A TIRED industrial estate could be transformed into a huge residential area boasting around 115 homes.

Outline planning permission for the scheme to build the new homes at Headlands Trading Estate, are set to be approved by Swindon Council next week.

Currently, the 2.6 hectare-site hosts a range of employment units but over the years the number of traders using the estate has been dropping.

A public consultation for the proposals was hosted at the beginning of the year but definite plans for the type of housing will not be released until the final planning application.

Council officers have recommended the proposals to be approved by councillors when it is debated tomorrow night.

There have been 13 letters of objections from residents living close to the site who fear noise and smell disturbances will increase.

They also said they were worried there could be a risk to health and safety from an increase in traffic and argued the proposals would add nothing to the local area.

Councillor John Ballman, who represents Gorse Hill and Pinehurst, said it was hard to make a judgement without any further information.

“Swindon needs more housing,” said Coun Ballman, who also sits on the planning committee.

“We will have to wait and see what the design looks like. It could be very good for the area but it is difficult to say at this point.”

He said the council’s highways team has ruled traffic would decrease from the site being transformed into a residential area rather than an industrial estate.

“The estate has been there for a very long time and I think its usage has been declining,” said Coun Ballman.

A number of residents living in Greenlands Road, in Penhill, who own properties that back on to the site have lodged complaints with the council’s planning team.

Councillor Joe Tray, who represents Penhill and Upper Stratton, said he was not aware of the application but urged concerned residents to get in touch with him.

“Generally residential use is favoured over industrial,” said Coun Tray.

“But I am also mindful of the fact that sometimes developers can get greedy and encroach on people’s green space.

“If any residents are worried they should get in touch with me and I’ll look into the matter.”

The planning application will go before a committee tomorrow night at the council’s Civic Offices at 6pm.