Why are so many office blocks in Swindon being targeted for conversion to flats by property developers? At least nine have been the subject of such applications under permitted development rights in the last three years – and most of them have been given that permission. Buildings set to be converted include the UK Life Centre in the town centre, Kingsbridge Point in Regent Circus, Wiltshire Court in Farnsby Street, Cherry Orchard West in Kembrey Business Park, the offices above the shop in the art deco building at the end of Bridge Street, North Star House, and 103-104 Commercial Road and the unconverted portion of Centenary House in Victoria Road. Half of the last building had been already made into flats.
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Old Town: A revamped plan to change 34 Dover Street to an eight-person house of multiple occupation has been turned down. Developer Phillip Brett had a similar application turned down in March 2020. It included a bid for retrospective permission for an existing two-storey rear extension – meaning the addition was put up without the relevant consent – as well as a new permission for a further single-storey extension. But officers have turned down the proposal because of lack of parking. The decision said: “Inadequate provision is made for the parking of cars on the site, with a consequent risk that new residents will seek to park on the highway to the detriment of highway safety.