Once again I read with interest about the issue of new housing in Chippenham and the comments made by Coun Caswill last week.

Firstly, we all share the frustration on the delay in finalising the Core Strategy for Wiltshire, but I have always maintained that new housing for Chippenham should be looked upon positively and gives the opportunity for developing new communities, new employment, improved leisure facilities and investment in infrastructure for highways and open spaces.

The number of houses will always be a matter of debate. We have already recently seen planning applications approved such as Langley Park (not supported by Coun Caswill) and the Hunters Moon development. At my request the strategic meeting which decided upon the Hunters Moon development was held in Chippenham, giving local councillors and residents the opportunity to make a representation.

At the meeting I highlighted concerns raised by local residents and was delighted that the chairman of the town council planning committee also attended and made representation at the meeting. This clearly shows that councillors are working together from both Wiltshire and the town council and are making a positive contribution towards the future of Chippenham.

I would finally like to reassure the local community that all councillors, regardless of political party, are working closely together to make sure that the correct decisions are made on the future development of Chippenham.

Coun Peter Hutton, Wiltshire Council.