Major Chippenham housing scheme opposed over traffic

In August plans were submitted for nearly 200 dwellings on land at Rawlings Farm, off Cocklebury Lane in Chippenham.

The proposal is the first stage of a scheme, already granted outline approval, that would see 650 homes constructed on the northeastern edge of the town.

Later stages would involve the construction of a link road from Parsonage Way to Darcy Close, providing a route from the estate to the B4069 Langley Road.

A condition of approval is that the link road must be built before 200 homes are occupied.

Town councillors fear allowing the construction of just under 200 homes with no confirmation of when the link road would follow could cause traffic issues in multiple parts of town, particularly Monkton Park.

READ MORE: Plans for nearly 200 homes in Chippenham submitted

A view of the proposed location (Image: Barton Willmore) Cllr Nick Murry said: “I can’t not represent my residents by speaking out… the overall concern is the impact of this development on Monkton Park, in particular the traffic congestion this will create.

“The highways and traffic issues (are) lack of mitigation of significant increase in traffic volumes affecting Cocklebury Road, Station Hill, and the knock-on effect on New Road, the town centre, The Bridge Centre, which are already congested.

“The queuing sometimes on Cocklebury Road at an ordinary time is about a quarter of a mile and several traffic light changes away from the junction, that’s how it is without an additional 200 residents.”

Cllr Nic Puntis added: “I am astonished that this application has come forward prior to any other exit out of Europe’s biggest cul-de-sac.

“We know it’s going to be developed but the whole point of allowing development there to fill our housing need is that we get a relief road.”

The town council objected to the scheme and Cllr Murry said he would call it in for discussion at the Northern Area Planning Committee.

Rawlings Farm (Image: Newsquest) Developer Summix Ltd insists the scheme would improve connectivity in the area once it is completed.

A spokesperson said: “The proposals for Rawlings Green will provide 650 new high-quality homes and offer the opportunity to create an attractive new neighbourhood that helps provide a mix of new housing for future generations.

“It will help deliver improved connectivity in the area and promote sustainable movement, whilst providing a country park and other high-quality green space within the development and along the bank of the River Avon, as well as a new primary school, community facilities, local shops and retirement living accommodation.”