ONE of Swindon's political groups is accusing the town's university of exploiting its "academic clout and influence" to bring about the "desecration of precious land".

Coun Mike Evemy (Eastcott), leader of the Liberal Democrats on Swindon Council, is leading a blistering attack on Bath University, which is hoping to build a £200 million, 10,000-student campus on land at Coate.

"It's a sad day for higher education when learning institutions contribute to urban sprawl in our countryside," said Coun Evemy.

On Monday, the university's vice-chancellor Glynis Breakwell was reported in the Evening Advertiser vowing a new campus would be built at Coate or nowhere in Swindon.

However, Coun Evemy is supported by his deputy, Coun Wendy Johnson (Old Town and Lawns), who said: "Bath University has decided to expand and is now expecting us to set aside all existing planning policy without taking into account the environmental context of the site.

"This university carries a lot of weight with local planners, but I fear they are undermining regeneration efforts in the urban area of Swindon town centre.

"This scheme will promote traffic growth, adding to gridlock and misery for the motorist."

Defending the university and council, Coun Nick Martin (Con, Shaw and Nine Elms), the lead member for recovery and best value, said: "A site of this size is simply not available in the town centre."

The 150 acres are being given to the university free by developers Persimmon Homes and Redrow.

Meanwhile, rival developer David Wilson Estates has not given up hope of wooing the university to its plot of land in east Swindon, next to the Oxford Road.

"In our opinion and many others, that 1,800 homes, employment land and a campus, as well as expansion of the hospital, would overwhelm the sensitive Coate environment," said spokesman Gareth Epps.

But Ms Breakwell, who will not be moved, said: "It is important for people to understand that there is no threat to Coate Water.

"No one can touch that beauty spot. What's more, we would never want to."

Michael Litchfield