06/08/08 - General Issues Update

Abbey Stadium / Residential Development

Outline planning permission is very close to being granted. This would allow the owners of the land and stadium to take the plans to the market, which in turn would create a detailed planning application for the stadium, the residential and employment areas on the site. As and when this happens we will make sure all local residents are updated. It will be interesting to see how the owners fair with selling the site in the current economic conditions.

House Building Update

House building has slowed, with the majority of the remaining developments building house by house. The developers are legally contracted to complete the remaining development by 2010, which approx 500 houses remaining to be built across the various undeveloped land pockets.

Redhouse Pub

There has been no update on a potential new operator after Marstons dropped out due to the current economic conditions. We will continue to do all we can to push for an alternative to be found asap, I think we will all deserve a swift pint when the pub finally arrives!

Ash Brake Land

The land adjacent to the Blunsdon Arms is still on the market after the owners cancelled plans to build a hotel. As it stands there have been no enquiries. We will make sure all local residents are updated.

Marks & Spencers

I have checked with planning and they are still expecting Marks & Spencers to take the unit next door to Comet at the Orbital Shopping Centre. One of the requirements was to improve the town centre store, which work is well underway now. We would expect them to be in, in time for the Christmas period.

McDonalds

The new McDonalds is fully open and very busy! I visited the store recently to meet the manager who is extremely pleased with how things are going. I am delighted we were able to secure the bespoke design - in keeping with the site.

Haydon End Pedestrian Link

It has been confirmed developers will be putting a crossing in place between the Oribatal Shopping Centre and Haydon End (Vistula Crescent).

Queen Elizabeth Drive

We are still expecting Queen Elizabeth Drive to be fully opened during the summer, allowing vehicles to travel from one end to the other. Developers will do so as soon as the final housing development is completed in the newer part of Queen Elizabeth Drive.

Torun Way Rat Run

A number of residents have complained about the rat run issues on the bus only access point on Torun Way, with the temporary measures not working. We have asked the developers to bring forward plans to put in a bus gate to address this situation.

Western Boundary Oakhurst

We are delighted that plans have been submitted by developers to improve the landscaping adjacent to the Cricklade Railway lines. This will greatly improve the local area.