After three years, three planning applications and one appeal, a Swindon property developer has finally been given the green light to convert a former hotel in Old Town into housing.
In 2022, London-based developer Brett Invest Ltd was granted permission to build extensions to the former Regent Hotel at 151-152 Victoria Road, which would be used for two five-bedroom HMOs and 12 flats.
The proposed changes to balconies, windows and French doors were deemed a design improvement. The fenestration would appear more symmetrical and simplified in design, better suiting the architectural style of the original building.
The alterations would also help to reduce clutter by minimising the approved excess fenestration and numerous roof lights.
However, the work detailed in that planning application was never carried out.
In 2023, the company submitted an identical application, but it was rejected. The issue wasn't with the proposals themselves, but rather a disagreement between the developer and Swindon Borough Council over an appropriate community infrastructure levy contribution.
The council demanded £14,000 to contribute to outdoor spaces away from the site, local parks, off-site sports facilities and allotments.
The developer appealed the decision, and the appeal was granted last year, meaning planning consent was finally given.
However, the planning inspector appointed by the government who granted that permission stipulated that the conversion include 22 special swift bricks – these have small openings to allow the birds to nest in them.
The developer sought permission to reduce this number to six and also to modify the windows, balconies and French doors.
This request has now been approved. Swindon Borough Council's planners stated: "The proposed alterations to balconies, windows and French doors would be considered a design improvement. Fenestration would appear as more symmetrical and simplified in design and more becoming to the architectural style of the host building."
Regarding the reduction in swift bricks, the planners commented: "Whilst the reduction in the number of swift boxes would be regrettable; in this specific instance it is not considered that the alterations would be sufficient enough to warrant a refusal of planning permission.
"Six swift boxes are proposed which would provide mitigation for the loss of the two identified existing nests plus would provide proportionate enhancement by virtue of further additional swift boxes.
"The alterations to the planning conditions would also ensure the installed swift bricks would be retained and maintained in perpetuity, whereas currently there is a risk that they would not be."
