Dennis Eatwell, of Day House Lane, near Coate, with his late wife Patricia who loved the view from their home Picture Ref: 27770-05BATTLE FOR COATE: PLANS for the controversial development of Coate will be submitted to town planners today.

And the Evening Advertiser can reveal the developers' full proposals and detailed drawings of what Swindon could soon expect.

As previously thought, there are plans for a primary school with extensive playing fields and a community centre.

These facilities will be in the shadow of a massive university campus catering for about 8,000 students a business park and a housing estate. Land has also been set aside for a possible extension of Great Western Hospital and the Coate Water Country Park.

Paul Davis, strategic land director for Persimmon Homes one of the key players in the project explained why now is the right time to set the ball rolling.

Mr Davis said it was felt that it was important to submit the planning application at this time to ensure a fully informed debate could take place on the proposals for the site at the meeting to discuss the Local Plan next Wednesday.

Prof Glynis Breakwell, vice chancellor of the University of Bath, remains adamant that the campus should go on the Coate site in of spite local objections.

"We have done extensive research into the different sites available in Swindon and the Gateway site remains the only site where we can deliver the sort of university that Swindon needs and deserves," she said. "This application represents an exciting opportunity to ensure a close working relationship with the Great Western Hospital and facilitate joint research, teaching and continued professional development."

Lyn Hill-Tout, chief executive of Great Western Hospital, also welcomed the development. She said: "This is important for the future health care of the area. The proposals provide land for the hospital to expand in the future and the proximity of the university campus will provide an important new dynamic.

"There are likely to be important synergies between academics and healthcare professionals which will boost healthcare developments for the area."

Speaking about the plans for 1,800 new homes, Paul Chester, planning director for Redrow Homes, said: "These proposals will help fill the shortfall of housing need.

"It also includes 30 per cent provision of affordable housing in the form of key worker accommodation to serve the needs of workers at both the hospital and new university campus along with more locally identified housing needs in this part of Swindon."

People already living near Coate fear a rise in anti-social behaviour when the students come.

Pensioner Dennis Eatwell has lived in Day House Lane for more than 25 years. His wife, Patricia who also loved the outdoors died in January.

He believes the fate of Coate was signed the moment the university announced its plan.

"When these people get their claws in they don't let go," said Mr Eatwell, 73, who is considering moving. It's just one of those things. My wife liked the countryside as much as me. Now they'll be rooftops instead of trees to look at."

Next steps in the planning procedure

Now that outline plans have been submitted they will be put out to consultation for that members of the public to lodge formal objections.

From this point on, the plans can be called in by the Government at any time for a planning inquiry. Once the consultation is over a council planning committee will decide whether to grant outline planning permission. If the developers are successful they will then have to submit a detailed planning application.

Another consultation will then be carried out when the public can again raise concerns. This will go before council who will decide the final outcome. Separate to this process, Swindon is currently discussing its Local Plan. Meetings have been held at the Pilgrim Centre since January. Next Wednesday all eyes will be on the Coate development.

The public is welcome to attend but objections should not be aired verbally.

THE WISH LIST

University puts in plans for:

A campus for 8,000 students

Primary school with extensive playing fields

1,800 new homes

A business park

Extension to Coate Water Country Park

Community Centre

Land to extend GW Hospital

Kevin Shoesmith