Labour councillors support downgrade of play parks.
De-value homes by allowing developers to back-track
This week, Swindon Borough Council approved a request from developers to amend the layout and specification of open spaces and play areas within a local development. Priory Vale Labour councillor Rob Heath proposed that the committee approve the downgrade, with both Labour Cllrs Rob Heath & Ian Edwards supporting the revised plans. Cllr Heath commented that the play area “looked nice” but did not offer any planning-based justification for allowing it to be downgraded from the original agreed proposals. Cllr Edwards did not speak during the discussion.
The original plans, submitted between 2018 and 2020, included designated green spaces and play areas as part of the wider housing development. These formed part of the information available to prospective buyers, many of whom purchased homes on the understanding that these amenities would be delivered as shown.
At Tuesday’s planning meeting, the developers sought permission to revise these plans. The proposal was carried, meaning the final delivery of open spaces and play equipment will differ from what was originally agreed.
As a local councillor and a mum of three, I can’t support this decision. Like many families in North Swindon, I moved here based on what the developers promised. The play areas and green spaces were part of that offer. Changing them after homes have been sold is simply not fair. It risks devaluing homes and undermines confidence in the planning process.
You wouldn’t accept moving into a home only to find the doors and windows missing if they were shown in the plans. So why should downgraded open spaces and play areas be treated any differently?
Local Conservative borough councillors Cllr Jake Chandler - St Andrews and St Andrews Daniel Adams. spoke against the revised plans ensuring material planning considerations were the focus of the decision, stating they believed the original commitments should be upheld. Vinay Manro, Alex Hughes and I have also confirmed we would not have supported the proposed changes, because residents deserve to get what they were promised.