Some communities will be celebrating what they see as the ‘saving’ of open and green spaces, others will be still waiting to see what happens to land in their patch.

Swindon Borough Council has removed eight sites from its masterplan document setting out areas in and around town that might be used for new houses or industrial and employment use.

The sites removed from the Strategic Housing and Employment Land Availability Assessment include a site south of Okebourne Park, two plots at Swallowfield and Land at Covingham Park, a site north of Coate roundabout, south of Oldlands Walk, land at Lakeside, a site South of the Willows, a crescent of grassland at Bodiam Drive and open space south of Rannoch Close.

Coun Gary Sumner, the council’s cabinet member for strategic planning, said: “We have been clear from the start of this process that the SHELAA merely identifies potential sites that could be developed and in no way should be seen as a precursor to guaranteed development.

“The engagement exercise was extremely informative, we received lots of really passionate responses from members of the public and our planning team have been pouring over this feedback and examining in closer detail the planning merits of each individual site. I would like to thank everyone who gave their views for taking the time to contribute to this important planning process.

“It is clear from the feedback that the sites are much valued local open space. In planning terms we recognise the potential adverse impact on green corridors and the integrity and value of the parks considered as a whole.”

Park South residents welcomed the decision to remove Oldlands Walk from the SHELAA.

Pauline Hall, from Park South, said: “I’m so happy. I’ve been living here for 37 years. My children and grandchildren have played on Oldlands Walk. Everyone gets together in the summer and plays games there.”

Eileen Short, a resident of 17 years, added: “I’m delighted that they’re not going to build on it and it will be there for the children.”

A spokesman for the borough council said 840 comments were made with two petitions also being submitted to the council during a six-week period which ended on 12 November.

Officers are still considering comments received on other sites in the SHELAA.

A number of comments were also considered in relation to land to the east of 261 Marlborough Road, but council planning officers concluded that a proportion of the site has development potential on the grounds that any development would not significantly affect the role of the open space and strategic green corridor.

Officers emphasise that inclusion in the SHELAA of a site does not automatically mean a development scheme will receive planning permission.

The SHELAA will help inform the preparation of the Council’s Local Plan Review and can also be used by parishes to help produce their own Neighbourhood Plans.

Sites included in the SHELAA will not necessarily be granted planning permission and all applications will continue to be considered against national policies, the Council’s Development Plan and any other relevant material considerations.

There will be a statutory consultation on the Local Plan Review in early 2019 .