Over 400 greenfield and brownfield locations around Swindon that has the potential to build houses were included in a long list by Swindon Borough Council through the Council’s Strategic Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment.
A handful of sites have sparked controversy in Lawns and Oldlands Walk Park South, and Covingham. 32 homes are proposed to be built around Covingham Park
Covingham and Dorcan Councillor Dale Heenan has organised a hedge planting using 120 saplings he obtained from the Woodland Trust, and the first new hedge has been planted.
Cllr Dale Heenan said, “To be effective in stopping housing on Green Open Spaces you need to be more creative than simply protesting. Our community hedge plant in one of the proposed sites is a visible way of showing local support for protecting Green fields around Covingham Park, but also help improve the Park for wildlife. Its been a great reaction from residents, and I would like to work with Covingham Parish on the next hedge.
I have objected with solid planning reasons why building homes near the Parks should be removed from the land assessment process. I am hopeful of good news soon but Kevin, Barbara and I will keep up the pressure”.
Deputy Mayor, Cllr Kevin Parry,”It was great to see so many people brave the cold and wet weather today to plant the saplings, and clearly demonstrates the passion and the pride residents have for our green and open spaces. This is why we are pushing the Council to move the boundary lines of the Park lease to the Parish Council to protect the park for today and future generations.”
Resident David Wright “Over 30 people turned out to take part in Dale’s Community hedge plant, including Covingham Parish Council. It is very clever idea and I will enjoy walking my dog around the Park even more. Hopefully in a couple of years the hedge will have grown and birds will nest in it. The idea that houses could be built on Covingham Park is ridiculous and must be stopped”
