Chippenham riverfront project passes milestone

Wiltshire Council has issued its EIA screening opinion, which indicates that the project does not require a full environmental impact assessment (EIA) before construction.

This stage of the early planning process paves the way for a formal planning application to be submitted.

The current view of the radial gate from downstream. (Image: Environment Agency)

The council and the Environment Agency (EA) have insisted upon the urgency of the replacement after a “near catastrophic” incident last year.

According to the EA, the sluice gate near Gladstone Road had become stuck in October 2023 when a large tree stump became lodged underneath it.

It was an "emergency situation" for the surrounding area as Storm Ciaran approached and threatened to flood the town.

Eventually, EA workers managed to force it open, but Wiltshire Council has since estimated that the gate has between five and 10 remaining years of life.

The structure was built in the late 1960s to reduce the risk of flooding but has deteriorated in the last few decades.

Sketch showing the potential channel improvements alongside St Mary's Street. (Image: Environment Agency)

A public consultation was held earlier this year on a proposal led by the EA which could see the gate replaced with smaller weirs down the river.

The project falls under the wider Chippenham One Plan, and Wiltshire Council ran a parallel consultation on the development of a Chippenham Avon Project masterplan.

Over 100 people attended the final public drop-in event in May to hear about the proposal.

Although the plans were welcomed by many, some feared the river would be reduced to a "dribble" through the town.

Sketch showing potential footpath improvements under Gladstone Road. (Image: Environment Agency)

According to the EIA screening opinion, the operational development for the project is considered “relatively minor”, through the demolition of the Chippenham radial gate, weir, fish pass and central supporting pier, across the full width of the River Avon, and the removal of the Lovers Walk footbridge, and replacement with a new footbridge in the same location.

However, it is acknowledged that this will reduce the water level in the river from the radial gate approximately 2km upstream. 

Mitigation measures such as new rock cascades to raise the bed and the creation of a 30m wide terraced area, principally to stabilise the riverbank, will account for these changes.

Also referenced in the EIA screening opinion were access improvements on the right bank of the river, reprofiling of 120m stretch of river bank with the creation of a ramped footpath, enhancement of the Black Lagoon, wetland habitat creation within Monkton Meadows, a new access pontoon at Chippenham Sailing and Canoe Club, improved access to the river at the Chippenham Sea Cadets, and improved fishing access platforms at various points on both banks.

Sketch showing the potential new bridge at the weir location. (Image: Environment Agency)

The proposals include information boards for the public at various points along the river and hope to improve access to the Avon for children, canoeists and paddle boarders.

It is noted that work will be carried out in collaboration with Wessex Water to manage the impact of lowered water levels.

Earlier this year, leader of Wiltshire Council Richard Clewer compared the project to the Salisbury River Park Project and said that the flood issues must be resolved.

The council has said the work would cost between £15 and £20 million, with the majority of the funding already secured through a DEFRA flood defence grant.