It is good news that Wiltshire Council has recognised that the redevelopment of the Bath Road car park and Bridge Centre site was going nowhere and needed a fresh start.
It is bad news that the council’s leadership in Trowbridge then, without a moment’s hesitation, told us in Chippenham what they intended to put on the site. There was not a moment’s thought that the people who live nearby, their representatives and local organisations might have something to contribute to the future of this vital town centre area.
There was not a trace of recognition or regret that the council’s planning committee, dominated by Conservative and Liberal Democrat politicians, had blighted the chances of a positive development of the site with years of mistaken planning decisions.
What is needed now is a fresh start to make the best use of the site. A fresh start that genuinely involves the local community in positive planning, and produces some radically new ideas.
It’s time now for those in Chippenham who can influence the outcome – the Chippenham Vision Board, the Campus Board, local Wiltshire and town councillors to put their agendas on hold and commit to this fresh start, and especially to find a new way of bringing local people into the discussion.
After four wasted years, this is a huge opportunity for the Chippenham community to come together to deliver a better future for the town.
Chris Caswill, Independent Wiltshire councillor, Chippenham Monkton ward.
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