{"id":40498,"date":"2025-08-02T12:53:07","date_gmt":"2025-08-02T12:53:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/40498\/"},"modified":"2025-08-02T12:53:07","modified_gmt":"2025-08-02T12:53:07","slug":"plea-to-protect-highworths-old-golf-course-from-housing-plans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/40498\/","title":{"rendered":"Plea to protect Highworth\u2019s old golf course from housing plans"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n Peter James is one of many Highworth residents who hopes to stop anything being built on the green space which has been left to grow into wild parkland since Twigmarket closed the site in 2019.\n<\/p>\n

\n Swindon Borough Council is currently at the pre-planning stage of putting together a proposal to build 700 homes on the former leisure facility.\n<\/p>\n

\n The 86-year-old argued that those wishing to build on Highworth\u2019s old golf course are contributing to the destruction of our English heritage.\n<\/p>\n

\n He added: \u201cThis huge building project will partly destroy the character of an historic Wiltshire market town, destroy a thriving wildlife habitat, and turn a beautiful example of the English countryside into urban sprawl.\n<\/p>\n

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\n \u201cHighworth is not resisting its share of development with many new building projects now taking place.\n<\/p>\n

\n \u201cBut this additional, large-scale development on land of outstanding natural beauty threatens to permanently\u00a0alter the town’s character.\n<\/p>\n

\n \u201cUnlike surrounding farmland, this area allows unrestricted access, creating a unique and much-loved natural sanctuary.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

\n Mr James highlighted Highworth\u2019s 800-plus years of history and its medieval buildings and 13th century church which \u201cstand as proud reminders of England\u2019s rich past\u201d.\n<\/p>\n

\n He pointed out that \u201ccarefully chosen trees were strategically positioned\u201d while others were planted in groups to create spinnies and densely wooded areas.\n<\/p>\n

\n The retired professional\u00a0photographer shared images of the area\u2019s natural beauty to back up his point of view.\n<\/p>\n

\n He added: \u201cWe are now presented with a magnificent range of mature trees of different types, sizes, shapes and colours.\n<\/p>\n

\n \u201cThe spaces between these wooded areas, once fairways, are now carpeted with wildflowers and grasses in an array of colours throughout the seasons. In autumn, they are simply breathtaking.\n<\/p>\n

\n \u201cThe gently undulating countryside allows vistas across the area, with a small stream running through its lower levels.\n<\/p>\n

\n \u201cA large increase in insects and butterflies has been recorded with more birds being attracted to this open, wild landscape.\n<\/p>\n

\n \u201cThere are now regular sightings of wild deer right on Highworth\u2019s doorstep.\n<\/p>\n

\n <\/a>\n<\/p>\n

\n \u201cIt has become a little treasured scenic and wildlife gem for those who live in the surrounding urban areas.\n<\/p>\n

\n \u201cThis\u00a0beautiful natural asset is part of our heritage\u00a0\u2013\u00a0for local residents, future generations and for England as a whole. To destroy it would be a tragic and irreversible mistake.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

\n At a recent Swindon Borough Council meeting, leader Jim Robbins emphasised that a final decision about the site\u2019s future had not yet been made.\n<\/p>\n