While building hundreds of new houses may be controversial, particularly in Highworth and Wroughton, if the plan is approved, it could prevent more unwelcome developments.

All councils are required by the government to demonstrate an adequate supply of housing land to come forward over the next five years.

Swindon doesn’t have one, and it is far from alone in that.

That means if planners or councillors turn down a proposed housing development the council is much more vulnerable to appeal. Planning rules mean a proposal is more likely to win on appeal if the council can’t show it has sufficient land ready.

If the plan is approved in 2021, Swindon will have a five-year land supply, and will be better equipped to fight off developers eyeing parts of the borough.