HIGHWORTH, WILTSHIRE - Controversial proposals to build up to 700 homes on a former golf course in Highworth have been paused. The new council leadership has labelled the original development plans "excessive for a small market town."
The 102-acre site, which has been owned by Swindon Borough Council since the 1970s, has been publicly accessible since the golf course closed in 2019.
The original proposals were put forward by the previous Labour-led Swindon Borough Council. Those plans included options to build either 400 or 700 homes while retaining half of the land as green space. In 2025, council officers recommended the 700-home option to help meet affordable housing needs and maximise taxpayer returns.
However, following a shift in leadership, the new Conservative-led council has paused the project to pursue a different vision for the site.
"We've made a pledge that we wanted to see the golf course turned into the fifth country park in Swindon, that's our aspiration," said Jake Chandler, deputy leader of the council.
While Chandler has not entirely ruled out building on the site, he emphasised the administration's priority to protect the area: "We haven't closed the door to exploring all options round the golf course... but we're determined to keep the golf course green."
The borough council will work alongside Highworth Town Council and other partners to develop the land into a country park.
The housing proposals faced significant local pushback, drawing opposition from more than 200 campaigners who argued the site is a vital local asset. Members of the Keep Our Golf Course Green campaign have spent years fighting to protect the land from development, emphasising its value as a green space and wildlife habitat.
Campaigner David Green described the decision to shelve the housing plans as "brilliant news."
"I've watched it re-wild from a golf course, it's absolutely amazing," Green said. "It's a haven, its a green space, its a lung."
Despite the pause, the demand for local housing remains a key issue for the community. Michael Sly, a local estate agent in Highworth, noted the pressing need for residential properties.
"All kind of homes are needed but especially property that people can afford to buy: shared ownership, social housing," Sly said.
The borough council is expected to publish an updated local plan by the end of the year, which will outline where future housing developments will be allocated across the borough.
