https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/Wiltshire Council has backtracked on adding an option for No Road to the Future Chippenham consultation forms. 

Deputy leader of the council Cllr Richard Clewer had said he did not see any reason why there should not be an option to oppose any road route as part of the Future Chippenham scheme. 

Kim Stuckey had asked the council’s cabinet meeting why every opportunity to comment on the route options was linked to a question – without any specific box to let people to show their objections. 

Cllr Clewer replied: “I will need to check with the team on the consultation but off the top of my head I don’t see any reason why we shouldn’t be doing that. It doesn’t make sense to me. 

“We will check and come back and take action; provided there’s nothing preventing us from doing so.”

Since then, the local authority has confirmed to the Gazette & Herald that the form will not be amended, despite the issue being consistently raised by both residents and councillors. 

The council said the form already seeks the views of the public, pointing specifically to question five, which asks: “Thinking about the options for the potential route of the distributor road and link road, what do you consider are the most important issues that the council should be considering?”

“Question six then has a free text box to allow amplification of any such issues and therefore submitters can answer questions five and six setting out their objection and reasons if they wish,” Cllr Clewer later said.

The deputy leader said residents could choose to complete the form or not before submitting it. 

The council added that the form “invites people to email a dedicated email address or post a hard copy of their response” and that in doing so, residents can make their voices heard. 

Cllr Clewer added: “We will add to the consultation webpage clarification on the use of question six on the form or direct email or post, to make it abundantly clear that those who wish to object in principle can use either one of these means.”

At last Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, Melanie Boyle asked during the public participation session: “What can we do to stop the road and housing, for example if 100 people complete the consultation against it will that be enough? We need to know what we are aiming for.”

In response, cabinet member for highways, Bridget Wayman said the local plan consultation will seek feedback on the proposals put forward by the local authority. 

Adding: “The content and substance of comments received will be considered and changes made if considered appropriate. No changes will be decided based on the number of comments submitted, but on the strength of evidence and arguments provided.”

A further webinar on the Future Chippenham project is scheduled for tonight (Thursday), February 11 at 7pm. For more information click here to access the Wiltshire Council website