Chippenham is at a crossroads in terms of housing development and regardless of any nostalgia for the past as a small thriving market town, it should expand under the terms of the Core Strategy which is currently being updated.

Because the town plan has yet to be finalised, it is becoming apparent that developers are putting forward proposals at a rate greater than at any time in our town’s history and most of the proposals are housing-based rather than industrial.

I want what is best for Chippenham. Recognising our responsibilities, we have to build houses to meet our part in national obligations to accommodate the UK expanding population. However, when I became a councillor last year I made it plain that we needed more industry just as much as housing. I and like-minded councillors have a mission to make that a reality.

Too much housing development will enhance the town’s reputation as a dormitory settlement feeding the M4 corridor; however that can change. There are a few brownfield sites and/or empty industrial premises that should be used. Even some of the greenfield development proposals have areas designated ‘employment land’.

By the time this letter is published, the northern area planning committee of Wiltshire Council may have decided whether Malmesbury will accommodate significant expansion for research and development at the Dyson factory.

If the application fails, I would happily encourage those of influence to invite James Dyson to build his Research and Development expansion here in Chippenham. It would have the added benefit of better rail links and also it would be nearer to the M4, bringing in workers and creating ancillary jobs, thereby boosting Chippenham.

Whatever previous administrations did to discourage Dyson in Chippenham, I will work up enthusiasm for provision of as much industry as can be accommodated.

R J B Giles, Chippenham Town Council.