Residents’ fears about 12,000 homes
November 23, 2009 Leave a comment
Members of a close-knit community have expressed fears about the repercussions of building 12,000 homes just east of the A419.
The comments came at a meeting at Covingham Park Primary School where more than 50 people gathered to discuss the Government’s Eastern Development Area (EDA).
Covingham residents said their greatest concerns included an increase in flooding, traffic, crime and the loss of an area of outstanding beauty.
EDA homes are to be built north and south of the A420 in Covingham, Wanborough and South Marston on 300 hectares of land.
The area has been identified by the Government’s Regional Spatial Strategy to help Swindon meet targets for new homes over the next 20 years.
Outgoing North Swindon MP Michael Wills, who organised the meeting, in order to bring members of the community together, and to stir discussion, said he was neither opposed nor for the development.
Mr Wills said he hoped to organise another meeting, along with Covingham Parish Council, in January with professional and independent planners to help guide residents through the EDA’s plans.
The above was extracted from Swindon Advertiser. Click for the original article.
