Dozens object to 130 homes planned at speedway site

Dozens of locals have objected to proposals for 130 homes on a former speedway track.

Abbey Stadium in Swindon, Wiltshire, was home to the town's Robins speedway team before it stopped hosting the motorsport in 2020.

Kate Tomlinson of St Andrews Parish Council said the housing plans were "unrealistic without highways improvements" and that she wants the site to "retain its leisure provision".

Site owner Gaming International is planning to demolish the stadium to build the homes, along with outdoor sports facilities and a public open space. It has been approached for comment.

Many of the objectors focused on the loss of the historic sporting facility, including resident Zach Baldry, who said it would lead to "young people missing out on sports".

Fellow resident Marcin Worzalla pointed to the number of existing developments in north Swindon.

He also expressed concerns about the lack of "supporting infrastructure" and local roads becoming overwhelmed.

But others praised the development.

Cameron Ward said the existing stadium was an "eyesore" and that the development offered "a vital opportunity" to provide "much-needed housing and opportunities for local businesses".

Gaming International previously said the stadium was no longer viable for speedway.

It hopes to build a track in Studley Grange, south-west of the town, but does also intend to provide sporting facilities on the stadium site including five padel courts.

Councillor Kate Tomlinson said the site still had community potential.

"We want to get together a consortium of local sports groups and clubs to create a sporting hub for north Swindon," she said.

"The site has already got a leisure provision on it, and we shouldn't be going back on that."

She added that the proposed development "doesn't benefit us as a community and it's just unrealistic without highways improvements".

The application is due to be considered by Swindon Borough Council's planning committee in March.

Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.