A HUGE £270m regeneration of an derelict site in Swindon has come one step closer - detailed plans for the ‘Snoasis’ development in North Star will be decided by Swindon Council’s planning committee next week.

And the report to members recommends they give the scheme by Seven Capital the go ahead.

The empty plot, which used to be the former Clares factory, could be rebuilt with two indoor ski and snow-boarding slopes, with restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops, a cinema and a bowling alley.

There is also a 900-space car park in the plans.

The report to the committee says: “The design of the proposed building is both bold and modern. The layout of the development will be such that buildings will be set to the south-west and north-west boundaries to maximise site usage, to mitigate the impact of the tallest part of the development and to create a welcoming approach to visitors from the east.”

Coun Oliver Donachie is the council’s cabinet member for economic prosperity - and as he is not a member of the planning committee, is able to give the plan his whole-hearted support.

He said: “From an economic perspective of the economy, it’s not every day you get a £270m investment fall into your lap. And it will bring a couple of hundred new jobs to the town.

“Swindon has never been workshy, and we have the lowest unemployment rate in the country - but these jobs will be aimed at younger people in Swindon. Giving them training in the hospitality industry, and opportunities and jobs will give them a great leg up into the industry. So bringing those new jobs to town has to be a good thing.”

Borough ward councillors are also largely in favour of the plan, but do have some concerns.

While Coun Peter Watts cannot speak as a member of the committee, both Coun Des Moffatt and Coun Jim Grant will speak at the meeting.

Coun Moffatt said: “I have concerns about traffic and parking. The development in and of itself will being and increase in traffic to the area - and I think there needs to be conditions on the developer about making sure it doesn’t have too much of an impact.

“I’m also concerned about what I call the park and walk group - people who will try and avoid any parking charges on the site by parking in the neighbouring streets and walking to the snowdome.

“We see that with people parking in Rodbourne streets and walking to the outlet village instead of parking there, and it does cause congestion and inconvenience. So if approval is given I’d like to see conditions to make sure this doesn’t happen here.”

Coun Grant shared those concerns and added he would like to see a new environmental impact assessment done on the whole development, as the last one was made in 2016.

The North Star development is the only item on the agenda for the planning committee meeting which starts at 6pm on Tuesday. The public is entitled to attend.