A hangar at Wroughton airfield, which previously housed a 550-metre indoor go-karting track known as Swindon Karting, is now proposed to return to its original use as a warehouse and storage facility.
Operated by Steven Coen of Winners Swindon, the facility functioned as a leisure venue until the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020 forced its closure. According to the application submitted by Mr. Coen, karting activities ceased after May 2020. Temporary planning permission granted for the hangar’s use as a karting track and leisure space expired in 2023 and was not renewed by Swindon Borough Council, partly due to objections from local residents.
This decision marked the end of over two decades of leisure use at the former airfield site. Now, in line with the building’s original lawful purpose, Mr. Coen seeks approval to convert the space back into a warehouse and storage center.
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The proposed change of use would leave the internal layout of the hangar largely unaltered, with the karting course already removed. The plan also indicates a significant reduction in parking, retaining only five of the 60 existing spaces.
Efforts to reach Mr. Coen for further comments on the proposal have been unsuccessful. No final decision has yet been made. The council is accepting comments on the application until October 13, with a decision anticipated by mid-November.