Swindon Approves 55-Home Development Despite Road and School Concerns

A proposal to build 55 homes in Blunsdon, Swindon, has been approved by the council, despite concerns about traffic pressure and local school capacity. Developer Bellway Homes will construct the houses on a smallholding behind 12 Turnpike Road, with 30% of the homes designated as affordable housing. The decision was made by Swindon Borough Council's planning committee, which deemed the site suitable for new houses.

Key Takeaways:

• The proposed development involves building 55 houses on a smallholding in Blunsdon, Swindon.
• The site is located behind 12 Turnpike Road and will run parallel to the A419.
• 30% of the homes will be designated as affordable housing.
• The development has been approved despite concerns about traffic pressure and local school capacity.
• Local councillors and residents expressed concerns about the impact on roads, particularly the Cold Harbour Junction on the B4019 Broad Bush road.
• Concerns were also raised about the capacity of the primary school in the area.
• The proposal was approved with only one member of the committee voting against it.
• The consent is in outline only, with a new full application required to include details on the layout and design of the houses and any landscaping.
• Swindon Borough Council had identified the site as suitable for new houses in its new draft local plan.

Statistics:

• 55 homes will be built on the smallholding in Blunsdon, Swindon.
• 30% of the homes will be designated as affordable housing.
• The site is located behind 12 Turnpike Road and will run parallel to the A419.
• The Cold Harbour Junction on the B4019 Broad Bush road is expected to experience increased traffic pressure due to the development.
• 35 HGV licenses have been granted for the Turnpike Road area.

Sources:

• Swindon Advertiser (@swindonadver) Twitter post, September 20, 2025
• Swindon Borough Council's planning committee meeting minutes