Page 5 - link magazine

swindonlink.com • December 2012 5
Mystery of Ridgeway Farm decision Manor Garden Centre

It was supposed to be made public on 1 November, but as The Link Cheney Manor, Swindon
went to press on 16 November, we were still waiting to hear whether 01793 526691
the Secretary of State for the Environment had decided to block the Open 7 days a week
proposal for 700 homes at Ridgeway Farm or permit Taylor Wimpey
to build beyond Swindon’s boundary in Wiltshire. SALE
Speculation has been rife that NOW ON
there has been a struggle in White- New 2012
hall between those who want to Collection
see more housing built to satisfy
demand and generate economic Huge range
activity, and those who say that Over 250 fabrics
the government should abide by its Cane, Rattan, Laminated
commitment to local decision mak- wood combinations
ing. After all MPs and councillors Free local delivery
on both sides of the border, and a
1,000 name petition objected, whilst www.conservatorycentres.co.uk
Swindon and Wiltshire councils’
core planning strategies make it Kevin Fisher surveying traffic in Peat-
clear that expansion of Swindon to moor for his submission to the Ridgeway
Farm planning appeal in May
the west is not required.
Kevin Fisher, chair of Shaw the outcome for the government’s
Residents’ Association, who spoke preferred candidate. This suggests
at length at the Ridgeway Farm he has allowed the appeal, a deci-
planning appeal in May, said: “The sion which will be very unpopular
delay is disappointing and I can with local people.”
only speculate why. South Swindon MP Robert
“One possible reason is that the Buckland added: “The delay will
Secretary of State wishes to review be disappointing for many people
and decide upon the Wiltshire Core in West and South Swindon who
Strategy in conjunction with the have been waiting for a decision.
Ridgeway Farm appeal. To approve ”However, I hope that it will al-
Ridgeway Farm is to reject the Wilt- low further careful consideration to
shire Core Strategy and to approve be carried out, and that the Planning
the Wiltshire Core Strategy is to Inspector has listened to and acted
reject the Ridgeway Farm appeal. on the concerns expressed by the
“A second more troubling reason local community.”
is that the minister was waiting The decision will be posted as
for the Police and Crime Commis- soon as it is announced at www.
sioner elections so as not to affect swindonlink.com SWINDON 2012
last year, and is not due to open to the public for at least five years. DEFEND
Giant solar farm idea for Shaw Forest
YOURSELF
Swindon Council is holding a consultation exercise in January to hear
views about building a solar energy farm on the third phase of Shaw
Forest, the part of the landfill site which was capped and completed

WITH OUR RANGE OF
PERSONAL PROTECTION
& WORKWEAR

Westmill Solar Farm, east of Swindon, close to the A419. Photograph: Neil Maw.
Any development at Shaw Forest does NOT include a wind turbine
At the West Swindon Forum on development is that the panels,
12 November James Owen, head of being located close to an electric-
energy and sustainability at Swin- ity sub-station at Waterside Park,
don Commercial Services, outlined would be located high on phase
the project for between 16,000 and III and out of sight from the public.
32,000 solar panels, depending on It would also become a place for
a survey of the site. wild flowers and protection for
This could cover between 22 and ground nesting birds.
25 acres and generate enough power Find out more at
for 1,500 homes. The site would be Peatmoor Primary School 4 Wyndham Road Hawksworth Trading
fenced for safety and to prevent on Saturday 12 January Estate Swindon Tel 01793 643200
vandalism. 10am to 2pm [email protected]
He said the advantage of the

1-18 December 12.indd 5 16/11/2012 11:45