A huge swathe of threatened countryside should be given special protection from "ghastly modern architecture" if developers get the go-head, campaigners said.  Environmentalists called on their local council and MP to ensure the 500 -acre site is designated a Conservation Area if the Swindon Gateway scheme is approved. They have collected 14,000 petition signatures against moves to build a university, offices and 1,800 homes on fields adjoining Coate Water Country Park.
     If it does not have such protection, the Save Coate coalition believe developers will bulldoze through areas of archaeological and historic importance. The farmland site boasts a host of Bronze Age, Romano-British and medieval history spanning about 3,000 years.
     A planning application for site is expected over the coming months.

Source: Western Daily Press (29 January 2005)