Politics & Council · Swindon
Highworth residents to vote on new town development plan in December
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
A new Neighbourhood Development Plan for Highworth, featuring proposals for town centre improvements and updated housing policies, is heading to a public referendum.
Residents in Highworth will head to the polls later this year to have their say on a new Neighbourhood Development Plan that aims to reshape the town centre and guide future housing growth. The referendum, which is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 3 December 2026, follows a unanimous vote by Swindon Borough Council to approve the latest modifications to the proposal.
The updated plan is designed to replace the original version adopted in 2017, reflecting significant shifts in national planning policy and changes within the local area. Following a review by an Independent Examiner, the council accepted 15 recommendations, clearing the path for the community to decide its adoption.
Focus on 'cafe culture' and town centre vitality
Central to the new vision for Highworth is a push for a more vibrant town centre. The plan proposes improvements to the local street scene to foster a so-called 'cafe culture', encouraging residents and visitors to spend more time in the heart of the town. These efforts are supported by the designation of a Primary Shopping Area covering the main centre, alongside secondary zones at Newburgh Place and The Green/Shrivenham Road.
To support this regeneration, the document identifies key priorities for developer contributions. These include enhancements to cycle infrastructure, children's play areas, additional burial space, and the installation of electric vehicle charging points. The plan also highlights a commitment to sustainable transport, including the protection of the former Swindon and Highworth Light Railway route for potential future use.
Housing and development priorities
Addressing local housing needs remains a significant component of the plan. A Housing Needs Assessment carried out for the project suggests that between 177 and 222 specialist homes for older people will be required over the plan's duration. The policy encourages new housing to be adaptable to different life stages, with a recommended mix of property sizes that favours smaller, one- to two-bedroom homes to help address local demand.
The plan also addresses the future of the former Highworth Community Golf Course. While the Independent Examiner recommended removing a proposed 'Local Green Space' designation from the northern section of the site, noting it failed to meet strict criteria for the classification, the report clarified that this move does not indicate the land is suitable for development.
The document serves as a candid recognition of the challenges faced by the town, acknowledging the loss of several facilities since 2017, including various pubs, youth facilities, and major bank branches. If approved by voters in December, the plan will work alongside Swindon Borough Council's overarching Local Plan to act as a key guide for future planning decisions in the Highworth area.
Source: Swindon Advertiser - Politics · View original