In 2001 the population of Chippenham was 20,065. The census of March 27, 2011 put the figure at 45,337. Chippenham has become the most populated town in Wiltshire (Swindon is a unitary authority).

Now the council appears to be supporting a proposed development to the east of Chippenham which will push the population towards 55,000.

Most of these people will work outside Chippenham. This will cause major traffic congestion in the morning and evening rush hours, which is already a problem.

The road to access this development will need to cross the railway line and the River Avon.

The bridge over the railway will need to avoid the overhead electrification so both bridges are going to be very prominent.

This development is planned to build nearly 3,000 houses to the south east of Chippenham on farmland and will come close to the Marden river, which runs through attractive countryside rich in animal and plant life and will also cover part of the Sustrans cycle track. If, like me, you feel this is totally inappropriate, let your councillor know.

Norman Hartnell, Chippenham.