Open Space and New Housing Development Supplementary Planning Guidance
Swindon Borough Council
August 2004

Swindon is a major growth area within the South West with a requirement to provide for 23000 houses between 1991 and 2011. Much of this is to be provided through strategic development areas to the north and south of the town. There is also likely to be substantial provision on previously developed land within the urban area on smaller sites where it may be difficult to secure on site open space provision.

In order to provide a framework for securing contributions, particularly from previously developed sites the Council decided to prepare Supplementary Planning Guidance on open space.

The Swindon Borough Local Plan was adopted in October 1999. A replacement plan is being prepared which will provide a policy framework through to 2011. The Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) references policies in both the adopted and emerging Local Plans. It is intended that the SPG will provide interim guidance, pending the adoption of the Local Plan to 2011

The SPG is underpinned by a Borough wide Open Space Audit and Assessment, completed in August 2004. This identifies current deficiencies and assists in identifying future needs and opportunities in Swindon. The Audit will inform the Boroughs Parks and Open Space Strategy which will set out priorities for the next three years.

Click here to view the Open Space Audit and Assessment

The SPG gives a step by step guide to calculating the amount of open space required by a development and whether this should be provided on site or by means of a financial contribution towards upgrading existing spaces in the vicinity. This process takes account of deficiencies in the quantity, quality and accessibility of open space within the area.

Although in the early stages of implementation the SPG has helped secure funding towards sports provision at a number of sites, for example £85,000 towards a new sports pitch and £60,000 towards the upgrading of changing facilities at a nearby leisure centre.

The Council is currently working on guidance for developers on contributions towards Indoor Sports Provision which it hopes to publish in 2005.

Click here to view the complete Open Space SPG

Click here, to view the SPG

Click here to go to Swindon BC Supplementary Planning Guidance page