Battle lines are forming against controversial plans for a housing development in Ambrose Fields.
And now South Swindon MP Robert Buckland has entered the fray, launching a harsh rebuke against Taylor Wimpey’s CEO to reconsider plans to build 62 homes on the site.
A heated public meeting was held on Monday night with campaigners against the plans calling on the government to rewrite the rule book so that developers can’t build on greenfield sites.
In a strongly worded open letter, to the CEO of Taylor Wimpey, Mr Buckland writes: “This may be just another pin in a map in the hundreds of developments that you explore each year, but for us this is our home, our local area and a development that will have a serious and long lasting negative impact on our town.”
The letter, jointly signed by parish councillor Nick Burns-Howell, Cllr Claire Ellis and Robert Buckland QC MP echoes concerns raised at a heated public meeting at Croft Road Sports Centre Monday night.
The concerns were raised by residents, and local councillors, as developers are submitting applications on land that falls outside the framework of Swindon's local plan, which has cross-party support.
Cllr Nadine Watts said: “What’s the point in having a local plan if you’re not going to stick to it?”
And she has offered her support in organising two petitions.
The first will be directed at Swindon’s planning committee to address developers way around the local plan.
The second, is a call for a change in the law.
Cllr Nick Burns-Howell said: “I agree this is a broader issue. There is a need to build houses, but they have to be in the right location.”
Frustrations have been ignited by many factors including environmental hazards, increased traffic in the area and the moral and ethical implications of this proposed development.
Mr Buckland's open letter states: "You outline the principles of your approach to land and planning as proposing developments 'suited to their surroundings and not harmful to the local environment' and 'welcomed by local people'.
"We would suggest that this development directly contravenes your own principles."
Residents also expressed concern over the Wichelstowe development, which remains incomplete.
Cllr Jim Robbins explained that the recession had slowed building work down, causing a three year delay to building work.
Since the local plan’s publication in 2012, 5,750 houses are set to be built in Wichelstowe by 2026.
Due to the delay of the development, a 20% buffer has been implemented on the current local plan which has enabled Taylor Wimpy to submit plans for Ambrose Field.
Local resident, Fiona Murphy said: “I’m concerned the buildings will not be safe. The land is flooded. Where will all the water go?"
Another local resident, David Finney, added: “It undermines local democracy. Taylor Wimpey is ignoring the local plan and is pushing the development for their own profits.”
The earliest this planning application will go to the planning committee is 10 October.
In a media statement by Taylor Wimpey, they said: "Since our proposals were first released, Taylor Wimpey has ensured we have delivered a range of opportunities for local people to have their say on our plans.
"If residents do have any questions, please contact our community engagement officer by email at [email protected]”.
Photo credit ©CALYX
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