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Regional Spatial Strategy Proposed Housing for Swindon to 2026 and an opportunity to comment on the Regional Spatial Strategy and the Swindon Core Strategy The Article in February’s Swindon Link Magazine about 5,000 more houses to the north and west of Swindon alerts us to the problems that arise from increased housing figures that come from Central Government. A lot of work went into preparing the South West Regional Spatial Strategy to 2026. The SEEPS, Social, Economic and Environment partners who make up one third of the Regional Assembly, had a major input and the Strategy now includes policies to achieve more affordable homes and to work towards meeting the threats posed by climate change. In their Report on the Examination in Public, the Panel have proposed even larger additions to the main towns. They were obviously so taken up with this problem that they say, in para 4.14.9 that "they do not consider the RSS housing trajectory should be dependent on delivery of general infrastructure." However, the planning authorities and those who live in the area know full well that infrastructure and services are needed. To the east of Swindon there is the River Coln and to the north and west the River Ray. Severe flooding was experienced in the west last summer and it is said that this has been exacerbated by development of the NDA. Added to this the drains are blocked in Swindon and there is a critical need for new sewerage treatment. There is no provision for rail transport despite the opportunity being there both to the west and the east of Swindon. Surprisingly, those with development interests to the west argued at the Examination in Public down at Exeter that their developments were ready to go ahead. Unlike to the east of Swindon, infrastructure was already in place. Should the voice of communities be heard at Forward Planning round tables as opposed to those with development interests? A further consultation on the Regional Spatial Strategy is proposed for May/June/July. There will be a chance to write in and make the point about lack of infrastructure and the need to protect the Rural Buffers. When the Regional Spatial Strategy was being consulted on previously, the loudest and clearest message was for the protection of the separate identities of communities. Aiming for sustainable communities surely cannot mean the destruction of existing ones? Set out below is information about consultation in Swindon. The Swindon Core Strategy document will be going out for public consultation on 17th March for 8 weeks (all responses must be in by 12th May - 4.30pm.) SBC will be running some exhibitions to accompany the consultation event You can view the draft document at this link ww2.swindon.gov.uk/./././ ...draft.pdf If you are on dial-up it is 4MB in size. Housing will be distributed according to the following: • Previously Developed Land (PDL) and other urban sites 10,050 • Northern Development Area (NDA) 3,700 • Wichelstowe (Front Garden) 4,500 • Eastern Development Area (EDA) 12,000 • Tadpole Farm 1,500 • Kingsdown 500 • Commonhead (Coate water) 750 • Ridgeway/Moredon Bridge 1,000 In light of the EIP Panel Report for an additional 2,000 dwellings in North Wiltshire as urban extension(s) to Swindon, additional site(s) will need to be identified in the North Wiltshire District Council Core Strategy, in joint work with the Borough Council. Such sites may reduce the requirement at Ridgeway Farm/Moredon Bridge to produce a more sustainable development at these areas. Charmian Spickernell. Draft Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) for the South West - Publication of the Panel Report The Report on the Draft Regional Spatial Strategy prepared by an independent Panel of Planning Inspectors, was submitted to Government on 10th December, 2007. It has been published for information only. Representations are not invited on its recommendations. The Secretary of State will consider the Report, along with all the representations previously submitted, and aims to publish her proposed changes in the Spring 2008. There will then be a twelve week period of public consultation on the proposed changes. Following consideration of comments and views arising from that consultation, the Secretary of State is expecting to publish the final RSS in Autumn 2008. The Report is available on the Government Office website at - www.gosw.gov.uk/gosw/planninghome/?a=42496 The final RSS will be available to purchase through The Station Office and will be available for download free of charge through the Government Office website. |
| CPRE, Wiltshire Branch,
Lansdowne House, Long Street, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 1NJ Tel: 01380 722157 | Fax: 0870 831 0066 | Email: wiltscpre@btconnect.com Web: www.cprewiltshire.org.uk National site: www.cpre.org.uk The Campaign to Protect Rural England exists to promote the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural England by encouraging the sustainable use of land and other natural resources in town and country. CPRE is not responsible for the content, services or reliability of links to external websites. Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | All content © CPRE unless otherwise stated. Last update: 06 March 2008 |
