30/04/09 - St Margaret Ward Update

East Swindon Development - As many of your will seen in the Swindon Advertiser planners are seeking views in respect of a development of 12,000 homes on land to the East of the A419.  While it will be many years before development commences, consultation is already taking place. 

Council planners will be attending local parish meetings to explain the proposals, and the plans can be also be inspected at all public libraries or on the website at www.swindon.gov.uk/spd.

The documents can also be viewed at Swindon Borough Council Customer Services at Premier House,

Station Road

or Wat Tyler House,

Beckhampton Street

free of charge on Monday to Friday, between 9.00 am to 4.30 pm. The document may also be viewed at all libraries within the borough.

Domestic Violence Guidance - This month a new leaflet was launched to assist people suffering from domestic violence.  Lin Williams, Domestic Violence Co-ordinator for the Swindon Community Safety Partnership, was joined by Frank Mullane, a local campaigner against domestic violence, and other agencies, including Crimestoppers at the launch.

The leaflet gives clear, practical guidance for anyone wanting to help a friend or relative who is experiencing domestic violence. It outlines how those experiencing the violence can best be helped to both acknowledge and overcome his or her situation.

If anyone has any queries or would like a leaflet, they can telephone Lin Williams, Domestic Violence Co-ordinator on 01793 466512.

The following are help and advice lines for people experiencing domestic violence:
•In an emergency, always ring 999.
•Swindon 24 Hour Helpline 01793 536447
•Swindon Domestic Violence Unit – 0845 408 7000
•Victim Support Wiltshire: 01380 738888.
•The 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 200 0247

Guidance on Renting Your Home - We are aware that as the credit crunch continues that many people are struggling to pay bills and some have considered renting out their homes.  Rental income can help the budget, but a lack of knowledge of the law can prove costly further down the line.  To help people considering renting out their homes a guide has been produced.  Copies of this guide are available on the council’s website at: http://www.swindon.gov.uk/renting_out_your_home.pdf and can also be obtained from the local council offices, by phoning the Residential Services team on (01793) 445500 or emailing residentialservices@swindon.gov.uk

Planning Issues - As Councillors we have been concerned about Government guidance which classifies back gardens as brownfield land making it easier for infill developments to take place.  We are pleased to report that following Conservative pressure during the recent Planning Bill, Labour Ministers have conceded that a review is needed into the extent of housing development on gardens (so-called 'garden grabbing'). This is a small but significant step since the Labour Government has previously been in denial that any problem exists.