Squires Planning is pleased to have achieved a successful outcome for an application on a brownfield site within a Conservation Area in Swindon.
The application, to create four new flats on a former private car park to the rear of Swindon Road, Stratton St Margaret, was approved by Swindon Borough Council in June 2026.
The building will contain four one-bedroom flats, spread equally over two floors, with internal layouts comprising an open-plan living, dining and kitchen area, a separate bath/shower room, and a single bedroom. The units will be served by a central communal entrance leading to all flats, with both ground floor flats also havingseparate direct outside access.
Six car parking spaces are included in the scheme - one per flat, and two visitor spaces. One cycle parking space per flat will also be provided.
The site lies within the Lower Stratton Conservation Area and is close to the Grade II listed Pigeon House, meaning careful consideration needed to be paid to the overall look and feel of the development.
The building has been designed with a traditional architectural approach usingnatural Cotswold stone and red brick, a natural slate roof, traditional-style aluminium sash windows and timber detailing.
Mature trees on the site will also be preserved to maintain the character of the area, whilst around 59m² of replacement landscaped garden will be created (net gain of approximately 35 m²). Swift boxes and bat roosting features are also included in the plans.
The scheme qualified for the de minimis Bio Net Gain exemption, meaning the mandatory 10% biodiversity net gain requirement did not apply because less than 25m² of habitat would be affected. Nevertheless, the proposals were considered to deliver a net ecological enhancement.
Importantly, the development is set to make effective use of previously developed land within a sustainable urban location, aligning with both local policy and national objectives for housing delivery.
“This application had various sensitivities to consider, not least the constraints of the Conservation Area and the scale of the development in the local context.
“Working closely with our client we came up with a policy-compliant scheme that maximises the use of a low-quality, brownfield site and will create much-needed homes in the area. Not only that, but this scheme delivers a tangible ecological enhancement for the site.
“We’re delighted to have received yet another approval for a sensitive developmentwithin a Conservation Area.”
Mark Campbell, Regional Director
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