TODAY is the deadline for people to comment on revised plans for Swindon's Front Garden development.

The council's planning committee will gather for a special meeting later this month to discuss whether to grant or refuse the scheme, which would see 4,500 houses built on land sandwiched between Swindon and the M4.

However, the final decision is likely to rest with Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.

Due to the enormity of the plans, the meeting on Saturday, January 24 is being held at the Wyvern Theatre. Anyone wanting to speak at the meeting must make a written request to the council by Friday, January 16. The meeting will begin at 10am.

Swindon Council owns roughly 60 per cent of the land that has become commonly known as the Front Garden.

For more information about registering to speak on January 24, call the council on 01793 463000.

Campaigners against development say that is a reason the authority should not be deciding the fate of the application.