RESIDENTS are opposing plans to transform a disused dentist surgery into flats in east Swindon.

Around 28 objections have been lodged with the council’s planning team against proposals to change the use of a property in Tryon Close, Liden, from a dental surgery to a multiple-occupancy house.

Platinum Property Partners Swindon, which is behind the application, specialises in providing high quality, affordable, all-inclusive, shared residential accommodation.

But many residents worry the development will make parking problems worse, and would bring more noise to the street, as well as having an adverse effect on the green open space.

Janet Jelly, 67, of Tryon Close, has launched a petition against the plans, which has already attracted more than 40 signatures.

“Everybody is up in arms about it,” said Mrs Jelly. “Tryon Close is a quiet close, and the use of the building for multiple occupancy is not suitable. There is insufficient parking here already.

“Trees have already been cut down and myself and other residents think it is totally unsuitable to have that many units in one house.”

Kathleen Gillespie, 65, also of Tryon Close, said: “I strongly object to this development. It is horrendous trying to park on the close in the evening.

“I’ve lived here for 35 years and in that time it has always been a family residential area.”

Last Thursday, Mrs Jelly presented her petition to south Swindon’s MP Robert Buckland, who is also concerned over the plans.

“This is a residential street with family housing or houses for couples,” said Mr Buckland. “There is a concern, which I share, that allowing an application for a different purpose would change the character of the street and would therefore be unwelcome.”

The applicant also is applying to build a single storey rear and first floor side or rear extension. Under the proposals, the developers hopes to cater for four parking spaces compared to the one space the property formerly provided.

A spokesman for Platinum Property Partners Swindon said it would prefer not to comment at this stage.

The planning application is likely to go before councillors on September 10.