A JUDGE has granted permission to begin the process for a legal review into the proceedings surrounding the Future Chippenham project.

Last year, Dr Helen Stride launched her judicial review bid in response to a Wiltshire Council cabinet decision to provide for a “southern section of the distributor road from the A4 through to the A350 junction at Lackham roundabout that would deliver between an estimated 3,800-4,200 new homes and associated infrastructure”.

Now a judge has ruled that the case merits proper consideration at a full hearing. Dr Stride has called the decision a ‘good day for local democracy.’

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Campaigner Dr Helen Stride Paperwork relating to permission to proceed with a judicial review of the Future Chippenham scheme. Photo Trevor Porter 67782 1Campaigner Dr Helen Stride Paperwork relating to permission to proceed with a judicial review of the Future Chippenham scheme. Photo Trevor Porter 67782 1

A spokesman for the Save Chippenham protest group said: “In a recent interview with Channel 4, the leader of the council said how important it is for government leaders to have integrity.

“Contrary to what the leader of the council said in this paper last week, this isn’t about government targets, or about ‘master planning’ or avoiding ‘cookie cutter’ housing estates, whatever they might be. And it certainly isn’t about meeting local needs.

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“This is a reckless, irresponsible government that is driven by an outdated ideology to build unnecessary highways and commuter executive homes on precious green fields, thus showing a total disregard for the looming climate catastrophe.

"Where might I ask, is the integrity in this? We are done listening to Wiltshire Council’s attempt to defend the indefensible.

"Let’s see if they have more luck in the courts.”

This is the decision that the council will need to defend in court at a cost to the taxpayer.

Leader of the council, Richard Clewer said: “An application for a judicial review has been filed with the courts and served on Wiltshire Council. The matter is with our legal advisors, including leading counsel, and we can confirm the council will be robustly defending its position.

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"As previously stated, the Future Chippenham programme does not determine where and if development takes place, that decision is subject to the Local Plan review.

"Development proposed by the Future Chippenham programme will be subject to the Local Plan review and the statutory planning process following the same rules that apply to any other land owner that wishes to propose development in Wiltshire.”