More than 100 houses could be built on Abbey Stadium site in Swindon
Plans face public opposition ahead of Swindon Borough Council's meeting
Controversial plans to build more than 100 houses on the site of Abbey Stadium in north Swindon are set to be discussed at next week's planning meeting.
Gaming International, the stadium owner, is expected to present its proposal to demolish the half-built stadium and replace it with 130 homes.
Swindon Borough Council's planning committee will convene at 6pm on Tuesday 10th March.
The plan has sparked opposition from local people, with over 30 individuals writing to the council expressing their concerns.
One linked application aims to construct 130 houses and flats on the racetrack and infield, bisected by a main road running west to east with access from Lady Lane.
Gaming International also plans to convert existing stadium buildings into a community centre that offers a shop, café, sports club, and leisure facilities, including cricket nets and padel courts.
A Blunsdon resident expressed concerns, saying the stadium fosters community pride and its removal would diminish social gathering spaces for residents.
Another objector feared losing the site’s potential for sports, suggesting the historical ground could be repurposed to attract visitors to Swindon.
Some support letters have emerged, including from Game4 Padel, a Glasgow-based company that operates padel courts nationwide.
Stephen Park, director of Swindon Speedway 2013 Ltd, stated that speedway racing is no longer viable at Abbey Stadium, and that the redevelopment is necessary.
A public meeting organised by local councillors, including Kate Tomlinson, Jake Chandler, and Daniel Adams, revealed community interest in retaining the stadium for sports and leisure activities.
Gaming International is also part of a consortium planning a motorsports venue in Studley Grange, outside Swindon, which is under consideration by Wiltshire Council.