Plan for 700 homes move forward despite protests

Around 200 people turned out to protest against the potential homes

Controversial plans for 700 homes on a former golf course that ecologists have said is a haven for nature have moved forward.

About 200 protestors turned up to a Swindon Borough Council meeting on Wednesday where councillors voted to move the plans for Highworth's former golf course to its next stage, where more details will be drawn up.

The Council says 46% of the land will be retained for public open space, and a nature reserve.

However, local campaigners and the town council created a business plan for it to be turned entirely into a nature park, and said the development would be "catastrophic".

The golf course closed and became an open space for nature to flourish and local people to enjoy in 2019.

The land is council-owned and has been since the 1970s.

The site has not had any golf since 2019 so has become open space for nature and people

Swindon Borough Council was looking at three options: 700 homes with a nature reserve, 400 homes with a nature reserve or reserving the site entirely for a nature park.

Officers had recommended the larger number of homes as it would help meet affordable housing needs and provide more return for taxpayers.

Campaigners say the area has also become an important, accessible open space for the local community.

Robin Clegg said he's seen herons, owls and even snakes on the former golf course

Local resident Robin Clegg said the space is used by more than 500 people a day and that more than 4,500 signed a petition previously to keep the site as it is.

"I've seen heron, owls, snakes, many different flowers. Surveys have shown there's over 300 different flora and fauna on the site," added Mr Clegg, adding that having the open space available is good for people's health.

Councillor Julie Murphy, mayor and member of Highworth Town Council, highlighted how an ecologist's report commissioned by the borough council said the area was a unique and important place for people and nature.

She added the council "appreciate" affordable housing is a "necessity", but new developments with an element of affordable housing are already planned for Highworth.

Rob New, from the Action Group for Saving Highworth Old Golf Course, called the land a "jewel in the crown" for Swindon Borough Council.

"From a Highworth point of view, we don't object to responsible development in the town - but not this site. Responsible development comes with planned infrastructure."

"It would be a catastrophe if this green, open accessible land was built on."

Councillor Kevin Small said he has sympathy with the town

Councillor Kevin Small is the cabinet member for finance at Swindon Borough Council and said he has "sympathy" with the town wanting a nature reserve.

"I get that, I understand that and if I lived in Highworth I would probably be part of the campaign to protect it. I understand that 100%," he said.

However, he added that councillors "have to balance what is a good thing for the people of Highworth and what's good for the Borough of Swindon".

He added the 700 homes option would still leave 46% of the area as a nature reserve.

Mr Small added there is not a planning application yet - there is now "pre-planning consideration".

Councillors will now talk to the planning department about the feasibility of the development.