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Masefield Avenue, SWINDON, SN2 7HT

This is a double-fronted villa which is not, so far as I can see, of any great architectural merit. However, in days gone by it was part of a local dairy and it seems to have sentimental value. A planning application to demolish it has just been refused and an appeal lodged. It seemed a good idea to get a record of it in case the appeal succeeds.... ...which it did resulting in this new development just over a year later Image

Les Smith Haulage Ltd. is an independent, family-run haulage, transportation and storage company which has been in business since 1975. Tucked away in a residential area, it is an unexpected sight.

See https://www.flickr.com/photos/swindonlocal/28794293721/in/photolist-TrCFkX-994GXV-82ho73-bcezeD-KSshm2-G8zPGb-QknnKZ-8axMPR-818Ch9-2ivuVzS-9t9goR-fpFDUK-aUNSnB-aUNSiM-2iwKKNx

This old goods wagon has been converted to a shed, seen here from the back in an alley off Dores Road, Upper Stratton. It probably came from the (now disused) Great Western Railways Swindon-Highworth branch line, just over 0.5 km to the south.

Viewed from the north-east.

Green Road Cemetery is located opposite Upper Stratton Baptist Church in Green Road. It is owned by Stratton St. Margaret Parish Council and is for the interment of residents of the parish only. http://www.strattonstmargaret.gov.uk/Services/Cemeteries.aspx

Also pictured in Image the site of an old dairy is well on the way to being cleared. The site is to be developed as flats and a house in 2008. Watch this space for progress on that project.

This location in January 2007 can be viewed here Image The appeal mentioned in the description to that image was successful and demolition has nearly been completed. Local news coverage: http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/search/display.var.1858021.0.old_dairy_bites_the_dust.php In case the link is deleted the text reads as follows: "A PILE of rubble is all that now remains of a much-loved building that stood in Upper Stratton for more than 100 years. Last week the diggers moved in to start knocking down the Old Dairy, in Green Road. And it took just days for them to reduce the Victorian redbrick building to a pile of bricks. Residents living nearby have protested against the demolition for years. The application to develop the site was turned down a number of times, but permission was granted in September. Karen Doyle, who started a petition to save the building in January, last month laid down in front of the diggers to try and stop them entering the site. She said it was heartbreaking to see the building gone. "We've had to watch that lovely, old building be pulled down," said the 46-year-old. "My daughter even went out and stood in front of the diggers again last week. "She said it was so sad that they were destroying this old building." As part of the demolition work a tree on the site, which had been under a protection order, will be torn down. Karen said inspectors told her it was split down the middle and was a danger. "I'm not against progress in any way," said Karen. "But they keep tearing down all of Swindon's heritage." Coun David Sammels (Con, St Philips) said he was disappointed that the building had been razed to the ground. "This is, to me, an absolute travesty," he said. "The Old Dairy was a magnificent Victorian era building that should have been saved for future generations to enjoy. "The building is unique and represents an important part of the history of the area." He said that the Bristol Planning Inspectorate had overturned Swindon Council's refusal of the application. "The process has been a little confusing and therefore I am setting up a meeting in the near future for local residents to understand what has happened with the application," he said. Builders will now clear the site and start work on eight flats and one house. Work is expected to begin next month." From Swindon Advertiser 26 November 2007.

The title includes apostrophes as that is how the developer describes it. This was a demolition site less than five months ago Image