Leader vows to overcome leisure centre 'block'

A council leader has vowed to overcome a "significant stumbling block" to rebuilding a derelict leisure centre, after plans for 700 flats to be built on the site were rejected.

Last week, Swindon Borough Council's planning committee approved plans to rebuild the Oasis but refused permission for the flats, which could help fund the refurbishment.

Leader Jim Robbins said he would work with the developer to "find solutions" to resolve the long-running issue.

Councillor Dale Heenan, deputy leader of the opposition, said that the plan "was flawed to start with".

Mr Robbins said the "deal to reopen the Oasis, is all about compromises and, unfortunately, the planning committee felt unable to support arguably the most important part of the scheme".

"This is because the homes around the Oasis are needed to fund the eyewatering costs of refurbishing the listed dome and swimming pool", he added.

He acknowledged that the decision was a "significant stumbling block" but one "we will do all we can to overcome".

Mr Heenan criticised the plans, but added that the Conservative group remained supportive of attempts to refurbish the site.

"Labour's agreement to sell the Oasis and surrounding land with an unlimited number of flats allowed was flawed to start with, and it was not a surprise to see everything collapse," he said.

"There is now silence and a total absence of leadership at a time when the public needs clarity."

He reiterated calls for the formation of a cross-party working group to meet to "immediately sort out this mess", adding that provision for parking, affordable housing and schools all needed to be reconsidered.

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