Councillors from the Swindon Green Party will use the next meeting of Swindon Borough Council to urge the Labour administration to strengthen rules on developer contributions.
At the Full Council meeting on 16 March, the group will push for a review of the borough’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) policy, which they say has not been updated for more than a decade.
Concerns Over “Muddled” Infrastructure Funding
Green Party leader Tom Butcher said the current system is confusing and risks leaving communities without the infrastructure needed to support major housing developments.
CIL is the charge local authorities place on new developments to help fund infrastructure such as leisure facilities, parks, roads and community spaces.
The Greens say it is common for councils to review their CIL policy after adopting a new local plan, but claim Swindon has failed to do so.
Town Centre and Eastern Developments
The council currently charges CIL in Swindon town centre, but the Heart of Swindon regeneration plan proposes removing that charge and instead funding infrastructure using money generated from other developments, including the New Eastern Villages project.
However, the Greens argue that many developers involved in the New Eastern Villages scheme have already been granted reduced or removed CIL obligations.
They say this could mean less funding for infrastructure that would benefit both existing and future residents.
Call for Developers to Pay Their Share
Cllr Butcher said developer contributions are vital for maintaining community facilities.
“We have to make sure that developers are being made to pay towards community infrastructure,” he said.
“This funding goes towards leisure centres like Oasis Leisure Centre, play parks and green open spaces that make our communities thrive.
“There’s a massive amount of development planned for Swindon, but we’re concerned that money could be left in developers’ pockets rather than delivering the infrastructure needed to support new homes and businesses.”
