Call for rethink of possible homes on ex-golf course

Councillors have called for a rethink of a decision to progress a proposal for housing on a former golf course.

Four Conservative members of Swindon Borough Council used a rare protocol known as a call-in to ask the council to re-examine its decision surrounding land in Highworth, Wiltshire.

They offered a number of reasons, claiming cabinet members admitted to not reading the report before voting and alleging council leader Jim Robbins failed to count the votes before announcing the result.

Mr Robbins said he was "stunned" by the claims, adding there was a video of him counting and cabinet had been included in conversations on the site.

He said the Labour-run council understood "the passion" some residents felt for the site and the fact they were "resistant" to seeing potential housebuilding there.

"We are quite happy for local councillors to use their right to call-in the decision but we are very surprised by the reasons that they have chosen," Mr Robbins added.

A call-in is a rarely used procedure whereby councillors can demand the ruling cabinet reconsider their decision if they feel protocols have not been properly followed.

Some Highworth residents groups and the town council want to see the land officially become a nature park.

It has been left for recreation since the golf course closed and a survey said it was home to 300 species of animals and plants.

The land has been owned by councils since the 1970s.

When looking at options, council officers recommended a plan for 700 homes, which would include some of the area set aside as a reserve.

The council said it would help meet affordable homes needs and provide better returns for taxpayers.

At a council meeting, it was voted to progress these plans further, but more work is needed before a planning application is submitted.

The councillors who put forward the call-in not only listed ways in which they felt protocol had not been properly followed, but also said the cabinet had not fully considered other options, the history of the site or consulted the public enough.

Mr Robbins said public questions in the meeting were extended from 15 minutes to two hours and said he would be happy to discuss the matter further at a scrutiny committee.

He said the decision had been for a "pre-application discussion with the planning team" to take place, rather than a final decision on the homes.

"We are confident that we are taking the prudent action of getting as much information as possible before making a final decision on what to do with the golf course land, and will make a decision that we believe to be right for the people of Swindon," Mr Robbins added.

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