MORE shops could be on their way to North Swindon, but developers are keen to hear from residents in the area before plans are finalised and submitted.

The 75,000 square foot development is being proposed by Icon Two Ltd and will be built on currently undeveloped land off Thamesdown Drive near the A419 between Harvester and Aldi creating ten new shops and a car park with more than 300 spaces.

They will throw the covers off their plans at a one day public consultation next month and are eager to hear residents’ thoughts on the plans, which are described as a “low key retail scheme”.

A spokesman for planners Turley said: “New retail facilities for local residents will transform this gateway location, complementing the existing leisure, restaurant and retail uses in the surrounding area.

“A one-day public consultation on 8th December is taking place to show the local community plans for the proposed development of a low-key retail scheme on currently undeveloped land in North Swindon.

“The proposal seeks to deliver new retail facilities for local residents, provided in the form of a well-designed gateway development into Swindon.”

Planners remain tight-lipped at just what the development will entail at this stage, but did reveal that key to the development would be the creation of 75,000 square foot of retail floor space which will be divided among ten separate units.

They will also be seeking permission for a new road into the development from the Aldi mini roundabout and a new 301 space car park alongside the shops within the site.

No details have emerged yet as to which retailers the developers are in discussions with to take on the new shops.

The spokesman said: “Key benefits include the creation of additional local facilities for local residents, as well as the creation of additional local employment opportunities through a development which will complement the existing mix of uses in the area.

“The scheme represents a comprehensive development of the site which will transform a currently undeveloped site into a carefully considered, well-designed scheme befitting its prominent gateway location.

“The community’s views will help Icon Two Ltd to finalise the proposals and the planning application submission.”

The public consultation will take place on Tuesday, December 8 at Abbey Meads Community Primary School on Hugo Drive.

Members of the planning team will be on hand to talk through their designs with residents and gather their feedback from 3pm until 8pm.