Re: Housing figures and the Structure Plan. It is surprising that it is still being said that so many houses are required to be built by the year 2016.

Some three years ago, the government abandoned predict and provide. Instead they said it must be plan, monitor and manage.

Monitoring shows the rough average for houses built in Swindon in the last 12 years to have been 800 a year. This has not met Structure Plan requirements. Will it be possible to build 1,500 a year up to 2016?

The government also says development should be done in sequence, with previously developed land and buildings re-developed first. This does not mean building on parks and open spaces.

The government want the New Swindon Company to achieve renewal of the town centre. Other towns such as Bristol and Cardiff are attracting inward investment as they have made great progress with regenerating their town centres. Property prices in Plymouth are soaring with the university in the town. Can this be done in Swindon if more greenfields are released?

The government also wants everyone to have a decent home. Should what money there is for housing associations be spent to provide affordable houses in the town, near to public transport and services, or should they be on greenfields on the perimeter of the town?

There is an opportunity for the community to have their say. Copies of the document are in the libraries and with the borough council. Forms need to be completed and sent in by December 8.

C Spickernell

Committee Member

North Wilts & Swindon Group

Campaign to Protect Rural England

Bincknoll House

Wootton Bassett

Swindon