry. Despite all these rejections, Beechcroft Land have decided to launch another appeal. For more information, click here.


Beechcroft Land launch (another) appeal

3 September 2021

Having had their application refused by Wiltshire in March 2018, Beechcroft Land launched an appeal. That appeal was dismissed by the Planning Inspector following the February 2020 public inquiry.

Beechcroft Land applied again in November 2020, with essentially the same application that was dismissed by the Planning Inspector in February of that year. Wiltshire (again) refused the application in April 2021.

Beechcroft Land have now launched another appeal (click here). The initial hearing will be held on 9th November 2021 (click here). At this hearing, the Inspector will either allow or deny the appeal. If it is allowed, then a date for a full public Inquiry will be set (i.e. the hearing is to decide whether the case can go to an Inquiry).

Beechcroft Land must present their ‘statement of case’ and comments (for or against) must be made based on that ‘statement’ by 6 October 2021. A full list of the latest documents for this case can be found on the Wiltshire planning website. The relevant documents (as of 3 September 2021) for the appeal are listed below

It is important that comments made for the 9th November hearing are relevant to the appellant’s case. The SRA will be sending its views by the 6 October deadline. We welcome your views on the appellant’s case, please send them to us via an email.

Wiltshire planners refuse the application (again)

14 April 2021

Considering the application was originally refused by Wiltshire Council back in March 2018, and then dismissed by the planning Inspector in April 2020, it would have been rather strange for Wiltshire planners to now approve the same application three years later. Thankfully, logic has prevailed and the application has yet again been refused.

The full reasons for refusal can be viewed by clicking on this link and then clicking on the ‘files’ heading.

It is, of course, likely that the applicant will seek to waste more Council tax payers money by making another appeal, which will require another public Inquiry with both Wiltshire’s and Swindon’s legal team funded by its residents through their council taxes.

If at first you do not get the answer you wanted, try, try, try again.

SRA objection sent

16 January 2021

Click here to read our reasons for objecting

Applicant makes a new bid despite losing at appeal

14 November 2020

The application officially known as “Land at Purton Road, Swindon”, opposite Mouldon View (click here 20/10523/OUT) is back. Comments are required by Thursday, 28 January 2021.

The only obvious difference to the application that was rejected on appeal is that they are asking for 79 houses rather than 81.

The SRA will be making an objection. Meanwhile, if you have strong views in this application please make them known via the above link.

Planning Inspector Dismisses Application

7 April 2020

Following Inquiry during January and February of this year, the planning Inspector has dismissed the appellant’s application to build these houses. The full report can be viewed here.

The efforts of Purton Parish Council should be commended as it is their Neighbourhood plan that took a leading role in the dismissal of this application. The report states:

  • “…the allocations [in our Plan] are made to accommodate necessary growth in line with local aspirations for the village and to support a plan-led approach to development in recognition of the significant development pressures in the area”;
  • The community has gone to significant effort to plan positively for its neighbourhood area.  The proposed development would deliver housing that is clearly not anticipated or sought by the NP.”; and
  • “I conclude that the appeal site is not located in an area supported by the development plan”.

The Inspector sums up: “The proposal is clearly in conflict with the development plan ….which includes a carefully considered and positively prepared neighbourhood plan, is sufficient in itself to significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits identified…

Public Inquiry planned for 4 February 2020.

8 January 2020 – updated 24 January 2020

The Inquiry that was thought to have occurred in January 2019 was postponed. It seems that the developer had not provided any wildlife surveys (bats, otters etc.) and so the Inspector had no choice but to postponed the event.

The Planning Inspectors website did not make this clear. Therefore, we thought we were waiting on a decision!

The new date for the Inquiry is February 4 2020. Full details are available in this document.

All documents for the Inquiry can be found here.


9 February 2019: all documents used during the Inquiry can be viewed by clicking here

3 November 2018: Inquiry date set for 29 January 2019 – click here for notification

17 June 2018:  The applicant, Beechcroft Land Ltd. have lodged an appeal against the refusal decision.

No date has yet been set for the Inquiry.

The deadline for comments is 26 July 2018.

It will require both Swindon Borough Council and Wiltshire Council to develop strong legal and policy arguments to counter this appeal. Members of the public can help by writing en-mass to the planning Inspectorate. Letters must be sent in triplicate direct to the Planning Inspectorate, Room 3/10b Kite Wing, 2 The Square, Temple Quay House, Bristol BS1 6PN, quoting the Inspectorate reference (APP/Y3940/W/18/3202551).

Or you can lodge your comments by going to the planning Inspectorate website by clicking here.

and searching on 3202551

The notification of planning public inquiry can be downloaded here.

17 July 2018: SRA representation sent


3 March 2018: The application has been refused – click here for the Wiltshire Council refusal notice

The application can be viewed on Wiltshire planning portal by clicking here

SRA objection sent – click here to read it


Yet more houses on land between West and North Swindon. The developers are back with a proposal to Wiltshire Council for 81 dwellings opposite the recently built Moulden View development – to the north of Purton Road in the dip past the railway line.

And again, because the site is in Wiltshire, the developers play on its location within Purton Parish area and downplay the fact that this in effect an extension of Swindon with all the consequent pressures it will bring, not least the impact on traffic flows within West and North Swindon.

The SRA believes this application must be resisted for the following reasons:

  1. It is not part of Swindon or Wiltshire Local plans, and it is not part of Purton’s neighbourhood plan
  2. We believe the junction onto Purton road will add dangers to motorists, pedestrians and cyclists
  3. The additional traffic entering and leaving the site would create even more rush-hour chaos
  4. If built, it would destroy forever the possibility of a railway station from West Swindon into the town centre
  5. The field floods
  6. The current public footpath that runs along the north of Purton road will be disrupted