The Conservatives started the process whilst they were in control and were looking to sell the old Golf Course for housing. We understand the locals’ desire to keep the land as green space, but due to the financial state of the Council that we were left, we must look at all sensible opportunities to raise funds, and building much needed homes for the town is a good way to do this. However, it was the Conservative Councillors for the area who triggered the latest developments, by calling on the Council to give away the land to Highworth Town Council. This is unlawful under Council best value rules – we can’t give away assets that could potentially bring an income to the town. We have taken the prudent decision to initiate pre-planning discussions to fully understand the value of the land and the possibility of building some much needed affordable houses, whilst keeping the majority of the land as green space for the town. No decisions have been made on the future of the golf course yet, we are simply understanding exactly what the options are.
Jan Update – The Pre-application conversations are proceeding and we’ll bring forward the plan when it is ready.