A DEBATE on one of the most controversial planning applications in Swindon's history takes to the stage at the Wyvern Theatre tomorrow.

The 617-capacity theatre, which recently hosted the pantomime Goldi-locks and The Three Bears, will be turned into a makeshift council chamber as planners debate the future of the Front Garden development.

Around 400 people are expected to listen to six hours of intense debate on the application before the council's 13-member committee decides whether it lives or dies.

Developers Bryant Homes want to build 4,500 houses on greenbelt land sandwiched between Old Town and the M4.

The council could enlist the help of clairvoyant Sharon Neill in determining the application as her show immediately follows the planning meeting.

Planning committee chairman Lisa Hawkes (Con, Highworth) said: "This will be a hard decision to make.

"Swindon has had these development plans on the block for five years. There will be a lot of people protesting and I have sympathy for them.

"What we will do is take all the planning reasons into account, both for and against, and weigh it up on the day. These developments aren't necessarily a done deal."

Among the objectors expected to be present are members of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, council leader Mike Bawden (Con, Old Town and Lawns) and members of local pressure group Front Garden Action Group (FRAG).

Labour group leader Kevin Small (Western) said he supported the Southern Development Area, but wanted to see a minimum of 30 per cent affordable housing in any scheme.

He said: "The Front Garden is the next stage in Swindon's development. It's the right place if the town is going to continue to develop. The principle has been decided it's now about the detail."

FRAG campaigner Terry King took the council to the High Court in 2001 to prevent the development, but narrowly lost a judicial review.

To date the pressure group has had to pay more than £32,000 in its legal battle to thwart the scheme, but will continue to fight until the bulldozers roll in.

Liberal Democrat leader Mike Evemy (Eastcott) said: "I don't support the development, but I don't have a vote on the planning committee.

"If I did I would be opposing because I don't think it is necessary, especially when there are large amounts of the Northern Development still to be completed."

The meeting, which is open to the public, is expected to run from 10am to 4pm. Call 01793 463000 for details.

Giles Sheldrick