Villagers unite to oppose housing development in Swindon’s green buffer zone
Inlands Farm plans spark community backlash over environmental and infrastructure concerns
A proposed housing development of up to 275 homes at Inlands Farm between Wanborough and Swindon's south-eastern suburbs has met with strong opposition from local residents.
Nearly 100 letters expressing concerns have been submitted to Swindon Borough Council, highlighting issues with the project situated in the council's designated Area of Non-Coalescence.
The Hussey Family Trust, alongside planning consultants Turley, seeks to develop the land off The Marsh, north and west of Wanborough, which had previously been the subject of a controversial rejected plan for an industrial and science park.
Residents argue that the proposal threatens to merge the village with urban areas, creating a conflict with policies intended to prevent urban sprawl.
Objections raise concerns about overwhelming local services, including overstretched doctors’ surgeries and full schools.
A resident noted: "Our doctors’ surgery is already overstretched, and our school is full."
The site's location outside Wanborough’s settlement boundary and exclusion from the new Eastern Villages development adds to opposition about the proposal’s scale.
Transport dependency, isolation from amenities, and safety concerns arise from planned dormitory community characteristics, set more than 2km from local primary schools along potentially unsafe roads for walking or cycling.
Flooding issues also feature prominently amidst road safety concerns.
The area’s propensity for waterlogging risks increased water displacement towards the M4 motorway, escalating the potential for standing water and hydroplaning accidents.
The previous refusal of industrial development proposals accentuates residents' resistance to repurposing the site for large-scale housing.
A decision date has been set for June, following Councillor Gary Sumner's committee call-in, meaning that approval requires a vote from elected members.
Community engagement reflects widespread opposition, emphasising environmental and infrastructural challenges perceived with the development.
Residents continue to voice their stance against the project, aiming to preserve the village's character and protect from encroaching urbanisation.