The document, which will help determine where new homes, employment sites and infrastructure are delivered until 2043, has been revised following feedback received during the Regulation 18 consultation in September 2025.
The Local Plan is the council’s main planning policy document. It is intended to guide future development while helping protect the borough from unsuitable speculative planning applications.
The updated plan outlines a long-term vision for Swindon’s growth, with a focus on delivering sustainable housing, improving transport links and creating a greener borough.
To meet Government housing targets, the council is proposing to deliver 24,060 new homes by 2043. This equates to around 1,203 homes each year.
Changes have been made since the previous consultation, including clearer planning policies, stronger environmental protections and a revised supply of viable housing sites following concerns raised by residents and other stakeholders.
The council has also carried out further work on housing density in some areas and says the latest version of the plan places greater emphasis on ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with future development.
A Transport Impact Assessment is currently being undertaken with National Highways to examine how proposed developments could affect the road network. The work will also identify measures aimed at reducing congestion, including highway improvements and encouraging more sustainable travel.
An Infrastructure Delivery Plan is also being prepared with organisations including the NHS and local schools to help ensure services are in place to support future housing developments.
Councillor Gary Sumner, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “Our Local Plan is vital to ensure that Swindon grows in a way that meets the needs of our residents, while protecting the places people value most. Swindon has a promising future and this Plan considers both places to live and opportunities for high quality employment.
“We are grateful to everyone who took part in the consultation and their feedback has helped strengthen the Plan as we move towards the next stage.
“I would encourage any residents, community groups and developers to participate in the upcoming publication stage to shape the town they choose to call home. More information on this will be published closer to the time.”
If approved by Cabinet, the revised Local Plan will move to the Regulation 19 publication stage, which is the next formal step in the planning process.
The consultation is expected to begin in September 2026 before the document is submitted for independent examination.
