(The views reflected on this page do not neccessarily reflect the those of Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones)

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“I understand that during your campaigning, you have been telling your audiences that the number of houses to be built in Chippenham, and their location, has been determined by the Conservative administration in Wiltshire council.

We are all aware that Liberal Democrat candidates, at election times, distort policy, ignore facts and become economical with the truth, but I am surprised that you have sunk to this level of deceit.

You know perfectly well that the proposed number of houses to be built in Chippenham is a requirement of the present government and that the council has not yet given their recommendation as to the locality in which they will be built. You also know, from your attendance at council meetings, that we have consulted with residents and, following their submissions, intend to consult further before any proposal is put forward for public inspection. And you also know that the whole exercise will be abolished in the event of a Conservative government following the election and greater power given to local authorities and local residents in these matters.

Perhaps in these last days of electioneering, you will adopt a policy of greater integrity and stick to facts rather than fiction and discontinue misleading the public for personal gain.”

Following the debate in Council about future housing in Chippenham, Jane Scott, leader of the council, has issued the following statement to clarify the current situation.

“We are consulting in accordance with government guidelines which have to be followed about the possible location of housing in Wiltshire – the Wiltshire Core Strategy.

The Cabinet of Wiltshire Council agreed to this consultation being carried out but has not discussed the number of houses or proposed locations.

It is very important that anybody who has any concerns about proposals in this document should comment and provide evidence in support or opposition to the proposals.

Whilst we are still processing responses to the consultation, early indications suggest that an additional consultation will need to be undertaken in the Chippenham area, prior to the publication of the Draft Core Strategy and the final draft going to the Examination in Public.

If the council does not follow the guidance from the government, the Inspector can dismiss the proposals.  This would leave a development guidance vacuum with the risk of sites being chosen by developers, rather than Wiltshire Council, thereby ignoring the views of local people to the detriment of Chippenham in the longer term.

The above is, of course, dependent on the Regional Spatial Strategy remaining in place which allocates the housing growth for Wiltshire and the rest of the South West.  However, should there be a change of government in the months ahead, it is likely that a new process will take place to allow the number of houses to be built, and their location, to be determined more locally”.

The ride was entirely impromptu, I was offered the chance by Phil and took it on the spot.

I was out of the streets of Chippenham answering locals’ questions about the proposed development at Bird’s Marsh ahead of the Council meeting in Trowbridge this Tuesday. I have called for cross party co-operation to ensure Bird’s Marsh is preserved. The most important thing is that Chippenham gets the houses it needs in the places they are needed without damaging the fabric of the town. Chippenham needs consulting before areas such as Bird’s Marsh are damaged forever.

Local residents have been misled by certain individuals who have resorted to underhand and dishonest campaigning. I have therefore appealed to all local parties to work together to ensure that we get the right long term development plan for Chippenham.

Local Councillor, Peter Hutton, who also answered residents’ concerns on Chippenham High St at the weekend said “I have been working hard within the council to ensure that Birds’ Marsh is protected. So I was very concerned and annoyed that some individuals were claiming that the Council had plans to do otherwise”.

A Conservative government would abolish the Regional Spatial Strategy which is dictating the current discussions about house numbers and hand planning powers back from Westminster to Wiltshire.