A group set up to oppose plans to build hundreds of homes on a former golf course is staging a protest on Monday.
It’s the second event organised by the Action Group for Saving Highworth’s Old Golf Course and it’s happening at 5:30pm at Highworth Warneford school, followed by a consultation meeting with the borough council. Co-organiser Josie McGregor said: “Every time we’ve tried to engage with Swindon Borough Council, we’ve not had a very good response, so we decided to hold another protest to demonstrate to the council that the community isn’t going to sit back and watch our green space swallowed up.
“There was quite a lot of people who couldn’t attend the last one and we’re gaining traction amongst the community.
“We’re now handing out leaflets around Highworth. The second protest will be raising awareness but also giving more people a chance to communicate with Swindon Borough Council.
Josie, 30, said: “Everyone showed solidarity with the cause, but they were also angry that this was the first time they had heard of these plans. So they weren’t very impressed with the council. Different councillors gave slightly different responses so nothing was consistent or transparent at our previous consultation meeting. There was a real strong feeling and disappointment with the council with people who attended.”
The proposed development site on the former home of Highworth Golf Club has angered many in the town. She said: “We’ve had a lot of support from the people of Highworth, they’re really passionate about this cause.
“As a town, we’re very accepting and needing of new development. Highworth needs new houses that are affordable and sustainable, we completely accept that, but what we don’t accept is the area being designated without prior consultation and being overtaken by housing.
“There’s appropriate sites and inappropriate sites, there’s tonnes of wildlife there and it serves as a place of wellbeing for mental health.”
A council spokesperson said: “Anyone who wishes to object to the proposals in the draft local plan is encouraged to send their views into the council via the public consultation at swindon.gov.uk/localplanreview. This consultation is open until 5pm on September 16 so it is important all views are sent into us before it closes.
A drop-in exhibition event is being held at Warneford School on Monday from 6pm to 9pm where residents can learn more about the local plan and speak to officers and councillors.” The action group’s website is at keephighworthgreen.com
Article originally appeared on the Swindon Advertiser
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