Having been involved with local planning matters in recent years, I am fully aware of the implications of any new proposed planning application and the possible division of public opinion regardless of the size of the application, from the smallest extension, large residential housing scheme or the much discussed and commented on Chippenham skate park It is worth reminding the community that the decision to take the next step of preparing an application for the Skate Park was taken at an Open Public Area Board Meeting with a democratic vote taken.

Once the application is submitted there will be an open and transparent consultation period giving the opportunity for all members of the public to provide their comment as is the normal procedure with any planning application submitted to the local planning authority.

As the vice chairman of both the Northern Area Planning Committee and Chippenham Town Council planning I would encourage the local community to make sure their views are represented in all local planning matters to help both councils and councillors help shape the future of our towns and parishes.

Coun Peter J Hutton, Wiltshire and town councillor, Chippenham.