Major boost for £24 million Chippenham river project

The Environment Agency has been working with Wiltshire Council and Chippenham Town Council to progress the Chippenham Avon Project.

This scheme would scrap the radial sluice gate on the River Avon at Borough Parade and replace it with a series of low rock weirs.

The ageing river gate has been identified as a “failing asset” and a major flood risk after it became stuck in October 2023, almost causing a “serious environmental incident.”

Chippenham Town Council voted unanimously to contribute £100,000 to the project at a recent meeting, giving the Environment Agency a significant boost.

This money was described as one of the “most important bits of funding” because it could unlock more funding sources by showing local commitment.

The current view from downstream(Image: Environment Agency)

The motion was passed despite disagreement over the level of control town councillors should have over how this money is spent.

Cllr Nick Murry proposed an amendment that would have seen councillors consulted about the use of the money before officers were permitted to approve the spending.

This failed by eight votes to nine.

He said: “This project is obviously still in flux in terms of what is coming forward.

“It has to come back to council (with) what is finally being proposed because it isn’t there yet.

“We’d just like to know what it is that it’s going to be used for and what the project is that we’re funding.”

Officers responded that the project is “crucial” for the future of the town.

They added councillors could respond to the final designs once they are completed and submitted as a planning application.

There will also be a public consultation on the outline plans, to help “fine-tune” them ahead of this application.

Cllr Bettina Nonhoff said: “I think we’re making it incredibly difficult for our officers to do their job.

“I understand the need to know more, however I’m really aware this project needs to happen.

“We had a horrific flood last year, nobody wants to repeat that, so time is of the essence.”

Andy Wallis, who is leading the project for the Environment Agency, assured councillors that  no plans would be submitted without their support.

He said: “You will always be involved in the decision making going forward, you will have to be because you’re a partner on the project.

“The council officers have done a fantastic job so far of making sure the council’s priorities are included.”