PLANS have been drawn up to convert a disused piece of land into apartments designed for people with learning difficulties.

Swindon Borough Council has submitted a planning application to convert the site behind the Hawthorn Medical Centre in Gorse Hill, to build 24 assisted living units.

Should approval be given, the buildings will be designed for those with Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) and other living challenges in the Swindon area.

Built in the style of bungalows, the project would also go some way to fulfilling the council’s commitment to bringing brownfield sites back into use.

Quattro Design Architects has been appointed to come up with the design of the buildings and say the application represents a good chance to provide a much needed service.

In a planning document, the company said: “The new homes will represent a significant improvement in the living standard compared with existing houses.

“Energy bills will be significantly lower for the new properties and the type of accommodation will be significantly more appropriate for the user group.

“There is significant pressure to provide new homes in the area and this project represents an opportunity partly reduce that pressure.

“This scheme has the opportunity to create a noticeable difference in an area that has lacked in development activity. Through good design this project can create a noticeable change within the community.”

A consultation process took place prior to the application being submitted and while most who attended were in favour of the scheme, there were some concerns over the design and whether it would overlook existing properties.

As a result, the design was changed to fit in better with the surroundings.

With demand for housing in Swindon on the increase, council chiefs have made it a priority to try and bring many brownfield sites back into use.

As well as this scheme, it is understood a deal is close to being done which will see the former Oakfield Campus used for housing.

Last year, Councillor Toby Elliott (Con, Priory Vale), the cabinet member for strategic planning, said: “It is vital that aside from the local strategic plan we find appropriate brownfield sites which can provide affordable housing.”

To find details on the Gorse Hill application, visit the council’s planning portal and search for application number: S/16/0715.