An attempt to prevent Swindon Borough Council selling off the farms it owns, particularly, in the south of the borough looks doomed to fail.

A report to the council’s Labour cabinet recommends that members do not approve a deferred motion to council which would have made it a policy not to sell its farms, or to ensure they are only used for agricultural purposes, in an attempt to maintain a level of food security.

 It does not mean that farms will be sold or used or something else, just that such land will be considered with everything else the authority owns, in any review of its assets.

The motion was put forward by Conservative councillor Matty Courtliff in February, but not noted in, as it involved the council’s finances and will be considered by cabinet on Wednesday evening.

The report to the councillors recommends that they do not approve the motion.

It says: “The council has 19 farm holdings to the south of the M4 that total around 508 hectares, 1253 acres.

“The previous farmland owned by the council to the north of the M4 is now part of the Wichelstowe development.

"The farm holdings are an important land asset, and it is appropriate for any review of estates and assets to consider them.

"They benefit from close proximity to Junction 16 of the M4, and access to the motorway along Wharf Road has been improved as a result of the completion of the Wichelstowe southern access road in 2022.

"It is possible that in the future there could be the opportunity for alternative uses for the farm holdings to be considered.

"Any work looking at the best future use of the farm holdings would reflect the council’s three missions and how the farm holdings support building a fairer, better and greener Swindon. Uses that support the green economy and provide skilled, high-paid jobs and support key growth sectors may be options, along with residential."

The  report points out if a quarter or up to a half of the farmland it owns was used for something else, that would still  leave a significant amount left for agriculture: “If 25 to 50 per cent  of the farm holdings could be available for development for alternative uses, this would still result in a significant area, 125-250 hectares, being available for consideration.”

The cabinet meets at 6pm on Wednesday July 17 at the Civic offices in Euclid Street.