THE COUNCIL has agreed to amend a Future Chippenham leaflet after a complaint was made about claims the current scheme is backed by a £75m government fund despite no word from Homes England.
In a series of pop-up events around the controversial housing and infrastructure project a brochure produced by Wiltshire Council claims: “it is supported by £75m funding from the government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF)”.
However, since the scheme was revised the council has re-entered talks with Homes England over the HIF money.
Currently, the council remains in discussion with the government body over the southern section of the plans it wishes to press ahead with.
The council has now said these materials will be amended to avoid “any possible confusion”.
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Leader of the council, Richard Clewer said: “The £75m Housing Infrastructure Funding was made available by Homes England for the whole road scheme and development around the south and east Chippenham.
“Subsequently, Wiltshire Council has decided it only wishes to promote development in the southern section.
“Wiltshire Council is in discussions with Homes England concerning the total available funding and its application to the Southern section.
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“So as to avoid any possible confusion as to the current state of discussions, the leaflet will be amended.”
There is still strong opposition to the plans on many fronts.
An art auction will be held next week to raise money for a legal challenge against the scheme. See page 7 for the full story.
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