Chippenham Rugby Club reveals plans for A350 access road

The only current access point serving Chippenham Rugby Club’s Allington Fields base is the unlit, single track Frogwell Lane.

The amateur club, which has over 900 members, claim the lack of an adequate access road for a club of its size is causing an “increasing risk of injury” while ambulances for injured players have been delayed because of “congestion.”

But that could be set to change after a planning application was submitted for a new access point off the A350, as part of the council’s proposed dualling of the road which is expected to begin in 2024.

The application proposes a left in, left out entrance to the club from the A350, as well as a layby, which would allow the club to permanently close their current entry point.

Plans for an entrance to the rugby club from the A350 (Image: Craddys)

A club spokesperson previously labelled the council’s scheme along West Cepen Way a “now or never opportunity to create a safe access into Allington Fields which will be lost once work is completed.”

They added: “Frogwell lane is currently the only way to access the club for cars, minibuses and coaches both arriving and leaving and so the lane regularly becomes gridlocked during busy times.

“Over recent years, Frogwell lane has seen a significant increase in use from walkers, cyclists and horse riders, who use the lane to access nearby countryside, resulting in an increasing risk of injury and traffic conflict.”

The council have indicated they would be welcome the opportunity to coordinate construction works with the club, but warned planning permission and funding must be obtained first.

The current access point on Frogwell Lane (Image: Trevor Porter)

Cllr Caroline Thomas, cabinet member for transport, said: “Chippenham Rugby Club has previously approached the council regarding possible access to the club directly from the A350 and they were advised they would need to obtain planning permission and confirm funding.

“The rugby club will need to consider implications of a new access on the A350 as this is a key route linking the M4 to wider Wiltshire.

“If they are successful in obtaining planning permission and funding is available, we would be keen to coordinate the construction works with the proposed dualling of the A350.”

Since the application was submitted on April 12, many users of the club have expressed their support, with over 150 comments posted online.

The plan has also received support from several Wiltshire councillors and MP Michelle Donelan.