TWO battles have been won but the war goes on, according to campaigners on a mission to halt a plan to transform a derelict dental surgery into a house of multi occupancy.

Councillors on Swindon Council’s planning committee refused to grant permission for a property in Tryon Close, in Liden, to change its use to six bedsits.

This decision went against the advice of planning officers who had recommended the scheme for approval.

Concerns raised during the meeting included problems with parking, the neighbours suffering from an over development of the building and the street appearance being impacted by the removal of trees outside the property.

This was the second time the application, brought by Platinum Property Partners Swindon, has been refused by the council.

The first attempt, which was for a property 3.5 metres bigger with the same number of car parking spaces, was rejected by Swindon Council under delegated powers.

Council officers ruled the single-storey rear extension was a poorly designed addition that would be too large and out of character with the rest of the property.

Chairman of a residents’ steering group set up to oppose the application, Alan Gaunt, 61, said he was delighted with the council’s decision.

“I said before I was putting my faith in the elected members and I’m very pleased I did,” said Alan.

Katie Gillespie, 65, of Tryon Close, said: “I wasn’t sure which way it was going to for but I’m over the moon.

“They will probably try and appeal but we will be ready to carry on fighting.”

Councillor Dale Heenan, cabinet member for strategic planning and sustainability, said the committee had grounds to oppose the application due to its change of use and extension.

“The scale of the building of the extension is out of character with the rest of the area,” said Coun Heenan.

Platinum Property Partners Swindon did not respond to the Adver before it went to print.