RESIDENTS in Rodbourne have expressed serious concerns about redevelopment plans in the area.

A public consultation was held at the Even Swindon Community Centre yesterday to allow people to examine the proposals for the redevelopment of the old Barnfield Close site, by Even Swindon Primary School.

From 3pm until 7pm representatives from Swindon Borough Council and property development firm Loc8 Developments talked to residents and listened to their concerns.

The plans, which include the building of a Travelodge, Starbucks and Subway, are currently in their infancy are expected to be formally submitted to the council by the end of January.

The aim of yesterday’s consultation was to give the developers a chance to gauge public opinion and respond to any issues that might arise.

Mark Kennedy, the managing director of Loc8, said: “We are here to open up our plans and show the public what we are proposing for the site before submitting a formal application.

“We don’t want it to be a surprise to anyone and we think it’s important to hear what people have to say. We want to factor everyone’s comments and issues into the equation.”

Mark admitted that, on the whole, public opinion had been mainly negative.

“There are some issues with highways and the possibility of increased congestion,” he said.

“We haven’t had many people in so far but those who have come have been happy to talk to us about their concerns.”

One resident, who wished to remain nameless, said: “I don’t like what I’m hearing about this. I think it’s going to cause serious problems for us. The traffic will be a nightmare and with the school just next door it will be chaos at rush hour.”

Prior to yesterday’s consultation, Mark has been working closely with the Swindon Design Panel which offers advice to applicants and local authorities on various aspects of planning and design.

The plans include a 70-bedroom Travelodge at more than 26,000sq ft, a Starbucks with a drive-thru facility at almost 2,000sq ft and a Subway at 1,250sq ft.

There will be 97 parking spaces with five for motorcycles and six for bicycles.

Mark said: “It’s good because it’s a chance to bring development into the area.

“Residents may want to use the Starbucks and other facilities.

“It will benefit the businesses in the vicinity and there will be good pedestrian links to the site, which will make it easily accessible for everyone.”

Julia Davis, 63, said: “I’m not at all convinced about it. We don’t need it here.”