Following speculation in the national press that BMW may take over the Honda car plant in Swindon after its planned closure, local councillors believe it should should not be used for housing, as some planners have advocated.

According to a BBC report, Swindon Borough Council wants to use the land at South Marston to provide jobs for local workers. It said there was "sufficient housing" elsewhere and it does not want to use the site for homes. Council bosses will have to discuss proposals with Honda as the land will remain the firm's property.

According to a recent report in the Telegraph, BMW has expressed interest in the site, allowing the German manufacturer to boost their UK production. It said it would put paid to the claims that Brexit is destabilising the British car industry. However, if this does not happen, it would be difficult to find a single manufacturing activity for the site,

Councillor Gary Sumner, cabinet member for strategic planning, said: "We do want the land to be used to bring jobs for the people of Swindon. We have sufficient housing coming forward elsewhere and wouldn't want to use the site for that."

 


https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-49256831