Highworth golf course housing plan shelved as council backs country park idea

Swindon24 reported on Sunday 21 June 2026 that housing proposals for the former Highworth Golf Course, off Swindon Road in Highworth, would not go ahead.

What had been planned?

The council's previous Labour administration had earmarked the site for a housing-led scheme of between 400 and 700 homes, and Cabinet had agreed to explore the larger option. The golf course closed in 2019. Since then nature has reclaimed much of the land, which is used by walkers, dog owners and people watching wildlife.

After the May elections, the new Conservative administration took the proposal off the Cabinet agenda and said it would work with residents and local groups on other uses.

What did councillors say?

Deputy leader Councillor Jake Chandler said: "The golf course is staying green." He said he wanted Highworth Town Council to look after the site as a country park, kept green, recreational and rewilded, and rejected selling green space to balance the budget.

Highworth councillor Steve Weisinger said residents had been angry at the proposals, which began as 350 homes and a school and grew to 700 homes.

What happens next?

• A new report on the site's future goes to Cabinet at a later date.
• The council planned to meet Highworth Town Council and the Save the Golf Course Action Group about a country park and how to deliver it.
• Funding was unresolved, given the council's financial pressures.
• Highworth ward councillor Vijay Manro said the Conservatives wanted to build four country parks and that Highworth should be the first.

Source: Swindon24.

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