Lionel Plyming Picture Ref: 76905-347SWINDON will only accept growth if it benefits the wider community.

That is the message from Swindon Council after protesters marched through the streets of Swindon over the planning situation in the town.

Development at Coate and on the Front Garden were the main issues and many protesters were also concerned about the possibility of 24,000 extra homes being built in Swindon in the next 20 years.

But council leader Coun Mike Bawden says it will not sit back and accept wholesale housing growth in the borough.

"There will be pressure brought upon Swindon to accept faster growth but I can assure people we are fighting to maintain control of our destiny," he said. "Growth will only be accepted if it benefits the wider Swindon community."

The council says it is working towards achieving a vision for the future of Swindon centred on a regenerated town centre that provides the heartbeat of an economically buoyant borough.

It means making sure there is top quality housing with the necessary infrastructure to support it such as jobs, transport links, good schools, affordable homes and excellent public services.

The Government has already indicated the level of development Swindon should plan for by 2016.

The council is waiting for the outcome of work with regional bodies and is involved in discussions with local, regional and national bodies about the future of Swindon beyond 2016.

But the council insists quality of life issues will be addressed if the town is forced to expand faster.

"This council is determined to plan responsibly for growth to benefit all," Coun Bawden said.

"It will resist moves by the Government to impose accelerated growth in Swindon, if the quality of life issues are not addressed."

More than 100 people turned out for the STOP march on Saturday. Many were waving placards as they left Faringdon Park made their way to the Civic Offices.

Alan Hayward, who organised the march, said he was cynical of Coun Bawden's pledges.

He said he thought most of his comments were aimed at the Regional Spatial Strategy for south west which will set out where the region's future homes will go.

"My initial reaction is disbelief," he said. "You can say all those things about something that is not here yet but what about the things that are happening now? Words are fine but where's the action? The track record is appalling."

Isabel Field