Plans for 450 new homes slammed by Chippenham Town Council

Chippenham Town Council has lodged its objection to an outline planning application for almost 500 new properties on the land to the east of Showell Farm, just north of Lackham Roundabout on the A350.

Developers Hallam Land Management have put forward the scheme, which also proposes to deliver a local centre with the flexibility to include shops, co-working spaces and community facilities.

But town councillors fear the development is “opportunistic” and claimed it would have a number of “adverse impacts” on the area.

Town councillor Matthew Short, the vice-chair of the planning committee, said: “This is part of the huge, ever increasing, urban sprawl in Chippenham.

“There are so many reasons I’m against it. It’s destined to be an out-of-town commuter development that will result in a huge traffic increase and cause a significant change in landscape and loss of biodiversity.

“It’s difficult for youngsters finding a house in Chippenham, but these types of houses aren’t the solution, and we need to strike the difficult balance between preserving the environment and providing housing that works.”

Among the reasons for the council’s objection was the “cumulative loss of countryside habitat” when the proposal was considered alongside existing schemes at Birds Marsh and Rowden Park.

There are also concerns that the lack of services and transport available at Showell would encourage commuter travel and “increase congestion” on the B4528, where the only access to the site is located.

The site to the east of Showell Farm (Image: Newsquest)

The town council pointed out that there are no existing schools, health facilities or community facilities within a 15-minute walk of the development, while there is currently little access to bus or cycle routes.

In their design and access statement, Hallam Land Management dismissed fears the proposed location was too isolated.

They claim two public rights of way through the site will provide “a continuous high-quality link into the centre of Chippenham”, while two bus services will pass the community.

The statement added that existing vegetation will be retained where possible while new areas of open space and new habitats will also be created.

This includes plans for a natural green park, amenity green space parks, play space, allotments and a community orchard.

The deadline for a decision on the outline application, by Wiltshire Council’s planning officer, is September 21.

Hallam Land Management were contacted for comment but did not respond.