Client: Brett Property Developments Ltd
Local Planning Authority: Swindon Borough Council
Squires Planning has successfully secured planning permission, at appeal, for the change of use of a former dance studio in Old Town, Swindon, to commercial (Class E) use on the ground floor and four residential flats.
The development included improvement works to the external face of the building, plus the provision of a mansard roof, to provide additional floor space.
The existing building is within one Conservation Area and adjacent to another. Similar development proposals have been refused twice previously, including most recently at appeal in January 2025.
The LPA’s refusal of the latest scheme drew heavily on the comments of the Planning Inspector at the previous appeal who, in addition to recognising the site’s Conservation Area status, had also deemed the site to be within the setting of Old Town’s Grade II* Listed Christ Church, designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott (of Albert Memorial and St Pancras Station fame).
Squires Planning was brought in at the appeal stage on behalf of the appellant to prepare the case for the proposal, including addressing the significant heritage reason for refusal.
In addressing the reasons for refusal, our appeal case included an examination and critique of the relevant heritage evidence, including applicable Conservation Area appraisals, Historic England’s advice relating to the setting of heritage assets, the visibility of the church (particularly its impressive spire) from various viewpoints, and historic maps showing the development of the Old Town area of Swindon since the mid-19th century.
In approving the appeal, the Planning Inspector concurred with our view that the proposal would be in keeping with neighbouring buildings and would ‘enhance the character and appearance of the surrounding Conservation Area as a whole’.
With acknowledgement of the evidence presented in our appeal submission, it was concluded that ‘the modest effect of obscuring of the view of the spire from this position would be mitigated by the improvement arising to the character and appearance of the appeal building,’ and that ‘The development would not affect the authenticity of how Christ Church is experienced nor alter the ability to appreciate its significance.’
We’re pleased that the Planning Inspector has approved this appeal, taking into account the improvements the application will bring to the building itself and the wider area.
Applications within Conservation Areas, especially in close proximity to Listed buildings, require a thorough and diligent approach, both from planners and from the LPA. All parties must work together to ensure projects are adding value to the area and not detracting from heritage assets – and that is exactly what has been achieved here.
We will be excited to see this scheme come to fruition and we wish Brett Property Developments the best of luck with what will undoubtedly become a highly desirable property.
Mark Campbell, Regional Director, Squires Planning
This is an excellent outcome for Brett Property Developments and a real credit to the work of our Thames Valley team. Mark Campbell and Alban Henderson approached the appeal with real diligence and professionalism, carefully addressing the heritage issues that had previously proved decisive. Their hard work, attention to detail and clear strategic thinking were key to securing this permission. We are very pleased to have helped achieve a positive result on a challenging site and look forward to seeing the scheme delivered.
Andrew Metcalfe, Managing Director, Squires Planning
