Plans for Emery Gate in Chippenham get backing despite traffic and housing density worries.
Chippenham council looked at the plans and decided not to argue against them. However, they want some changes made, and the planning committee will discuss it later. A report says the good things outweigh the bad, and the project could help Chippenham.
Councillors agree the shopping centre needs work, but some worry about traffic in town. One councillor thinks there are too many homes that could cause congestion, while others worry about shops already there. They believe more shops of different sizes are needed.
One councillor thinks it can help Chippenham because the shopping centre is outdated now. A big store is empty, and the centre is getting worse. It is important to help current businesses, and a transition manager should help them during construction.
Another councillor said it needs to be done right, and they want more store space with different sized units. Some worry about cars using the town bridge, fearing a “rat-run” may occur, and they want to limit bridge access.
The town wants to work with Acorn and hopes to fix the plans. Acorn says they listened to feedback and changed the plans when possible. Chippenham is declining, said Acorn, and Emery Gate shows this; something big must happen, they believe.
Acorn says their plans are the biggest investment ever. Shops will be modern, not stuck in the 1980s. Residents can comment until March 5th using the reference number PL/2024/11661 on the council website.