Office blocks in an area of central Swindon will not be converted into flats without planning permission, the council has decided.

Until recently, under government rules developers have been able to turn offices into housing without getting specific permission.

But now an area of the centre of Swindon, with the railway station at its heart, has been exempted by a policy of the council - it means a developer will still be able to convert offices into flats, but they must apply for, and be granted approval.

It also means thaye will have to agree developer contributions - section 106 payments - which are used by the council to improve roads, create parks and libraries and schools and the like.

Some councillors on Euclid Street's planning committee asked about extending the area but it was adopted unanimously. It must now be approved by the secretary of state