CAMPAIGNERS from the parishes surrounding junction 17 of the M4 are up in arms after being told they have only two weeks to respond to amended plans for a giant distribution centre just off the B4122.

Developer St Modwen has applied for outline planning permission for the site, which is known as Chippenham Gateway, for a 1,000,000 sq ft unit, which it believes would create 1,000 to 1,200 new jobs.

The plans, which have been supported by Chippenham Town Council on the proviso that it will provide more full-time jobs for residents, have been objected to by nine parish councils and the Say No to Chippenham Gateway Group is piling on the pressure.

“These are revised plans that were released on Monday so it is the last chance for our voices to be heard,” said Fiona Buchan of the group. “When the original plans were released over 260 letters of objection and only three in support were received by Wiltshire Council.

“It just goes to show how strongly people feel and how horrified they are at the plans. The scale of it and the inadequate location form only a part of our argument.”

In the new design and access statement released on Monday (August 14), St Mowden stated that more than 24 acres of arable land would be lost alongside a section of woodland and ‘important’ hedgerows but that they were working to reduce significant damage.

The traffic report also revealed that there would be an extra 414 vehicles on the road in the morning and an extra 503 vehicles in the evening.

“It is just an inappropriate development,” Ms Buchan added. “The scale does not fit with the area and our research shows there isn’t an employment need of that kind. The developer is legally obliged to give us 14 days but it is difficult for us to get people together.”

St Modwen was approached by the Gazette but declined to comment.