IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Langdean Road, SWINDON, SN1 7AQ

Examples of mobile plant being used in the construction of a new housing development. More on Wichelstowe here http://www.wichelstowe.co.uk/index.asp?pageid=1

Modern housing on the East Wichel development. This is on part of what used to be called Swindon's "front garden", a phrase which is rarely heard today. It referred to the land between the former railway line in Old Town and the M4 motorway. Many years ago the Borough Council claimed that the "front garden" would never be built upon. But the policy of continuing to expand the town meant a change of view and so the development of the area is well under way, although far from finished. Despite the history, in my view the end result, with the variety of house styles, is quite appealing and certainly better than many of Swindon's older estates with their monotonous roads full of similar houses.

Development of the 'Front Garden' area of Swindon is proceeding but slowly given the parlous state of the housing market. It is a controversial development for various reasons. An action group opposed to the development was set up but it failed to stop it going ahead.

As well as a sign in the car park, the pub also has this sign above the main door in Frogden Road, with a date stone above, giving the year of opening which was 2012. Image Image

Taylor Wimpey are one of the consortium of developers of Wichelstowe, others include Bryant Homes, Bloor Homes and Sovereign Housing. More on Wichelstowe here http://www.wichelstowe.co.uk/index.asp?pageid=1

Currently this is said to be Swindon's newest pub. It has been provided by Marston's, and was opened on the 28th May 2012. Marstons are one of the few chains who are still opening new pubs, and although food-focussed, it does sell real ales and other drinks. It's a large estate type pub with an attractive exterior and interior. Image Image

These properties have an open aspect to the rear. More on Wichelstowe here http://www.wichelstowe.co.uk/index.asp?pageid=1

Taylor Wimpey are one of the consortium of developers of Wichelstowe, others include Bryant Homes, Bloor Homes and Sovereign Housing. More on Wichelstowe here http://www.wichelstowe.co.uk/index.asp?pageid=1

Development is proceeding slowly on the Wichelstowe development on what was known as Swindon's 'Front Garden'. What an action group failed to stop the credit crunch at least hampered. Relatively few houses have been built and, according to the local paper, even fewer sold.

This development is the culmination of over ten years of controversy, argument and judicial proceedings. However, the credit crunch (the drying up of commercial and personal loans) has slowed progress, a lot. Some imagination has been shown in that the designs of the houses exhibit efforts to avoid uniformity.