Swindon Borough Council has launched a six-week consultation on its draft Local Plan 2043, which will help determine where new housing, businesses and infrastructure can be developed over the next two decades.
The proposals are designed to accommodate significant population growth, with the council working towards the Government’s target of 1,203 new homes annually.
The consultation opened on Thursday 24th September and will close on Thursday 5th November.
It represents the final opportunity for residents, businesses and community groups to formally comment before the plan is submitted for independent examination.
Alongside new housing developments, the council says improvements to roads, schools, healthcare facilities, public transport and green spaces will be needed to support growing communities.
However, important assessments into the impact of future development on Swindon’s infrastructure have yet to be completed.
A Transport Impact Assessment is being carried out alongside National Highways to examine how additional housing and employment developments could affect the borough’s road network.
The assessment will consider potential improvements to road capacity and measures to encourage more sustainable transport.
An Infrastructure Delivery Plan is also being prepared with organisations including the NHS and local schools to identify what additional services and facilities will be required.
These assessments remain ongoing, meaning some details about how infrastructure will support future development have not yet been finalised.
Councillor Gary Sumner, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said:
“The Local Plan is about much more than where development happens. It sets out our vision for how Swindon can grow over the next two decades in a way that benefits residents, businesses and future generations.
“Swindon has always been a place that embraces opportunity, adapts and thrives. As our Borough continues to grow, we want to ensure we have the right plan in place to deliver the homes local families need, attract investment, create skilled jobs, support regeneration and provide the infrastructure communities expect.
“Residents are right to expect development that is well designed, in the right locations and supported by roads, schools, healthcare and green spaces. This Plan provides a framework to help achieve that, while protecting the character of our communities and the natural environment.”
The council says feedback from previous consultations has resulted in changes to the proposals, including stronger environmental protections and clearer planning policies.
Further assessments of housing densities in certain areas have also been undertaken, alongside work to identify enough development sites to meet future housing requirements.
Cllr Sumner said:
“We’ve listened carefully to the feedback received during previous consultation stages and have made a number of changes to strengthen the Plan.”
The latest consultation, known as Regulation 19, differs from earlier opportunities for residents to comment on the borough’s future.
Rather than seeking general views about development, it focuses on whether the draft Local Plan meets legal requirements and the Government’s tests of soundness.
These include whether the proposals are supported by appropriate evidence, can realistically be delivered and comply with national planning policy.
Residents can raise concerns about proposed development locations, environmental protections and the availability of infrastructure.
However, submissions should explain how those concerns relate to the plan’s legal compliance or soundness.
Comments received will be considered as part of the independent examination process.
Cllr Sumner added:
“This consultation is an important opportunity for anyone with an interest in Swindon’s future to review the documents and have their say before the Plan is independently examined.
“The decisions we make now will help shape every part of the Borough for years to come. I would encourage residents, businesses, community groups and partners to get involved and help us ensure the Plan is ambitious, realistic and deliverable.”
Residents can view the draft Local Plan and supporting documents through Swindon Borough Council’s website, where they can also submit comments.
Paper copies are available at council-operated libraries and the Civic Reception at the Council Offices.
Following the consultation, the plan will be submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination by a planning inspector.
If adopted, it will become a key document used to determine planning applications and guide development across Swindon until 2043.
The deadline for submitting comments is Thursday 5th November.
