Lydiard House sixth form centre approved by Swindon planners

Plans to use part of Lydiard House in Swindon as a sixth form centre were approved, Swindon24 reported on 16 March 2026. Members of Swindon Borough Council's planning committee voted eight to one in favour.

The scheme covered the first-floor conference and meeting rooms of the Grade I listed house, which were to become classrooms and study areas for Lydiard Park Academy sixth formers. About £700,000 was to be spent restoring and upgrading the rooms, which were expected to hold about 120 students and staff.

The ground-floor State Rooms and museum were to stay open to the public.

Who objected and why?

The Friends of Lydiard House raised concerns about the building's heritage and access to the museum, and West Swindon Parish Council also objected. Councillor Matty Courtliff said he did not believe the plan passed the very high threshold needed for a Grade I listed building.

Most councillors argued that using underused rooms would help secure the building's future. Councillor Neil Hopkins said: "Heritage assets are at risk when they are unused."

The council said the lease was expected to bring in income and reduce the house's reliance on council subsidy. It bought Lydiard House in 1943.

What was due to happen next?

The council was to refurbish the upper-floor rooms before leasing them to the academy, with preparatory work expected to begin in the months after the decision. Sixth formers were expected to start lessons at the house during the following academic year. Principal Gary Pearson said the school would keep people updated as the work progressed.

Source: Swindon24.

More from Swindo: Lydiard House history: the St Johns, the Bolingbrokes and the war.