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Cabinet to decide fate of six ageing Swindon flats high-rise homes

Proposals to decommission six ageing tower blocks in Swindon are due to be considered by Cabinet on 4 March.

bySwindon 24
25 February 2026 • 11.00am
Cabinet to decide fate of six ageing Swindon flats high-rise homes
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Swindon Borough Council says the move reflects building safety concerns and feedback from tenants.

The high-rise blocks are Hatherleigh Court, Seagry Court, Milverton Court, Torrington Court, Cleverton Court and Upavon Court.

All six buildings are more than 60 years old. Recent surveys found they have reached the end of their architectural lifespan.

The council carried out engagement with residents last year. Of the 85 per cent of households who responded to a survey, 79 per cent said they would prefer to move to alternative housing.

The council report states there is “a clear mandate” from the majority of residents to support decommissioning.

Janine Howarth, Cabinet Member for Housing, said:

“If approved, these plans will finally call time on the Council’s aging high-rise blocks, which have served their purpose over the last 60 years.

“The majority of tenants have told us clearly that they would prefer to live elsewhere, and we are acting on that feedback.

“We committed, through the Swindon Plan, to ensure everyone has a decent home. Decommissioning these blocks will remove outdated, poor-quality accommodation from our social housing stock.

“If Cabinet agrees the proposals, we will fully support and compensate tenants as they move to safe, modern homes that better meet their needs.”

If approved, secure tenants would be entitled to statutory protections under the Housing Act 1985 and the Land Compensation Act 1973.

These include the right to be rehoused in accommodation suitable in size, location and with any necessary adaptations and secondly a statutory home-loss payment for tenants who have lived in their property for at least 12 months.

The council would also need to compulsorily purchase 10 leasehold flats previously sold under the Right to Buy scheme. Officers are expected to meet affected owners to outline their rights and options.

Funding for the decommissioning and rehousing process would come from the Housing Revenue Account, which ring-fences rental income for council housing management and maintenance.

A separate decision on the long-term future of the sites has not yet been made.

The proposals raise wider questions about housing capacity in Swindon. Removing six high-rise blocks would take a significant number of properties out of the council’s social housing stock, at least in the short to medium term.

At present, no detailed plans have been published confirming whether the homes will be replaced on a one-for-one basis. There is also no clarity on whether any redevelopment would include new council housing.

Swindon continues to face pressure on its housing register, with demand for social housing outstripping supply. Any reduction in available stock is likely to increase pressure on an already constrained system.

Cabinet members are now set to decide whether to proceed with the plans on 4 March.

Tags: HousingTop stories

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Comments 1

  1. john archibald says:
    7 months ago

    the council said they done a survey and said the flats were stable to live in i have lived in torrington court for 46 years i dont want to move the people who said they want to move just kick them out Ha HA

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