Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet will be asked not to approve a council motion calling for a former pitch and putt golf course in Highworth to be designated as the Borough’s sixth country park when it meets next week.
The council motion, initially approved in October, suggests transferring the 102-acre site to Highworth Town Council under a long-term lease of £1 is now being advised against, citing legal and financial concerns.
The motion, agreed at last October’s Full Council meeting, tasked council officers with finalising the lease agreement within 90 days. Despite this, the legal advice presented to the Cabinet indicates that disposing of the land for £1 would contravene the Council’s duty to achieve the best value under Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972.
The report emphasises the necessity of considering the land within the broader context of the Council’s Estates and Assets review to ensure the site’s future use aligns with Swindon’s goals of fostering a fairer, better, and greener community.
Three potential proposals for the site’s future will be explored:
- Transforming the site into a country park.
- Developing 400 residential units, half of which would be affordable housing, with the remainder of the site converted into a country park.
- Constructing 700 residential units, again with 50% designated as affordable housing, alongside the development of a country park.
Councillor Kevin Small, Cabinet Member for Finance, highlighted the Council’s commitment to green spaces, stating: “We are dedicated to providing and maintaining green open spaces for our residents, particularly in Highworth. However, we must also manage the Borough’s assets responsibly to ensure value for all taxpayers.”
Councillor Small also clarified that the upcoming meeting would not determine the site’s long-term future. “No decisions will be made next week regarding the site’s future. Our legal advice is clear, and I will recommend that my Cabinet colleagues do not approve the motion proposed by local ward councillors. We need to fully explore all potential options as mandated by the Local Government Act,” he added.
Should the Cabinet approve the report’s recommendations, further discussions on the site’s future are expected later this year.
