OPPOSITION is growing to The Range’s plans to site its southern distribution centre in Chippenham.

A petition against the 72,070 sq m storage and distribution centre and a 5,413 sq m retail unit, plus 850 parking spaces, has collected more than 240 signatures.

Chippenham town councillor Nina Phillips, whose ward covers Cepen Park, said: “I have received a huge number of letters, emails and calls from people protesting against the project.

“This is an awful proposal that would destroy the rural landscape on the western boundary opposite Cepen Park North and above Allington village. With 60ft high buildings, this eyesore would be the second largest distribution centre in the west.”

The discount furniture store, with mezzanine floor and outside garden centre, is planned for 18.6 hectares of land west of the A350 in between the Brook roundabout by Stainers Way and the Morrisons roundabout, with road access off the A350.

Howard Ham, 67, coordinator of Allington Action Group, said: “This monstrosity is bigger than Heathrow’s Terminal 5.”

Developer First Chippenham said views of the building would be mitigated by land form, trees and proposed landscaping.

The development is expected to create about 1,000 jobs, including 860 full-time roles.

Builder Peter Habrick, 64, of Royal Close, said he was in favour of bringing jobs.

“I retire in April but there is nothing for the young people,” he said.

“Everyone goes out of Chippenham to work and shop and it is going to be dead on its feet. The trouble is, everyone objects to everything.

"We’ve already lost Lidl and Asda to Melksham and there’s nothing happening with the Bridge Centre.”

Chris Baker, 41, of Allington Lane, said the employment figures ignore the job losses it will cause in the town centre.

“The trouble is The Range does everything, and will have free parking, so shops in town will get reduced footfall. Chippenham has a skilled workforce – people want hi-tech engineering jobs not zero-hour contracts,” he said.

First Chippenham and The Range are holding a second public exhibition in Chippenham Town Hall on Friday, January 9, 1pm to 7pm and on Saturday, January 10, from 10am to 2pm.

People have until January 8 to email their comments to Wiltshire Council at developmentmanagementnorth@wiltshire.gov.uk (reference 14/11556/FUL).

Planners expect to make a decision by March 6.