Last day for locals to influence Swindon’s next 20 years
It sets out plans until 2043
Swindon residents only have until the end of the day to share their views on the town’s Local Plan.
It is a legally required document that sets out how the town could grow over the next two decades.
This includes details of where houses could be built and which green spaces would be protected – leading campaign groups across the borough to call on locals to submit comments in support of their causes.
April Thrush, leader of the Action Group for Saving Highworth’s Old Golf Course, said: “When the Old Golf Course was up for development last time, we managed to get it out of the Local Plan and save it. But here we are again – we’re desperate for everyone to make comments and to really make the residents’ thoughts and feelings known.
“Our comments will influence the future of Swindon and those comments will be taken on board through the revision and the Local Plan will be revised accordingly.”
Earlier this year, Swindon Borough Council’s planning committee approved plans to build 700 homes on the Old Golf Course.
The decision has since been “called in” by Conservative councillors, who disagreed with the decision-making process.
While the Local Draft does not specify any plans for the Old Golf Course itself, campaigners are using it as an option to get their message across.
“We are really hoping that residents will make comments on the Local Plan, so that SBC once again – throughout our battle of five years – know and hear the comments from the residents of Highworth as well as the borough that we want that area of land as local green space”, added Ms Thrush.
The Local Plan also includes plans for 743 homes on the Oasis site – despite Swindon Borough Council refusing the proposal in July – as well as for more than 9,000 homes in the New Eastern Villages.
In the town centre, over 3,600 homes are set to go up.
Councillor Kevin Small, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, who is also responsible for strategic planning, said: “The Local Plan has a vital role to play in guarding against speculative development and making sure we have houses in the right places within the Borough.
“To make the Local Plan as strong as it can be, we need people who live in Swindon, local businesses, landowners, Parish Councils and community groups to give their feedback in this first round of consultation.
“This is why I was keen that the consultation started after the summer holiday period, so that as many people as possible can have their say. We will be releasing details nearer the time on how people can get involved.”